FAQs for Tanzania in October

1. What are the typical temperatures during October in Tanzania? The temperatures around this time will range between 15°C / 59°F to 28°C / 82°F.

So it generally remains pleasant. Clothing items such as regular T-shirts, shirts, jeans, and trousers would be sufficient. However, the temperatures drop during night so you might require some warmer clothing like a fleece jacket or a pullover depending upon your tolerance. If you’re visiting towards the end of the month, adding a rain jacket or an umbrella would also be a great idea as light showers begin to arrive.

2. Is October an ideal month for me? While October marks a transition from Dry to Wet season, it still remains one of the popular months for safari visits. The conditions will be dry, roads will be dusty, vegetation will be thin, and there will be fewer watering holes greatly improving the wildlife visibility. In addition, you will be able to enjoy almost every activity that you wish to. Another great thing about October is that as schools and universities remain open across the globe, the influx of tourists reduces in Tanzania, and hence you would not have to deal with as much crowd as you would come across from June to July.

Since October is also a part of the peak season, accommodations and services cost higher. Although, as the month progresses and first showers begin to arrive, tourism reduces further. Due to less tourism, rates too go down towards the end of the month.

So, October is really ideal for those who wish to have excellent wildlife visibility, dry roads, and wish to engage in multiple activities. In addition, it is also great for those who wish to pay less but engage in all the activities, as the rates go down towards the end of the month.

3. How do the reduced watering holes and receding vegetation impact wildlife visibility during October? Reduced watering holes compel animals to come out and look for the remaining water bodies. As a result, more animals collect in the same area. This ensures that you will be able to spot a higher number of animals during your drive. Similarly, as the vegetation dries out, there is not enough foliage behind which animals can hide. Hence, you will not have to spend a lot of time looking for animals, due to the reduced vegetation cover, the animals will automatically become visible to you.

4. I'm on a budget, but I wish to visit Tanzania in October. Is there a way for me to reduce trip costs? Yes, one of the best ways to reduce overall costs of the tour is going for a Group Safari instead of a Private Safari. In a Group Safari, you will be required to share your vehicle and guide services with other parties and the costs will be divided between all the tourists. Therefore, you would not be required to pay for the vehicle as much as you would have to in a Private Safari. To understand better how Group and Private Safaris differ, please check out our page here. Although, please note that a group safari is suitable for solo travellers and couples. If you’re a large party of about 5 to 6 people, the costs will apply per person per day, and the overall cost for an individual will come down automatically.

In addition, you can opt for accommodations or lodging services that charge less. There are mid range lodges, tented camps, and budget camps that suit the needs of those who are on a budget. To understand how the accommodations are classified, please check out our page here.

Similarly, you can also reduce costs by reducing the number of activities that you take part in. Activities such as walking safari, hot air balloon ride, night game drives, canoeing have a significant impact on the overall costs. So, by simply choosing to not engage in activities you will be able to save up.

5. I’m interested in Birding. Will I be able to spot any birds during my safari in October? Yes, while a lot of migratory birds leave, hundreds of species still stay back in the Northern region of Tanzania. You will come across birds such as Flamingoes, Ostriches, Kori Bustards, Turacos, Marabou Storks, Spoonbills, Herons, Francons, Vultures, Lilac Breasted Rollers, and so many more.

6. How far in advance should I book my safari if I wish to visit in October? August is a part of the peak season and lodges and camps seldom have free rooms during this month. Hence, we recommend booking at least 10 to 12 months in advance, especially if you’re a large party. However, people do make their bookings 4 to 6 months in advance as well and manage to get accommodations and flights of their choice.

7. Will I be able to watch the Wildebeest river crossing? In October, the Wildebeests cross the river Mara as they come back from the Masai Mara region of Kenya. So if you wish to view the famous wildebeest river crossing, you may choose an itinerary that includes staying in the Northern region of Serengeti. During your game drives you will be driven to the banks of Mara river to try and catch the crossing. Your experienced guide will be collecting information with the help of other guides and park rangers inside Serengeti and find out the best spot for watching the river crossing during your tour. You should be able to catch the river crossing about 2 to 3 times during this time.

8. What type of weather should I expect in October? Should I be worried about rains impacting my tour? Since October is simply a month of transition, it usually remains dry for the initial part of the month, and even towards the end, as the clouds begin to collect, the showers are sporadic and not very heavy. The vegetation too does not get thick enough to obstruct your views of the wildlife.

You need not worry about rains turning roads muddy and inaccessible. If it does rain during the day it would last for only about an hour or so, the skies would clear quickly, and you would be able to enjoy your game drives without any worry.