Zanzibar is one of the major tropical beach destinations in the Indian ocean. The archipelago offers a blend of incredible white sand coastline, a bucket list of experiences and a great opportunity to learn one of Africa most conservative culture. The semi-autonomous archipelago also has the closest Indian islands from the East Africa safari and gorilla trekking destinations. In this post we shall discuss the different experiences you get during your safari over different period of the year.
January
January is one of the hottest months in Zanzibar with the temperature going up to 32o c at noon. In the afternoon there may be some thunderstorms in the afternoon but in rare occasions and would only last for 1- 2 hrs and then return to a hot evening sun. The season is one of the best time Zanzibar if you are a fun of water sporting as the month mark the beginning of the north easterly kaskaz winds blowing over the Zanzibar coast. The north eastern Nungwi beach is the perfect choice activities as the winds are more stable and stronger in the region than the eastern coastline averaging at 11- 17 knots. Again, in some instances the wind push sea weeds to parts of the eastern coast making it less attractive for sporting. Importantly, January is one of the best period for a combined game viewing and beach holiday in Tanzania as most parks are dry and game viewing is top level. The season coincides with the calving season in the Serengeti southern region.
February
February is the hottest month in Zanzibar with the temperatures likely to go to 33o c. The atmosphere is also quite humid and the clouds are gathering for the long rains in march. The average temperature of the sea water goes beyond 30o c making it the perfect time for swimming and other ocean sporting activities. Kaskaz winds peaks in the first two weeks of the month before steadily declining towards the end of the month it is still a perfect time to go for water sports like kite surfing and boarding in the north eastern and south western region of the main Unguja island. In the Kenya and Tanzania game sanctuaries game viewing is at its best in the month of February. The calving season in Serengeti is also peaking making it the most convenient month for a combined game viewing and beach holiday in the short dry season.
March
The long rains start in the mid – march or earlier. The season is characterized by heavy down pour especially in the afternoon hours. However, this may not entirely hinder you from conducting beach activities as the downpour only last for about 2 hrs after which the weather may change to sunny or remain cloudy. Due to the rains the sea beds are flourishing with seagrass. The sites of sea creatures in the marine creatures are also more impressive. Even though this month is not the best to go to Zanzibar combined with a safari tour as game viewing is at its lowest over the season, the calving season is still optimal in the southern Serengeti plains. March is also one of the best time to go for holidays in Zanzibar when you are avoiding the crowds.
April
The long rains are peaking in the month of April. The beaches are empty with beach hotels only recording a few bookings. The seasonal hotels are closed in the beginning of the month and would open again in June. Though there is heavy downpour mostly in the afternoon, the climate is still fairly favorable for beach activities with daily average temperatures at between 21o c and 30o c. This is normally the last month of the calving season in Serengeti.
May
May marks the end of the rainy season in Zanzibar with significant decline in number of downpours experienced in the last two weeks. The southerly trade winds, kusi or Kuzi, winds starts blowing across the main island southern coast. This make it an ideal time to go to Zanzibar for surfing before the crowds could build up in the coastline starting June. The northern beaches like Nungwi and Kendwa are on the other hand the perfect location for holidaymakers seeking a calmer environment. This period is however still not favorable for extending your stay in a safari as the downpour in the long rain make game tracking harder.
June
June marks the beginning of the long dry season and is the hottest month in Zanzibar. The kusi winds are very stable and this is the perfect time to go for kite surfing in the south eastern beach of paje. The winds are also blowing intensely along the Matemwe coast but the seaweeds might be a derailing factor for holidaymaking along the strip. The northern Nungwi beaches are during this period quite calm and exclusive and therefore perfect for sun bathing. This is also a perfect time to go for a combined safari and beach holidays as the rains has subsidized in the parks and game viewing is improving. The period coincides with the northern Serengeti migration.
July
July is another warm month in Zanzibar and a perfect time to go for water based activities with the water temperatures averaging at 29o c. The southern trade winds are peaking and surfers has there best moment in the eastern facing beaches. This is the most crowded period in popular beaches like paje. The north facing nungwi is however is quite relaxed and the perfect spot to go snorkeling. Game viewing in most of the parks is superbly excellent in July. The last two weeks of the month are also the perfect period to watch the Mara river crossing in Northern Serengeti.
August
August has the most conducive weather to visit Zanzibar as the daily temperatures average at 29o c. During this period the southern monsoon winds start to fade and is the perfect time to have a steady wind for kitting in both paje and Matemwe coastlines. The northern Nungwi beaches are, however, still calm and perfect for diving and relaxing in a low-key setting. With the dry season still on you can still have a good safari in Tanzania mainland as an extension to your beach holidays.
September
September is still dry with hot sun that can go over 30o c. The southern monsoon season is coming to an end but you can still do some surfing in the southern east facing paje coast. The crowds are leaving making the beaches quite and low-key. The warm temperatures make it the most perfect season in the long dry season to go deep diving. It is also the start of the annual hump back whale migration season and though the experience won’t be as frequent as in November and December you might be lucky to sight some in your diving tours. September is still good for a combined game and beach tour.
October
October is relatively calm with little wind. The month is humid and hot in both days and nights as the clouds build up for the short rains. A windy period may be experienced towards the end of the month. The breezes are relatively cooling and therapeutic when sun bathing. Around this period the Eastern facing beaches are the best for an exclusive beach holidays with little sports activities and more tourist preferring the northern beaches. The first two weeks before the start of the short rains are still ideal for safari.
November
November marks the beginning of the short rains. Though not as heavy as the long rains in April, most tourists prefer to keep off the beaches. This makes it one of the most exclusive months for a private vacation. Over this season, divers have the best opportunity to sight the whales. There is however little opportunity for wind dependent activities like kite surfing. Due to the rains, September is not a good period to extend your holiday in a safari.
December
The short rains fade in the first two weeks as the kaskaz wind start blowing from the north. The winds are heavily blows over the northern side the eastern facing is still on the leeward and equally great choice for water sporting. This is the best time to go learning kite surfing in paje as the winds are not as strong as in Kusi winds season along the southern eastern coastline. The beaches in the southern tip are sheltered and calm making them a perfect escape for holiday makers seeking a completely exclusive experience. Over this period, you still have an opportunity to go for a safari. The period coincides with the start of the calving season in Serengeti.
