October is one of the sunniest and most rewarding months to visit Tanzania. It’s the final stretch of the dry season, skies are brilliantly clear, and the air feels warm. October offers incredible safaris, clear island waters, and golden, glowing landscapes.
Animals remain gathered at permanent water sources, making them easy to spot. In Tarangire, herds of elephants still dominate the dusty plains, while in the northern Serengeti, the Great Migration is active, with some herds still crossing the Mara River before beginning their journey back south.
Whether you’re trekking Kilimanjaro, canoeing on Lake Manyara, or diving in Zanzibar’s waters, October brings warm days, clear skies, and endless sunshine!
The great migration is a year-long trek from Ndutu in the southern Serengeti to the Maasai Mara in southern Kenya and back. Over 2 million wildebeests, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, participate in this trek. In October, the last of the famous Mara River crossings can be seen in the northern Serengeti. You can also watch it from a bird’s-eye view with a hot air balloon safari!
They cross this crocodile-filled river to follow the rains, which bring fresh grazing grounds, into Kenya. You can learn more about the great migration here.
Spot hippos wallowing in shrinking pools and rivers, often surrounded by flocks of birds, with a canoe safari in Arusha or Lake Manyara National Park. October’s warm, dry weather is perfect for exploring parks outside of your safari vehicle. You can also opt for a walking safari or a crater rim walk and tread in the hoofsteps of zebras, giraffes, and many other animals.
Watch thousands of flamingos nesting on the salty, alkaline flats of the beautifully red Lake Natron, framed by the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. The increasingly dry and hot weather has exposed these flats to make the perfect breeding grounds for lesser flamingos and has also made the lake more concentrated and red.
The nesting period is coming to an end as the eggs will start hatching in November.
Along the coast another season is coming to an end as the last humpback whales prepare to leave Tanzania’s waters. They will continue their migration south, all the way to Antarctica. Take this last chance to spot them before they depart.
You can also go snorkeling with dolphins or whale sharks in October, especially with the clear, warm waters it has to offer. Or try your hand at deep-sea fishing!
October is one of the busiest months to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, and for good reason! You will be able to enjoy excellent climbing conditions with dry trails and clear skies. For a more personal experience, consider less visited routes, like the Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe trails.
October is the last month of the long dry season (June-October), which is in between the long rainy season (March-May) and the short rainy season (November-December). Tanzania also has a short dry season (January-February).
With an average of ten sun hours a day, their annual peak, October is a hot month, but the low humidity keeps it comfortable. The hottest month of the year, however, is February. This means that the temperatures will continue to rise as the months go by. This is because Tanzania lies in the Southern Hemisphere, which means that the seasons are reversed; winter is summer and vice versa.
The Indian Ocean is warm and clear with underwater visibility up to 30 meters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The same goes for the sky, which makes October great for mountain trekking, stargazing, and photography.
October also offers cool, consistent winds, making it one of the best months for kite- and windsurfing.
The dry weather, trails, and vegetation make October perfect for game drives. Animals congregate around the last remaining water holes and are easier to spot due to the low grasses.
October is still peak season in Tanzania, and it is still best to book at least 6 months in advance to secure the best lodges, especially in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro areas. The prices for accommodations and plane tickets are also higher than in the main low season (April-May). However, park fees remain the same throughout the year.
For more peace and space, consider visiting lesser-known areas like Enduimet WMA or Lake Natron, which offer fantastic scenery and wildlife without the crowds.
October has hot and dry weather with relatively strong winds. We recommend bringing a scarf during safaris to keep the dust out of your face. That is because the combination of dry landscapes and wind can cause dust clouds.
We also suggest bringing breathable clothes and enough sun protection, especially if you plan on doing any outdoor activities, like a city tour, or ending your safari with a beach vacation.
October is a month of golden landscapes, clear seas, and concentrated wildlife. It’s the perfect finale to the dry season, when the plains glow under endless sunshine and ocean waters are pleasantly warm.
Whether you’re watching elephants in Tarangire, photographing flamingos at Lake Natron, or diving into Zanzibar’s clear waters, October offers warm, wild, and unforgettable Tanzania.
Do you have questions about a safari to Tanzania? We’re happy to help! From practical tips to activity recommendations. Below, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions to ensure a smooth and unforgettable journey.
If you can’t find your answer here, don’t hesitate to contact us directly. We’re here to assist you!
