Monthly Safari Guide

Tanzania Safari in
January

Short Dry Spell 18-31°C 70mm rain 19097 tours

January offers a brief dry window between Tanzania's short and long rains. The wildebeest migration congregates in the southern Serengeti around Ndutu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, preparing for the calving season. The Ngorongoro Crater is lush and green with excellent predator viewing on the crater floor. This is a rewarding time to visit with moderate crowds and the anticipation of calving season building. The Serengeti's short grass plains make spotting predators remarkably easy.

Season overview

Short Dry Spell in Tanzania

January falls within Tanzania's short dry spell, characterised by daytime highs of 31°C and overnight lows of 18°C. Average rainfall is 70mm, making this a moderately wet period.

The rainy season brings lush green landscapes, baby animals, and exceptional birdwatching. Rain typically falls in afternoon bursts, leaving mornings clear for game drives. The trade-off for occasional rain is significantly fewer tourists and lower prices.

Wildlife & nature

Wildlife Highlights in January

● Wildebeest calving begins in the southern Serengeti near Ndutu
● Predator concentrations build around calving herds
● Flamingos gather on Ngorongoro Crater soda lake
● Green season vegetation creates stunning photography

Where to go

Best Parks in Tanzania for January

★ Serengeti (Ndutu)

Top pick this month

Ngorongoro Crater

Recommended for January

Tarangire

Recommended for January

Lake Manyara

Recommended for January

Planning

Crowds & Pricing in January

Crowd Level

Moderate

Price Level

Shoulder

Average price per person

Budget

$1581

from $60 · 2470 tours

Mid-range

$1762

from $100 · 10231 tours

Luxury

$3671

from $100 · 1209 tours

Ultra-Luxury

$11075

from $1048 · 63 tours

January offers moderate pricing in Tanzania, sitting between the low and high seasons. This represents good value with generally favourable conditions and reasonable availability.

Preparation

What to Pack for January

✓ Light rain jacket

✓ Camera with telephoto lens for calving action

✓ Sunscreen

✓ Binoculars

✓ Comfortable safari wear

Waterproof gear is essential for January in Tanzania. Pack a good rain jacket and waterproof bag for electronics. Quick-dry fabrics are more practical than cotton. Despite the rain, sunscreen is still necessary for the strong tropical sun between showers. Neutral safari colours remain the best choice.

Book your adventure

Top Tanzania Safari Tours

World Adventure Tours

Big Five Classic Safari in Tanzania **Sustainable Approach to Travel

7 days standard 4.9★

From $1,900

Spirit of Kenya

10-Day Luxury Kenya & Tanzania Safari

10 days luxury 5.0★

From $5,940

Spirit of Kenya

8-Day Wonders of Kenya & Tanzania - Mid-Range

8 days standard 5.0★

From $4,210

Spirit of Kenya

6-Day Highlights of Kenya and Tanzania - Mid-Range

6 days standard 5.0★

From $3,140

Spirit of Kenya

6-Day Highlights of Kenya and Tanzania - Luxury

6 days luxury 5.0★

From $3,620

Savannah Explorers

7-Day Big Five Safari - Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Others

7 days luxury 5.0★

From $2,882

View all 19097 Tanzania tours →

Frequently asked questions

Tanzania Safari in January FAQ

Is January a good time for a safari in Tanzania?

January falls in Tanzania's short dry spell, with temperatures of 18-31 degrees Celsius and 70mm average rainfall. Crowd levels are moderate, and pricing is at shoulder rates. Wildebeest calving begins in the southern Serengeti near Ndutu. Overall, January is a solid choice for a Tanzania safari.

How much does a Tanzania safari cost in January?

Tanzania safari costs in January vary by comfort level. Budget safaris average $1581/person from $60. Mid-range options average $1762/person. Luxury safaris average $3671/person. Ultra-luxury experiences average $11075/person. Prices are moderate in January. Compare 19097 tours on SafariPicked.

What wildlife can I see in Tanzania in January?

January wildlife highlights in Tanzania include: Wildebeest calving begins in the southern Serengeti near Ndutu. Predator concentrations build around calving herds. Flamingos gather on Ngorongoro Crater soda lake. Green season vegetation creates stunning photography. The best parks to visit this month are Serengeti (Ndutu), Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara.

What should I pack for a Tanzania safari in January?

Essential packing for a January Tanzania safari: Light rain jacket, Camera with telephoto lens for calving action, Sunscreen, Binoculars, Comfortable safari wear. Temperatures range from 18 to 31 degrees Celsius with 70mm rainfall, so waterproof gear is essential.

Which parks are best to visit in Tanzania in January?

The top parks in Tanzania for January are Serengeti (Ndutu), Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara. During the short dry spell, these parks offer the best game viewing conditions. Serengeti (Ndutu) is particularly recommended this month. Browse all Tanzania park guides and tour options on SafariPicked.