Tanzania Safari in August

In August, embark on a thrilling adventure amidst Tanzania's dry and windy landscapes in August. Witness the majestic Serengeti migration, Tarangire's wildlife resurgence, and Ngorongoro's breathtaking vistas. Explore tranquil island getaways in Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia.

Let us first look at the pros and cons of visiting in August quickly, and then we will address aspects like climate and accommodations, and look at each park in the Northern Circuit and Zanzibar in detail:

Pros:

1. Ideal Weather: August offers pleasant temperatures ranging from 14°C / 58°F to 28°C / 82°F, creating comfortable conditions for safari adventures and beach activities.

2. Wildlife Spectacle: Witness the peak of the Serengeti migration, Mara River crossings, and an abundance of wildlife returning to Tarangire National Park, providing thrilling wildlife viewing opportunities.

3. Enhanced Visibility: Thinning foliage and diminished vegetation in the parks enhance visibility, allowing for easier spotting of animals, including big cats, elephants, wildebeests, and more.

4. Variety of Activities: Apart from safari experiences, Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia Island offer diverse activities such as diving, snorkeling, water sports, and relaxing beach getaways.

5. Tranquil Island Escapes: Pemba and Mafia Island provide secluded and uncrowded beach experiences, perfect for those seeking tranquility away from the crowds.

Cons:

1. High Tourist Influx: August is one of the peak months for tourism, leading to increased accommodation rates, crowded parks, and potential challenges in securing reservations if not booked in advance.

2. Dusty Conditions: The dry and windy weather can lead to swirling dust, which may affect photography and cause haziness in the surroundings, although visibility remains relatively good.

3. Higher Costs: Accommodations charge higher rates during the peak season, making August a more expensive time for safari and island getaway experiences.

4. Limited Availability: Due to the high tourist influx, accommodations, especially preferred lodges and camps, may fill up quickly, requiring early reservations for a seamless experience.

Let us see now what Tanzania looks like in August in detail.

Climate and Landscape

As August unfolds, Tanzania enters an even dryer and windy phase, marking one of the peak months for tourism. The landscape undergoes a transformation with dwimdling foliage and swaying savannah grass, creating ideal conditions for unparalleled wildlife sightings. However, the swirling dust, stirred by the wind, can occasionally haze the surroundings, posing a challenge for photography. However, visibility remains intact.

Expect temperatures ranging between 14°C / 58°F to 28°C / 82°F during this period, providing a pleasant environment for safari adventures.

Tourist Influx and Accommodations

Being the peak season, August experiences a continued surge in tourist numbers from various continents. Consequently, accommodations charge higher rates and fill up quickly, emphasising the importance of securing reservations well in advance.

Serengeti

In August, during the Serengeti migration, the majority of the movement successfully crosses the Grumeti River in the West and then proceeds North. In the beginning of the month, the migration columns reach North-West Serengeti and Masai Mara, Kenya. However, as the month progresses, most segments of the migration advance further North, reaching Masai Mara. Wildebeests and zebras with the aim of following the rains, seeking the lush pastures of Masai Mara in Kenya. To reach their destination, they must navigate the Mara River's crocodile-infested waters, making August an ideal time to witness a river crossing. Notably, the Mara River crossing is more perilous than the Grumeti River crossing due to its rapid flow and increased predator presence.

Furthermore, besides the Northern region, Serengeti in general remains a great location throughout the year, with Central Serengeti specifically standing out as an exceptional destination in August. Central Serengeti, known for its famous Seronera Valley teeming with big cats and earning it the name of the Big Cat Capital, offers unparalleled wildlife experiences. Alongside the impressive population of big cats, Central Serengeti is also home to a variety of other animals such as elephants, impalas, elands, warthogs, zebras and more. Its landscape features the classic Serengeti grasslands and is studded with stunning kopjes where you can often find animals lounging about or observing their surroundings. Therefore, Central Serengeti remains an excellent location to visit in August and throughout the year.

To check out North Serengeti tours, click here.

To ckeck out Central Serengeti tours, click here.

To understand the movement of the Great Migration better, ckeck out our article here.

To check out our popular migration itineraries, click here.

Tarangire

In Tarangire National Park, a substantial influx of wildlife returns, settling around its swamps, rivers, and watering holes. Elephants remain present in significant numbers, while oryxes and elands become increasingly visible. Wildebeests reappear in the park, and tracking down big cats becomes more manageable due to the dry terrain and diminishing vegetation. Near water bodies, a plethora of animals can be found, with predators often lurking nearby on the fringes.

To check out our Tarangire tours, click here.

Ngorongoro

Ngorongoro also provides spectacular wildlife vistas, showcasing the big five, giraffes, baboons, vervets, wildebeests, zebras, and a diverse array of animals. Exploring the woodlands within the crater enhances your chances of spotting rhinos and leopards, particularly in drier conditions. Bird enthusiasts can delight in observing starlings, bee-eaters, swallows, harriers, and other avian species. With its stunning sceneries and abundant wildlife, Ngorongoro boasts breathtaking scenery.

To check out our Ngorongoro tours, click here.

Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara will resemble other parks with diminished vegetation, providing enhanced visibility of animals. Visiting the park at the beginning of your tour offers a preview of your African safari experience, allowing you to appreciate its diverse ecosystems. Enjoy the springs, ponds, flora, and scenic beauty that characterise Lake Manyara.

To check out our Lake Manyara tours, click here.

Island Getaway:

Zanzibar

Zanzibar experiences delightful weather in August. The seas are comfortably temperate, a gentle breeze sweeps across the pristine white beaches, the ocean waves are not too rough or choppy, providing a perfect setting for relaxation following adventurous safaris in the parks. Engage in diving, water sports, and wind sports, but exercise caution and avoid these activities if the seas become too turbulent, ensuring your safety.

Pemba

You may escape to Pemba Island, characterised by serene and uncrowded dry beaches. Immerse yourself in opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and exploring both the pristine ocean and the island's charming town.

Mafia Island

Embrace the tranquility of Mafia Island, where lower crowds provide a secluded getaway. Enjoy the sun-drenched beaches and dive into the crystal-clear blue waters, revealing captivating coral colonies for a memorable underwater exploration.

To understand the difference between Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia in detail, click here.

Southern Circuit

August is an excellent time for a Southern Circuit safari in Tanzania, offering a unique perspective away from the bustling Northern Circuit. The weather is delightful during this dry season, with sunny days and clear skies making wildlife spotting a breeze. Temperatures hover around the mid-80s F (30°C) during the day and drop to a comfortable low 60s F (16°C) at night.

The park conditions are ideal for exploration, with improved accessibility due to dry roads and sparse vegetation that enhances animal visibility. Wildlife enthusiasts will find August to be a prime time for viewing animals, as they congregate around water sources, creating unforgettable game viewing opportunities.

For activities, classic game drives are a must, allowing you to traverse the parks in search of iconic African wildlife. Walking safaris offer a more intimate encounter with nature, while boat safaris provide a unique perspective along lakes and rivers.

While August brings excellent weather and wildlife viewing, it's worth noting that it's a popular time for tourists, so expect higher prices and potentially larger crowds. Birdwatchers may find limited opportunities compared to other seasons, but resident birds are still visible, and migratory species may start arriving later in the month.

Exploring the Southern Circuit means discovering diverse parks like Ruaha National Park, known for its large herds of elephants and predators, Nyerere National Park offering vast wilderness and river adventures, Mikumi National Park with its diverse wildlife, and Udzungwa Mountains National Park for a different mountainous experience.

Overall, a Southern Circuit safari in August promises an unforgettable journey through Tanzania's rich natural wonders and abundant wildlife.

To understand in detail how all the Tanzanian safari circuits differ from each other, check out our article here.

Western Circuit

August marks the dry season in Tanzania's Western Circuit, encompassing Katavi, Mahale, and Gombe Stream National Parks. During this time, the weather is characterized by minimal rainfall, comfortable temperatures ranging from mid-80s F (around 30°C) during the day to low 60s F (around 16°C) at night, and clear skies that enhance wildlife viewing.

The park conditions are favorable for exploration, with dry and firm dirt roads improving accessibility and sparse vegetation aiding in spotting wildlife. This period also sees animals congregating around water sources, making it a prime time for wildlife viewing, although not as abundant as in the more famous Northern Circuit.

Tourist activities in the Western Circuit include classic game drives, boat safaris in Katavi and Mahale offering a unique perspective of the landscape, and chimpanzee trekking in Gombe Stream National Park, which requires permits booked well in advance.

Visiting the Western Circuit in August has its pros and cons. On the positive side, the weather is excellent, wildlife viewing opportunities are good, and the region is generally less crowded compared to the Northern Circuit. However, being the peak season, expect higher prices and potentially more visitors, and while wildlife viewing is rewarding, it may not match the abundance of the Northern Circuit parks.

Within the Western Circuit, Katavi National Park stands out as a hidden gem with vast floodplains and diverse wildlife, Mahale Mountains National Park offers chimpanzee trekking along Lake Tanganyika's shores, and Gombe Stream National Park is renowned for habituated chimpanzees, albeit with limited permit availability.

To understand in detail how all the Tanzanian safari circuits differ from each other, check out our article here.

August - Peak Season Pricing

In August, Tanzania’s peak season continues, characterized by high visitor numbers and vibrant wildlife activity. Due to this demand, lodges generally do not provide discounts. Accommodations maintain their standard rates, reflecting the popularity of this time for safaris and outdoor adventures. Visitors are encouraged to book early to secure their preferred lodges.

Popular Itinerary

To help you understand better what our tours looks like in August, we have shared below one of our popular seven day itineraries.

This itinerary is particularly popular in August due to the remarkable wildlife experiences it offers during this peak safari season. August falls within the dry season in Tanzania, which means the weather is generally clear and wildlife congregates around water sources, making animal sightings more frequent and predictable. The highlight of this itinerary is the Great Migration, which is in full swing during this time. In the northern Serengeti, particularly around the Mara River, visitors have the opportunity to witness dramatic river crossings where thousands of wildebeest and zebras brave the crocodile-infested waters in their journey towards Kenya’s Masai Mara. This spectacle is one of the most iconic and breathtaking wildlife events in the world, drawing safari enthusiasts from all corners of the globe.

Day 1 - Arusha to Tarangire

Your safari adventure begins at 8:30 AM with a pick-up from your hotel in Arusha. From there, you will head to Tarangire National Park, with a picnic lunch for a full day of game drives. As Tanzania’s third-largest national park, Tarangire is famed for its majestic baobab trees that tower over the landscape. The Tarangire River, a central feature of the park, attracts some of Africa's largest herds of elephants. During your game drive, you may also spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, lesser kudu, buffalo, oryx, eland, giraffe, and zebra. After an exhilarating day of wildlife viewing, you'll return to your camp or lodge for a delicious dinner and a restful night.

Day 2 - Tarangire to Central Serengeti

After a hearty breakfast, you will depart for Serengeti National Park, traveling through seemingly endless plains. Known as one of the world's most impressive wildlife sanctuaries, the Serengeti offers incredible opportunities to see great herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, as well as prides of lions lounging in the shade. You'll enjoy a picnic lunch during your afternoon game drive. The day concludes with dinner and a good night's rest at your accommodation.

Day 3 - Central Serengeti to North Serengeti

You have the option of enjoying a relaxed breakfast and departing for game drives around 9:00 AM with a packed lunch, or starting your day with an early morning game drive at 6:00 AM, returning for breakfast before heading north. Today, you'll explore the central Serengeti and then move towards the northern part of the park, reaching the Kogatende region. As you travel, you'll notice the terrain change from flat grasslands to hilly and broken landscapes. The northern Serengeti is home to zebras, topi, gazelle, buffaloes, leopards, and lions. A picnic lunch will be provided during your game drive. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the chance to spend a few hours by the Mara River. The day ends with a hearty dinner and a night’s rest at your accommodation.

Day 4 - North Serengeti

Spend the day exploring the northern Serengeti. You can either have a relaxed breakfast and depart for full-day game drives around 9:00 AM with a packed lunch, returning in the late afternoon, or start with an early morning game drive at 6:00 AM, followed by breakfast and a later game drive. Between mid-June and September, this region is a prime spot for witnessing the dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration at the Mara River, where wildebeest face treacherous currents and crocodiles. If you're lucky, you’ll witness this natural wonder. You might also explore the Lobo Valley, known for its woodlands, plains, hills, and granite kopjes, which are excellent for spotting big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The day ends with a tasty dinner and a good night’s rest at your accommodation.

Day 5 - North Serengeti to Central Serengeti

You can choose between a relaxed breakfast and a game drive starting around 9:00 AM with a packed lunch, or an early morning game drive at 6:00 AM. Afterward, you’ll head back to Central Serengeti. The drive south from the Mara River Valley takes you through hill country, the Lobo area, woodlands, and back into the Seronera region. The Seronera area is known for its rich wildlife, thanks to the Seronera River, which attracts a wide variety of species. Look out for the lion prides that thrive here. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed during your drive. The day concludes with dinner and a good night’s rest at your accommodation.

Day 6 - Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro

After breakfast, embark on a morning game drive in Serengeti National Park. Later, depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying a picnic lunch en route. Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest collapsed volcanic crater, is surrounded by extinct volcanoes and dotted with watering holes that shelter around 30,000 animals. The day ends with a hearty dinner and a restful night at your accommodation.

Day 7 - Ngorongoro Crater Tour to Arusha

Your final safari day starts early with a quick breakfast before descending into the Ngorongoro Crater at around 6:30 AM for a five-hour game drive. The crater, the world’s largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera, offers a floor of about 260 square kilometers and a depth of over 2,000 feet. Here, you’ll encounter a variety of wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, black rhinos, hippos, hyenas, cheetahs, and lions. After a picnic lunch at the beautiful Hippo Pool, you will ascend the crater and begin the four-hour drive back to Arusha, arriving by 6:00 PM. You will be dropped off at your preferred location, bidding farewell to your safari team with cherished memories of your incredible adventure.

Tailored Guidance for Your Safari Adventure

Explore our comprehensive guides rating popular parks and regions in North Tanzania for each month here.

Discover recommended safari tours for August. Connect with our team when planning your August visit for detailed insights into wildlife and avian scenarios across different parks. customise your itinerary based on expert recommendations.

Tanzania Safari Costs Across All The Months

To help you understand the cost of a Tanzania Safari throughout the year, we have attached a table below showcasing the monthly prices for our most recommended 7-day safaris. These prices are based on stays at E2 accommodations, which are mid-tier, 3-star level comfort hotels located in prime areas. E2 accommodations strike a perfect balance between affordability and convenient proximity to major attractions, ensuring a comfortable and accessible safari experience.

To understand our classification of accommodations better, please click here.

Tours

To check out our Tanzania safaris of different durations during the month of August click on the link of your choice below:

1. 3 Day Tanzania Safari in August
2. 4 Day Tanzania Safari in August
3. 5 Day Tanzania Safari in August
4. 6 Day Tanzania Safari in August
5. 7 Day Tanzania Safari in August
6. 8 Day Tanzania Safari in August
7. 9 Day Tanzania Safari in August
8. 10 Day Tanzania Safari in August
9. 11 Day Tanzania Safari in August
10. All Tanzania Safaris in August

FAQs for Tanzania Safari in August

How is the weather? In August, Tanzania experiences a transition into a drier and windier phase, which is ideal for safaris. The temperatures range from 14°C / 58°F to 28°C / 82°F, creating a pleasant environment for outdoor activities. However, the swirling dust caused by the wind can occasionally affect visibility, especially for photography. Despite this challenge, overall visibility remains intact, allowing for unparalleled wildlife sightings and experiences.

Which parks do you recommend visiting in August? 1. Serengeti: This park is a must-visit in August due to the ongoing migration. Witnessing the wildebeest and zebras crossing the Grumeti River and later the Mara River in Kenya is a spectacular experience. 2. Tarangire National Park: Known for its wildlife resurgence during this dry season, Tarangire becomes a hub for elephants, oryxes, elands, and big cats near water sources. 3. Ngorongoro Conservation Area: Ideal for spotting the big five and diverse bird species. Exploring the woodlands within the crater enhances chances of seeing rhinos and leopards, especially in the dry conditions of August. 4. Lake Manyara: Offers enhanced visibility of wildlife due to reduced vegetation, providing a preview of Tanzania's diverse ecosystems.

Is August crowded? Yes, August is considered a peak month for tourism in Tanzania. Tourist numbers surge from various continents, leading to crowded accommodations and higher rates. It's crucial to secure reservations well in advance to ensure availability and avoid last-minute inconveniences.

Is August relatively expensive? Yes, August falls within the peak season, resulting in higher expenses for accommodations, tours, and park fees. It's advisable to budget accordingly and book early to secure better rates and availability.

Where can I see migration in August? In August, the Serengeti is the prime location for witnessing the migration. The wildebeest and zebras cross the Grumeti River early in the month and move towards the Mara River in Kenya later on, providing excellent opportunities to witness these natural spectacles.

Is August good for birding? Yes, August offers excellent birding opportunities, especially in parks like Ngorongoro where a variety of avian species can be observed. The dry conditions and reduced vegetation enhance visibility, making it an ideal time for bird enthusiasts.

Can I do a group safari in August? Yes, group safaris are available in August. It's recommended to book well in advance due to the high demand during this peak tourist season. Group safaris offer shared experiences, cost savings, and opportunities to meet fellow travelers.

What should I watch out for while planning an August safari? 1. Accommodations: Secure reservations early due to high demand and potential higher rates. 2. Budgeting: Plan for higher expenses during the peak season. 3. Weather Conditions: Be prepared for dry and windy weather, with occasional challenges for photography due to swirling dust. 4. Migration Viewing: Plan your itinerary to witness the migration crossings, especially in the Serengeti and around the Mara River. 5. Wildlife Sightings: Take advantage of the dry season to spot wildlife gathering around water sources in parks like Tarangire. 6. Birding Opportunities: August offers good birding experiences, particularly in parks with diverse bird species like Ngorongoro. 7. Group Safaris: Consider joining a group safari for shared experiences and potential cost savings, but book early to secure your spot.

Can you recommend a few Tanzania safari tours for August? Certainly, here ate some of our recommended tours:

5 DAYS - LAKE MANYARA, NGORONGORO CRATER , SERENGETI (2 NIGHTS), AND TARANGIRE

6 DAYS (NORTH SERENGETI MIGRATION) - SERENGETI AND NGORONGORO CRATER

7 DAYS (NORTH SERENGETI MIGRATION) - SERENGETI AND NGORONGORO CRATER (2 NIGHTS NORTH SERENGETI)

8 DAYS (NORTH SERENGETI MIGRATION) - TARANGIRE, LAKE NATRON, SERENGETI AND NGORONGORO CRATER

9 DAYS (NORTH SERENGETI MIGRATION) - TARANGIRE, MANYARA, LAKE NATRON, SERENGETI (4 NIGHTS) & NGORONGORO

10 DAYS (NORTH SERENGETI MIGRATION) - TARANGIRE, LAKE MANYARA, LAKE NATRON, SERENGETI AND NGORONGORO CRATER

Reviews

Reviews by travellers who did a Tanzania safari tour with us in August.

Vijoy Sinha A Safari of a lifetime.

We, as a group of Ten seniors, had a six-day safari ex Arusha to cover the great migration in Aug 2023. I got in touch with Monkey Adventures and planned the trip with a series of emails. Right from the sales team to the tour manager, they are real professionals with an in-depth knowledge of the nitty gritty and provided us the insight into the entire experience. But it is their selection of driver guides, that makes them stand apart from the rest. Their knowledge of the terrain, flora, and fauna was encyclopedic in nature. It was they who made our Serengeti experience memorable and complete.

During the entire trip, they remained committed to resolving our concerns, howsoever trivial.

I would love to come back to Serengeti to re-live this great unique experience.

Mara T 7 very special days!

I did 7 days safari: tarangire np, lake manyara, ngorongoro crater, serengeti np, lake natron. everything has been absolutely perfect! professional service, perfect/clean accomodations and delicious food and super driver/guide. the best company to choose for visit tanzania! thanks to everybody for the amazing experience, mara and andrea.

Alexandra M Family

We did a 7 day safari through the main parks with Monkey Adventures and the experience was excellent. The planning and execution were flawless and we had a great time. The guide was knowledgeable, professional and polite. We had two kids with us (twins 10 year old) and they had a great time too