Tanzania in January

Tanzania in January

By Matthys Van Aswegen

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January in Tanzania is not just about wildlife. It’s a time when the country’s landscapes come alive with lush greenery and vibrant flora. The short dry season usually occurs this month, but the timing can be unpredictable.

Apart from the wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park, migrant and resident species of birds are also common in January, and wildlife is commonly seen in parks like Ngorongoro National Park and Serengeti. Even though wildlife sightings might be challenging in Arusha National Park, the beauty of the surroundings is a sight to behold.

With its rich biodiversity, Tanzania is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. In the Serengeti, you can see the Big Five and other rare wildlife, like the black rhino. In Ngorongoro, you can see some dangerous predators, such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards. January offers unique wildlife experiences due to occasional rains and clear skies.

Weather in January

January has less rainfall than other months. Some rains do occur, but for short periods. Essentially, your wildlife viewing experience won’t be hindered depending on the park you visit. The weather is cloudy and sunny, which can make a safari in Tanzania surprising.

National Parks to Visit in Tanzania and Why

Arusha National Park

Commonly known for its stratovolcanic mountain, Mount Meru, Arusha National Park is a region with beautiful landscapes and different wildlife and bird species. Although the best time to visit the park is in the dry season (June to October), November to May is an opportune time for birdwatching.

What to do:

• Guided mountain biking
• Birding

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater offers one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in Tanzania simply because it’s the best place to see predators. Its beautiful landscapes provide opportunities to observe wildlife and predator-prey activity.

Some of the park’s main predators include the lion, the spotted hyena, and the leopard. As the park is a Big Five destination, it is not rare to see The Big Five in one day. During your game drive, it can often be valuable to tick off which animals you’ve seen on your game drive.

One unique addition to the park is the old elephant bulls with massive tusks. These animals are calm in the park, which enhances Tanzania’s wildlife viewing. Although the rainy season lasts from November to May, wildlife viewing is available all year round but in smaller concentrations.

What to do:

• Game drives
• Picnics

Serengeti National Park

Considered one of the top destinations for wildlife viewing, Serengeti National Park is a region with a high density of wildlife. From January to October, the wildebeest migration takes place, and it is an excellent opportunity to see the park brought to life by the animals charging through the landscape.

The high density of wildlife includes the Big Five—although the black rhino is rarely seen—as well as crocodiles, hippos, and various antelope species.

What to do:

• Game drives
• Picnics
• Hot air balloon rides