Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
March
The long rains are in full swing now, although it seldom rains all day or every day.
Some hotels close. Those that remain open often offer low-season discounts, and you'll
have many areas to yourself.
April
The rains begin to taper off in some areas. Green landscapes, wildflowers and birds,
plus continued low-season prices make this a delightful time to travel, if you can avoid
the mud.
WILDEBEEST MIGRATION BEGINS
The wildebeest - until now widely scattered over the southern Serengeti and the western
reaches of Ngorongoro Conservation Area - begin to form thousands-strong herds that start
migrating north and west in search of food.
June
With the ending of the rains, the air is clear and cool, and landscapes are slowly be-
ginning to dry out, although everything is still green.
SERENGETI WILDEBEEST MIGRATION
As the southern Serengeti dries out, vast wildebeest herds continue migrating northwest-
wards in search of food, crossing the Grumeti River en route. The timing of the crossing
(which lasts about a week) varies from year to year, anywhere from May to July.
July
Cool, dry July marks the start of peak travel season, with higher prices (and crowds)
for safaris and lodges. It's an optimal wildlife-watching month, with sparse vegetation
and animals congregating at dwindling water sources.
FESTIVAL OF THE DHOW COUNTRIES
This two-week extravaganza of dance, music, film and literature from Tanzania and other
Indian Ocean countries has the Zanzibar International Film Festival as its centrepiece. It's
held in early July at various locations in the Zanzibar Archipelago. See
www.ziff.or.tz
.
