Short dry spell, green and warm
Tanzania in January
Warm, green and quiet. Wildebeest herds gather on the short-grass plains around Ndutu, and the first calves arrive, with predators close behind.
- Mixed
- For a safari
- Very good
- For Kilimanjaro
- Very good
- For Zanzibar beaches
- Calving
- Main draw this month
Tanzania in January at a glance
Calving on the southern plains
The weather
Warm and green, with short showers that rarely last. Dawn is cool at altitude, the plains are warm and breezy, and the coast is hot and humid.
Where the herds are
The herds are on the southern plains around Ndutu, grazing short, mineral-rich grass. The first calves arrive and predators gather close behind. Calving usually peaks in February, so January is the build-up.
The parks
Ndutu and the southern Serengeti are the heart of the month. Ngorongoro Crater works in every season, because its animals live on the crater floor all year.
Kilimanjaro
January is part of the first of two good climbing windows, January to the middle of March, when skies are clearer and the trails are firmer.
Zanzibar and the coast
Zanzibar is hot and humid on the northeast wind. December to February is one of the two good windows for beach days.
Crowds and rates
A busy, higher-priced time, especially around the Christmas and New Year weeks. The better camps at Ndutu fill early, so book well ahead.
Planning a trip in January
Good for
Calving and predators, Climbing Kilimanjaro, A beach finish
Watch out for
Short afternoon showers are possible, and the most popular Ndutu camps sell out early.
What to pack
Light layers, a fleece for dawn drives and a light waterproof jacket.
Our verdict on January
January is a strong choice if you want green scenery, calving on the southern plains and a good climbing month, and you can book early.
Safaris that suit January
Itineraries from our collection that list January among their best months, from the lowest starting price.
Nyerere Fly-In Escape from Zanzibar
One night on the Rufiji River, by air, between two days of beach.
2 days · From $1,665
Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire in Seven Days
Baobab elephants, a pair of Serengeti days and a full morning-to-evening descent into the crater.
7 days · From $1,891
After the Summit: Northern Parks in Five Days
Collected from your Moshi hotel, then Tarangire, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater before you fly home.
5 days · From $2,219
Compare with other months
Choose another month to see how it differs. The bars show how good each month is for a safari.
January
Calving on the southern plains
Mixed
February
Peak calving and big cats
Mixed
March
Lush landscapes, lower prices
Showery
April
The quietest month
Quiet and wet
May
Green, calm and affordable
Showery
June
Dry season begins
Very good
July
Classic big-game safari
Best
August
Mara River crossings
Best
September
Crossings with fewer crowds
Best
October
Last of the dry season
Very good
November
Short rains, fresh green
Showery
December
Herds return south
Mixed
Questions answered
What travellers ask us
January is a strong choice if you want green scenery, calving on the southern plains and a good climbing month, and you can book early.
The herds are on the southern plains around Ndutu, grazing short, mineral-rich grass. The first calves arrive and predators gather close behind. Calving usually peaks in February, so January is the build-up.
January is part of the first of two good climbing windows, January to the middle of March, when skies are clearer and the trails are firmer.
Light layers, a fleece for dawn drives and a light waterproof jacket.
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