Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DRY SEASON WILDLIFE WATCHING
As rivers and streams dry out countrywide, animals congregate around remaining water
sources, and it's common to see large herds of elephants and more. Katavi and Tarangire
parks are particularly notable for their dry season wildlife watching in July and August.
MWAKA KOGWA
This sometimes raucous four-day festival in late July marks Nairuzim (the Shirazi New
Year). Festivities are best in Makunduchi on Zanzibar.
August
Dry weather continues, as does the Serengeti wildebeest migration. Wildlife watching
almost everywhere is at its prime.
MARA RIVER CROSSING
By August - often earlier - the wildebeest make their spectacular crossing of the Mara
River into Kenya's Masai Mara, before roaming south again in anticipation of the rains.
October
The weather is mostly dry throughout the country, with a profusion of lavender ja-
caranda blossoms in higher-lying towns and some rain. It's still a fine time for wildlife
watching, without the crowds of July and August.
BAGAMOYO ARTS FESTIVAL
This is a somewhat unorganised but fascinating week of traditional music, dance, drama,
acrobatics, poetry reading and more, sponsored by the Bagamoyo College of Arts and fea-
turing local and regional ensembles. Dates vary (
www.bagamoyofestival.weebly.com
)
.
November
Increasing temperatures are mitigated by the arrival of mango season and by the
short rains that are now falling in many areas. It's still a pleasant travel time, before
the increasing heat of December and January and the holiday travel high season.
