Tanzania Safari in February: The Ultimate Month-by-Month Guide for 2026

The Ultimate Tanzania Safari Packages (Tours) for 2026

Table of Contents

Introduction

February is one of Tanzania’s most underrated safari months, offering unique advantages that many travelers overlook. While not as famous as the peak dry season months, February provides exceptional wildlife experiences, fewer crowds, and competitive pricing – making it an ideal time for savvy safari-goers.

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about planning a Tanzania safari in February 2026, from weather patterns and wildlife movements to costs, packing tips, and which parks to prioritize.

Why Choose February for Your Tanzania Safari?

The Calving Season Spectacle

The Great Migration’s Baby Boom

February is calving season in the southern Serengeti, when approximately 400,000-500,000 wildebeest give birth within a concentrated 2-3 week period. This natural phenomenon creates one of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife spectacles:

What You’ll Witness:

Thousands of newborn wildebeest calves taking their first steps
Predators (lions, cheetahs, hyenas) taking advantage of vulnerable young
Dramatic survival scenes as mothers protect their offspring
The circle of life in its rawest, most authentic form

Best Locations:

Ndutu Area (southern Serengeti/northern Ngorongoro)
Southern Serengeti Plains near Lake Ndutu
Short grass plains of the Serengeti

Why It’s Special: The sheer concentration of births attracts predators from across the region. You might witness multiple cheetah hunts, lion pride coordinated attacks, and hyena clan feeding frenzies all in a single day – action rarely matched during other months.

Green Season Advantages

Lush Landscapes and Photographic Opportunities

February falls within Tanzania’s “short dry season” between the short rains (November-December) and long rains (March-May). The landscape is:

Visually Stunning:

Vibrant green grasslands replacing dry, brown plains
Wildflowers carpeting the savannah
Dramatic cloud formations perfect for photography
Clear morning light with occasional afternoon showers

Photography Benefits:

Better contrast between animals and backgrounds
Dramatic skies with storm clouds
Fewer dust particles for sharper images
Excellent lighting conditions for both landscape and wildlife shots

Fewer Tourists, Better Experiences

Avoiding Peak Season Crowds

February sits outside peak tourist season (June-October), offering significant advantages:

Crowd Benefits:

Fewer safari vehicles at animal sightings
More flexibility with accommodations and bookings
Better availability at popular lodges and camps
More personalized attention from guides
Easier to find exclusive wildlife moments

Cost Savings:

20-40% lower prices compared to peak season
Better negotiating power for upgrades
More last-minute booking availability
Seasonal promotions and discounts

Excellent Birdwatching

Migratory Bird Spectacle

February is prime time for birding enthusiasts as European and North African migrants join Tanzania’s resident species:

Bird Highlights:

Over 1.1 million lesser flamingos at Lake Natron
European migrants in full breeding plumage
Waterbird concentrations at seasonal wetlands
Over 500 species active across northern circuit

Best Birding Locations:

Lake Manyara (flamingos, pelicans, storks)
Tarangire (endemic species and migrants)
Ngorongoro Crater (crowned cranes, flamingos)
Serengeti grasslands (raptors, secretary birds)

February Weather and What to Expect

Temperature and Climate

Daytime Temperatures:

Serengeti: 25-30°C (77-86°F)
Ngorongoro Crater: 20-25°C (68-77°F)
Tarangire: 28-32°C (82-90°F)
Crater Rim: 15-20°C (59-68°F)

Nighttime Temperatures:

Serengeti: 15-18°C (59-64°F)
Ngorongoro Rim: 8-12°C (46-54°F)
Tarangire: 18-22°C (64-72°F)

General Conditions:

Mostly sunny mornings
Possible afternoon showers (short duration)
Low humidity
Pleasant game viewing temperatures
Occasional morning mist in crater

Rainfall Patterns

Precipitation Levels: February receives moderate rainfall as part of the “short dry season”:

Average: 50-100mm monthly
Occasional afternoon thunderstorms (1-2 hours)
Mornings typically dry and clear
Roads generally passable
Rain rarely disrupts full-day game drives

Impact on Safari:

Fresh water sources attract animals
Muddy conditions in some areas
Spectacular storm cloud photography
Cooler temperatures during showers
Fresh green vegetation

Recommended Itineraries for February

5-Day Calving Season Safari

Perfect for: Wildlife photography and migration enthusiasts

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Full day game drive
Overnight: Karatu or Tarangire

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater

Early morning crater descent
5-6 hours on crater floor
Overnight: Ngorongoro rim or Karatu

Day 3-4: Serengeti (Ndutu Area)

Focus on southern plains and calving grounds
Multiple game drives targeting predator action
Overnight: Ndutu Lodge or mobile camp

Day 5: Return to Arusha

Morning game drive en route
Arrive Arusha afternoon

Estimated Cost: $1,800-$2,500 per person (mid-range)

3-Day Budget Safari

Perfect for: First-time visitors and budget travelers

Day 1: Tarangire National Park

Full day game drive
Overnight: Budget lodge Karatu

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater

Crater game drive
Overnight: Karatu or campsite

Day 3: Lake Manyara or Arusha National Park

Half-day game drive
Return to Arusha

Estimated Cost: $650-$850 per person (budget camping)

7-Day Northern Circuit Complete

Perfect for: Comprehensive Tanzania experience

Day 1: Arusha National Park Day 2: Tarangire National Park Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Day 5-6: Serengeti (Ndutu and Seronera) Day 7: Return to Arusha via Olduvai Gorge

Estimated Cost: $2,500-$3,500 per person (mid-range)

Accommodation Options in February

Budget Options ($50-$150 per night)

Camping:

Public campsites in all parks
Basic facilities with shared bathrooms
Camping equipment provided
Camp chef prepares meals

Budget Lodges:

Panorama Safari Camp (Karatu)
Fanaka Lodge (Karatu)
Budget campsites near Ndutu
Panorama Safari Camp, Fanaka Lodge Book here

Advantages:

Significant cost savings
Authentic safari experience
Good availability in February
Flexibility with bookings

Mid-Range Options ($200-$500 per night)

Quality Lodges:

Ngorongoro Farm House
Eileen’s Trees Inn
Country Lodge Karatu
Ang’ata Ngorongoro Camp
Tanzania Bush Camps (Serengeti)

Features:

Comfortable en-suite rooms
Swimming pools
Good food quality
Bar and lounge areas
Wi-Fi availability

February Availability: Excellent availability with occasional promotions and discounts.

Luxury Options ($600-$2,000+ per night)

High-End Properties:

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Four Seasons Serengeti
Singita Grumeti Reserves
&Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas (mobile camp)
Ndutu Safari Lodge

Premium Features:

Spectacular locations
Gourmet dining
Spa facilities
Private guides and vehicles
Exceptional service

February Benefits: Better availability than peak season, sometimes with special offers.

What to Pack for February Safari

Clothing Essentials

Daytime Safari Wear:

Lightweight, breathable shirts (long-sleeved recommended)
Comfortable safari pants (neutral colors)
Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap
Sunglasses with UV protection
Comfortable walking shoes or boots

Layering for Variable Weather:

Light rain jacket or windbreaker
Fleece or warm sweater for mornings
Light scarf or buff
Waterproof daypack cover

Evening Wear:

Long pants for cooler evenings
Warm fleece or jacket (especially for crater rim)
Closed shoes for walking around camp

General Tips:

Stick to neutral colors (khaki, olive, beige, brown)
Avoid bright colors that might disturb wildlife
Black attracts tsetse flies – avoid in some areas
Quick-dry fabrics ideal for washing
Bring enough for 7+ days

Photography Gear

Camera Equipment:

DSLR or mirrorless camera
Telephoto lens (200-400mm recommended)
Wide-angle lens for landscapes
Multiple batteries (limited charging)
Several large memory cards (64GB+ each)
Camera cleaning kit (dust common)
Beanbag for vehicle stability

Protection:

Weatherproof camera bag
Lens cleaning cloth
Silica gel packets for moisture
Plastic bags for rain protection

Smartphone Photography:

Portable power bank
Dust-proof case
Clip-on telephoto lens (optional)

Health and Safety Items

Medical Kit:

Prescription medications (full supply)
Anti-malarial prophylaxis
Pain relievers (headaches common at altitude)
Anti-diarrheal medication
Antihistamines for allergies
Motion sickness tablets
Basic first aid supplies

Sun Protection:

High SPF sunscreen (50+)
Lip balm with SPF
After-sun lotion
Aloe vera gel

Insect Protection:

Insect repellent (30%+ DEET)
Anti-itch cream
Permethrin spray for clothing

Hygiene:

Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes (biodegradable)
Toilet paper
Personal toiletries

Electronics and Gadgets

Essential Electronics:

Smartphone with downloaded maps
Portable charger/power bank (20,000mAh+)
Universal adapter (UK-style plugs in Tanzania)
Headlamp or flashlight
Binoculars (8×42 or 10×42 recommended)

Optional but Useful:

Kindle or e-reader
Portable speaker
GoPro for vehicle videos
Drone (check regulations – restricted in parks)

Costs and Budgeting

Safari Package Costs (Per Person)

Budget Safari (3-4 days):

Camping accommodation: $650-$900
Budget lodge: $800-$1,100
Includes: vehicle, guide, park fees, meals, camping gear

Mid-Range Safari (5-7 days):

Lodge accommodation: $1,800-$2,800
Tented camps: $2,000-$3,200
Includes: better lodges, smaller groups, more flexibility

Luxury Safari (5-7 days):

High-end lodges: $4,000-$7,000+
Private safari: $5,000-$10,000+
Includes: premium accommodation, private guides, exclusive experiences

Additional Costs to Budget

Pre-Safari Expenses:

International flights: Variable
Tanzania visa: $50-$100
Travel insurance: $50-$150
Vaccinations: $100-$300

During Safari:

Tips for guide: $15-$20/day
Tips for camp staff: $10-$15/day
Alcoholic beverages: $5-$15 per drink
Souvenirs: $20-$200+
Optional activities: $50-$600

Post-Safari:

Zanzibar extension: $100-$500/day
Additional tours: $50-$300

Money-Saving Tips

Book Direct: Contact operators like Toilo Safaris directly rather than through intermediaries to save 15-30%.

Travel in Groups: Share vehicle costs by joining group safaris or traveling with friends.

Choose Strategic Accommodation: Mix budget camping with mid-range lodges to balance cost and comfort.

February Promotions: Look for shoulder season discounts and special offers.

Skip Luxury Add-ons: Hot air balloon safaris ($550+) and other premium activities can often be skipped.

Health and Safety Considerations

Malaria Prevention

Risk Assessment:

Serengeti: Moderate risk
Tarangire: Moderate risk
Ngorongoro Crater rim: Low risk (high altitude)
Lake Manyara: Moderate risk

Prevention Strategies:

Consult travel doctor 6-8 weeks before departure
Take prescribed anti-malarial medication
Use insect repellent (30%+ DEET)
Wear long sleeves/pants at dusk and dawn
Sleep under mosquito nets when camping

Required Vaccinations

Mandatory:

Yellow fever (if arriving from endemic country)

Strongly Recommended:

Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, etc.)

Consider:

Hepatitis B (for longer stays)
Rabies (for remote areas or animal contact)
Meningitis (during outbreaks)

Food and Water Safety

Water:

Drink only bottled or purified water
Avoid ice unless certain it’s from purified water
Brush teeth with bottled water
Use water purification tablets as backup

Food:

Eat at reputable lodges and camps
Avoid raw salads at questionable establishments
Peel fruits yourself
Ensure meat is thoroughly cooked
Be cautious with street food

Altitude Sickness

Ngorongoro Crater Rim: 2,200-2,400 meters

Mild Symptoms:

Headache
Nausea
Fatigue
Dizziness
Sleep disturbance

Prevention:

Ascend slowly if possible
Stay well hydrated
Avoid alcohol first evening
Take it easy for first few hours
Carry altitude sickness medication if prone

Travel Logistics

Getting to Tanzania

International Airports:

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): Primary gateway for safaris
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR): Dar es Salaam, requires connecting flight

Major Airlines Serving Tanzania:

Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa)
Kenya Airways (via Nairobi)
Qatar Airways (via Doha)
KLM (via Amsterdam)
Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul)

Flight Tips:

Book 3-6 months ahead for best prices
Consider one-way flights if adding Zanzibar
Evening arrivals allow next-morning safari starts
Factor layover times in connections

Visa Requirements

Tourist Visa Options:

E-Visa (Recommended):

Apply online at eservices.immigration.go.tz
Process 5-10 business days
Single entry: $50
Multiple entry: $100
Valid 90 days

Visa on Arrival:

Available at Kilimanjaro and Dar airports
$50-$100 cash (exact amount required)
Can involve long queues
Bring passport photos

Visa-Free Countries: Check current list as it occasionally changes.

Transportation in Tanzania

Airport Transfers: Most safari operators include airport pickup/dropoff. Otherwise:

Private transfer: $50-$80 one way
Taxi: $40-$60
Shuttle bus: $20-$30

Between Parks:

Safari vehicles handle all transportation
Roads vary from paved highways to rough tracks
Game drives often occur en route
Travel times can be long (5-6 hours)

Cultural Experiences

Maasai Village Visits

Many itineraries include cultural experiences:

What to Expect:

Traditional welcome dances
Tour of boma (traditional home)
Jewelry making demonstrations
Photo opportunities
Craft purchases

Cost: $20-$50 per person Duration: 1-2 hours

Tips for Respectful Visits:

Dress modestly
Ask permission before photos
Purchase crafts to support community
Learn basic Maasai greetings
Don’t give candy to children

Olduvai Gorge

Archaeological Significance: Known as the “Cradle of Mankind,” where Leakey family discovered early human fossils.

Visit Includes:

Museum displaying fossil replicas
Explanation of archaeological discoveries
Views of gorge landscape
Optional guide services

Cost: Park fees approximately $35 per person Best: En route between Ngorongoro and Serengeti

Choosing Your Safari Operator

Evaluation Criteria

Essential Qualifications:

Licensed by Tanzania Tourist Board
TATO membership
Professional guide certifications
Insurance coverage
Established track record

Vehicle Standards:

Purpose-built safari vehicles (Land Cruiser ideal)
Pop-up roof for photography
Radio communication
First aid equipment
Maximum 7 passengers

Service Quality Indicators:

Clear itinerary details
Responsive communication
Transparent pricing
Written contract
Good online reviews

Questions to Ask

Before booking, clarify:

Exact park entrance times?
Accommodation names and categories?
Meal inclusions and quality?
Group size limits?
Vehicle specifications?
Flexibility for wildlife stops?
Cancellation policies?
Hidden fees or extras?

Why Choose Toilo Safaris