When to go · Tanzania
Tanzania in August
Great month. Peak Mara River crossings and peak prices; book 6–12 months ahead.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Great
- Crowds
- High
- Tanzania
- Prices
- High
- Tanzania
Verdict
Peak Mara River crossings and peak prices; book 6–12 months ahead.
Weather in August
- Northern circuit · Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengetibest weather
Short rains Nov–Dec are light; long rains Apr–May close some camps. Migration position changes month to month.
- Kilimanjaro · Moshi, Marangu, the mountainbest weather
Summit nights below −10 °C all year; best climbing Jan–Mar and Jun–Oct.
- Zanzibar and the coast · Stone Town, Nungwi, Paje, Dar es Salaam, Pembabest weather
Humid; the masika rains Apr–May are heavy and several resorts close.
- Southern parks · Nyerere (Selous), Ruaha, Mikumibest weather
One long wet season Nov–Apr; many camps open only June–October.
- Western lakes · Mahale, Gombe, Katavi, Lake Tanganyikabest weather
Chimp trekking is easiest in the dry season when chimps come down the slopes.
- Arusha24° / 10°, 2 rain days
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Nane Nane (Farmers' Day)
8 Aug
Agricultural shows in regional towns.
Northern dry-season safari and climbing peak
June to September · Arusha
The busiest, most expensive months for hotels, safari vehicles and Kilimanjaro permits.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Tanzania
- High
- Prices · Tanzania
- High
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
What to pack
Nothing unusual for the weather this month.
Where to go in August
Rated best or good this month
Northern circuit
Best weather of the year (Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti)
Kilimanjaro
Best weather of the year (Moshi, Marangu, the mountain)
Zanzibar and the coast
Best weather of the year (Stone Town, Nungwi, Paje, Dar es Salaam, Pemba)
Southern parks
Best weather of the year (Nyerere (Selous), Ruaha, Mikumi)
Western lakes
Best weather of the year (Mahale, Gombe, Katavi, Lake Tanganyika)
Dry; busy.