Tanzania in January

January in Tanzania marks the beginning of the wildebeest calving season in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains, where thousands of newborns arrive daily. This incredible natural event attracts predators like lions and cheetahs, offering exceptional wildlife viewing and drama on the plains.

The landscape is lush and green due to short rains that usually fall in November and December. This means excellent conditions for photography, birdwatching, and fewer crowds than peak months. Resident wildlife is abundant in parks like Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara, with stunning backdrops of blooming flora.

Zanzibar in January is sunny, hot, and perfect for a tropical beach getaway—great for snorkeling, diving, or simply relaxing after your safari adventure.

Tanzania in January is ideal for travelers who want rich wildlife encounters, green-season beauty, and a quieter, more affordable safari experience.

Weather and landscape in February

What’s the weather like in Tanzania in January? In the mainland, the average temperature ranges from a cool 16°C to a warm 29°C, so it’s ideal to pack some warm clothes along with your summer style! On our islands, you can expect a balmy 23°C to a hot high of 32°C, so whip out the sunscreen!

Generally, January is hot and humid, falling during our green season, so named for the rich, lush, green landscapes (perfect for photography!). Occasional rainfall provides a welcome respite from the heat.

Accommodation in January

With so many beautiful lodges in Tanzania, it can be tough to choose – even tougher in January if you want to avoid the big crowds (that’s where we come in!).

January’s lovely weather means it’s a popular time to travel. It’s regarded as a peak season, so accommodation can be more expensive than it would be during other times of the year.

Where you want to visit will also impact how busy it is – if you’re looking to stay in Ndutu and Southern Tanzania, accommodation should be booked as far in advance as possible but please chat to us about where you wish to visit and we will advise you.

The great wildebeest migration in January

If you are heading to Tanzania in January to view the Great Wildebeest Migration, then your best bet is to head for the beautiful Ndutu or the sunny southern plains of the Serengeti. January coincides with the wildebeest calving season, so babies are plentiful, provided that the rains arrive early enough!

In fact, many of our animals give birth around mid-January and February (rain-dependent), so it is prime time for viewing lots of babies while on our safaris. Of course, with the birth of babies comes an increase in predators, so your chances are high when it comes to the adrenaline rush of viewing an active predatory kill during January.

Climbing mount Kilimanjaro in January

If you are looking to climb the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, January is the month to do it – although February is fantastic too. They are the warmest months on the mountain, gifting climbers with clear, sunny skies in the mornings and evenings (just imagine the view until you see it with us in-person!) and clouds provide a reprieve from the heat, along with a little bit of rain.

Naturally, the perfect month for climbing means it is the most popular month amongst trekkers so make sure you make those bookings nice and early as you prepare to tackle the highest freestanding mountain in the entire world!

Zanzibar Island in January

January is a beautiful time to explore the white sands, azure waters, and swaying palms of idyllic Zanzibar. Snorkelling and diving enthusiasts will love travelling in January because of the outstanding water clarity of over 25 meters! Let the steady wind of ‘kaskazi’ north-eastern cool you down in the hot temperatures, averaging over 30°C.

The vibrant coral reefs and their resident aquatic, technicoloured inhabitants will provide a visual feast as you while away your vacation in the sun, surf, and sand. January also happens to be mango season on the island of Zanzibar, with plentiful ripe and ready fruit just waiting to be enjoyed on the beach!

Mafia Island in January

This island paradise is exquisite in January, and remains relatively untouched by tourists! Enjoy snorkelling, diving, and fishing when you venture into the crystal waters, after lounging on the beach to soak up the January sun. If you’re lucky (and in the right place!) you can even spot a whale shark.

Pemba Island in January

Pemba is also relatively untouched by tourists, meaning it is the perfect place for some peace and quiet. With warm January weather, explore one of the oldest Muslim ruins in Africa, take in the rolling, verdant hills that grow tons of cloves or dip into the sea for some of the best snorkeling Tanzania has to offer!

Game drives, wildlife, and birds in January

January is a particularly good time to visit the Southern Circuit of Tanzanian parks for people who love to immerse themselves in the wildness of nature. Fresh from a short rainy season over November and December, January offers visitors lush, teeming wilderness.

While spotting game is not quite as easy in January as it is during the dry season, the Southern Circuit includes some of the biggest national parks in East Africa, let alone Tanzania. A visit to Ruaha or Nyerere will guarantee beautiful and memorable sights.

Ruaha National Park in January

Visit one of Tanzania’s largest national parks in January! This is a wet season in the park, so the landscape is lush, green, and full! Reduced tourism at this time of year means you are likely to have more privacy while viewing the arrival of colourful migratory birds, ready to breed. January is the best time of year for bird-watching in Ruaha.!

Nyerere National Park (formerly known as Selous Game Reserve) in January

January may have scattered rainfall, but in temperatures exceeding 30°C during the day and 21°C at night, it’s a welcome reprieve. The green season is lush and beautiful, perfect for exploring the rivers and plans of Nyerere to view one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the whole country!

Mahale National Park in January

The green season of January is a lovely time to visit Mahale Mountain National Park. The spectacular slopes are home to a massive chimpanzee population, along with a myriad of ape families. The sunsets in this region are exquisite, and the clouds that accompany rainfall in January makes it even more beautiful.

Katavi National Park in January

Katavi is off the beaten track, allowing for greater privacy as you view the rivers, floodplains, and grasslands teeming with wildlife in January. If you pride yourself on taking the road less travelled, arrange to visit Katavi in January for your safari.

Gombe National Park in January

The iconic Gombe Stream National Park remains popular, ever since Jane Goodall completed her chimpanzee behavioural research. The park is also fantastic for viewing lots of other species and is one of our most diverse parks, despite its small size. January and February are good times to visit as the park is closed during March, April, and May.