Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coastline is hot throughout the year with the mercury barely moving from 30°C. However, not many of us enjoy sitting on the beach in the rain, even when its warm, which makes the long June to September dry season an excellent time to travel. Happily, this is also one of the best time to see wildlife as animals congregate around shrinking water holes. In the Serengeti you’ll have a chance to catch the wildebeest migration at its most dramatic as it plunges across the crocodile-filled Mara River at this time.

Unsurprisingly this is high season, with peak rates and peak crowds. Consider June or September, when the crossings are still happening to avoid the worst of the July and August safari hordes. Selous and the southern national parks receive much smaller visitor numbers year round, so offer much more secluded high-season safari options. Travel during this time and you’re also likely to see Mafia’s Island’s green turtles coming ashore to nest; they usually arrive April to September.

The shorter January to February dry period, after the end of the short rains, can offer a pleasant, greener safari alternative without peak season rates. Thousands of baby wildebeest are born in the southern Serengeti meaning predators are on the prowl. Whale sharks visit Zanzibar and Mafia Island from November to April, and visibility for diving and snorkelling can reach 20 to 30m.

Just avoid the long rains from March until early May. Rates may be lower but wildlife disperses and becomes much more difficult to spot – although the Ngorongoro Crater still offers excellent opportunities to see the Big Five. The coast swelters in high humidity with regular afternoon downpours, and underwater views of the coral reefs are clouded by river run-off.