Tanzania in shoulder season — best decision I made

Visited Tanzania in shoulder season deliberately and the decision paid off completely. Zanzibar beaches without peak crowds is a totally different experience. Stone Town Zanzibar felt lived-in rather than touristy. Found a small place doing the best spiced chai I've ever tasted — something that would have been invisible in high season when everything fills with visitors.

climbing Kilimanjaro was particularly magical with fewer people around. The weather was fine. The prices were better. If you have flexibility, avoid peak season.