Tanzania Safari on a Full Moon
Planning Your Full Moon Safari in Tanzania
While safaris in Tanzania do not adhere to a specific full moon schedule, planning your visit to coincide with these dates can offer exceptional night viewing experiences. This timing is particularly advantageous for those attempting to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, as the moonlight enhances visibility and provides a breathtaking experience.
Outlined below are the full moon dates for 2026 and 2027, according to East Africa Time (EAT), applicable throughout Tanzania:
full moon dates for 2026 and 2027:
| Month | Full Moon Date | Time (EAT) |
|---|
January | January 3 | 01:04 pm
February 2 | 01:10
March 3 | 02:39 pm |
April 2 | 05:13 am |
May 1 | 08:24 pm |
May 31 (Blue Moon) |11:46
June 30 | 02:58 am |
July 29 | 05:37 pm |
August 28 | 07:19 am |
September 26 | 07:50 pm |
October 26 | 07:13 am |
November 24 | 05:55 pm |
December 24 | 04:29 am |
Full Moon Dates for 2027
For an unforgettable wildlife safari in Tanzania’s renowned national parks, such as the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater, aligning your visit with the full moon can enhance your experience. Tours are generally available with flexible dates to accommodate your schedule. The optimal period for wildlife viewing is during the dry season, from June to October, when animals congregate around water sources.
Full Moon Schedule for 2027
| Month | Full Moon Date | Time (EAT) |
|---|
January 22 | 03:17 PM |
February 21 | 02:23 AM |
March 22 | 01:43 PM |
April 21 | 01:27 AM |
May 20 | 01:59 PM |
June 19 | 03:44 AM |
July 18 | 06:44 PM |
August 17 | 10:28 AM |
September 16 | 02:03 AM |
October 15 | 04:47 PM |
November 14 | 06:25 AM |
December 13 | 07:08 PM |
Key Considerations for a Full Moon Safari
1. Limited Night Drives: Standard regulations in Serengeti National Park typically restrict game drives to daylight hours, approximately from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
2. Private Concessions: To partake in an authentic night game drive, it is generally necessary to stay at a lodge or camp situated within a private game concession adjacent to the national park, rather than within the main park boundaries. These private operators possess special permissions to conduct night drives.
3. Predator Behavior: Some guides note that a bright full moon can make it more challenging to observe certain nocturnal predators, such as lions and leopards. The increased visibility allows prey animals to detect predators more easily. Consequently, predators may prefer darker nights for hunting or may choose to hunt during the day when the full moon provides excessive illumination at night.
4. Aesthetic Experience: The primary advantage of a full moon is the breathtaking, naturally illuminated landscape and exceptional stargazing opportunities, enhanced by minimal light pollution. It offers a magical and unique atmosphere in the bush.
5. Booking in Advance: Night drives are typically limited in availability and incur additional costs. Therefore, it is essential to book well in advance, particularly during peak seasons from June to October.
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