When to Visit Tanzania – Choosing the Best Safari Season
Tanzania is a year-round safari destination, but each season offers unique wildlife experiences. Whether you want to witness the Great Migration, enjoy lush green landscapes, or spot wildlife near waterholes in the dry season, here’s a guide to help you choose the best time for your adventure.
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February – The Green Season & Calving in the Serengeti
As the lush green season flourishes, the Southern Serengeti near Lake Ndutu becomes the heart of the Great Migration. Thousands of wildebeest give birth, creating one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles in Africa. The landscapes are vibrant, and the presence of predators is at its peak. Though some rain showers may occur, they rarely disrupt the safari experience.
Great Migration – Herds gather in the Southern Serengeti & Ndutu area, with thousands of wildebeest giving birth.
- Lush Landscapes – Tarangire’s baobab trees are full of leaves, and the entire region is beautifully green.
- Best Time for Predators – Big cats are highly active, preying on the vulnerable newborns.<br>
- Short Rain Showers are Possible, but they don’t disrupt game drives.
Safari Route: Arusha → Tarangire → Ngorongoro → Ndutu (Southern Serengeti) → Return to Arusha via Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge & shopping stop in Karatu.
April – Peak of the Long Rains (Avoid for Classic Safari)
April marks the peak of the long rains, transforming the landscape into a lush paradise but also making travel more challenging. The rains can be heavy, making roads slippery and some lodges close for the season. However, for those who don’t mind occasional downpours, this is a time of dramatic scenery, fewer tourists, and fantastic birdwatching.<br><br>
- Lush Landscapes & Fewer Tourists – If you don’t mind rain, this is the quietest time to visit.
- Heavy Rainfall & Slippery Roads – Some lodges and camps close.
May – Cooler, Drying Out & Stunning Wildlife Viewing
Following the rains, May offers crisp air, cooler temperatures, and excellent wildlife viewing as vegetation begins to thin out. This is one of the best months for an uncrowded, high-quality safari with great photography opportunities.
- Fresh from the Rains – Landscapes still green, but vegetation begins to thin, making wildlife easier to spot.
- Fewer Tourists – A quieter, less crowded time before peak season.
- Great Wildlife Viewing – Animals start congregating around water sources.
- Some lodges in the Western & Northern Serengeti are still closed as migration moves north.
Safari Route: Arusha → Tarangire → Ngorongoro → Central Serengeti → Return to Arusha via Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge & shopping stop in Karatu.
June – Start of the Dry Season & Peak Wildlife Action
The dry season begins, bringing clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and incredible game viewing. The Great Migration moves toward the Western Serengeti, with the first Grumeti River crossings occurring. As grass levels drop, big cats become easier to spot, making June an ideal safari month.
- Comfortable Temperatures – Days are mild, and humidity is low.
- Great Migration Moves North – Herds begin crossing the Grumeti River in the Western Serengeti.
- Excellent Big Cat Sightings – As grass levels drop, predators become easier to spot.
- Dryer Conditions Begin – Some areas lose greenery, but game viewing improves.
Safari Route: Arusha → Tarangire → Ngorongoro → Central Serengeti → Western Serengeti (depending on migration) → Return to Arusha via Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge & shopping stop in Karatu.
July – August: Peak Dry Season & High Demand
As the dry season takes hold, Tanzania reveals clear skies and stunning sunsets, providing the perfect backdrop for wildlife photography. While the landscape is drier, wildlife is easier to spot, and the beginning of the migration adds excitement to your adventure. The cooler temperatures make for a comfortable safari, with wildlife encounters becoming even more frequent.<br><br>
- Best for General Wildlife Viewing & Migration in the North<br>
- Cooler Weather & No Rain<br>
- Most Expensive Time – High demand, so book early
September – The Great Migration River Crossings
The climax of the Great Migration occurs in September, as thousands of wildebeest make the dramatic Mara River crossings. This is a top-tier safari month, with dry conditions and high concentrations of wildlife.<br><br>
Spectacular Mara River Crossings – Northern Serengeti is the best place to see dramatic wildebeest crossings.
- Prime Dry Season Game Viewing – Wildlife gathers near rivers and waterholes, making sightings more predictable.<br>
- Mild Weather – Dry, sunny days with cool evenings.<br>
- Peak Tourist Season – Popular lodges and camps can book out early.
- Flight Back from Serengeti – Due to the long overland journey, we recommend flying back from the Northern Serengeti to Arusha.
Safari Route: Arusha → Tarangire → Ngorongoro → Central Serengeti → Northern Serengeti (for Migration) → Fly back to Arusha.
October – November: Short Rains & Migration Moves South
As the short rains begin, the landscape transforms with new growth, and migrating herds start moving south toward the Serengeti. The rain is typically light and does not disrupt game drives. This is a fantastic time for budget-conscious travelers, as prices drop slightly compared to peak season.
- Shoulder Season Pricing & Fewer Crowds.
- Animals Dispersing from Waterholes – Still great sightings.
- Unpredictable Rainfall – Not as lush as the Green Season.
December – January: Mixed Weather & Dispersed Wildlife
December and January bring mixed conditions, with short rains ending and some dry spells. However, wildlife can be more dispersed, making sightings slightly less predictable. If you want warm temperatures and lush scenery, this could still be a decent time, but it is not the best for classic safaris.
- Green Landscapes with Fewer Tourists
- Wildlife More Dispersed – Not as concentrated as in peak seasons.
- Higher Prices Over the Holidays
Final Thoughts – When Should You Go?
- For the Great Migration: February (Calving), June (Western Serengeti), September (Mara River Crossings).
- For Green Landscapes & Fewer Crowds: February, May.
- For Classic Big Game Viewing: June–October (Dry Season).
- For Budget-Friendly Travel: May, October-November.
