Best Time to Go on Safari in Tanzania
Deciding the best time to go on a safari in Tanzania depends on what you want to see and experience wildlife, weather, or fewer crowds. Tanzania’s seasons shape its parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire, so here’s a simple breakdown to help you pick the perfect time, based on current info as of March 23, 2025.
Tanzania’s Seasons
Tanzania has two main seasons:
- Dry Season (June to October): Sunny, cool, and dry perfect for spotting animals.
- Wet Season (November to May): Rainy, green, and lush great for scenery and fewer tourists.
These split into short and long rains, affecting wildlife and travel vibes.
Best Overall Time: June to October (Dry Season)
- Why It’s Great: Animals gather around rivers and waterholes (like the Tarangire River or Serengeti’s Grumeti), making them easy to spot. Clear skies mean awesome views of Kilimanjaro or the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Weather: Cool mornings (50-60°F/10-15°C), warm days (75-85°F/24-29°C), dry trails.
- Wildlife Highlights: Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, rhinos) are active; predators hunt more visibly.
- Crowds: Busy, especially July-August book early!
- Cost: Peak season prices ($300-$600/day for safaris).
- Best For: First-timers, photography buffs, and dry trails for walking safaris.
Best for the Great Migration: December to July
- Why It’s Special: The Serengeti’s Great Migration 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moves in a loop, chasing grass.
- Key Times:
- December-March (Calving Season): Southern Serengeti (Ndutu area) fills with baby wildebeest predators like lions feast. Short rains (November-December) keep it green but manageable.
- May-July (River Crossings): Western Serengeti and Mara River see dramatic crossings crocodiles and chaos! Rain tapers off by May.
- Weather: Mix of rain (March-April) and dry (June-July), warm (70-80°F/21-27°C).
- Crowds: Busy during crossings; quieter in calving season.
- Best For: Migration fans and thrill-seekers.
Best for Budget and Quiet: March to May (Wet Season)
- Why It’s Great: Fewer tourists, lower prices ($150-$300/day), and lush, green parks. Animals spread out, but birdlife explodes think flamingos at Lake Manyara.
- Weather: Heavy rains (April-May, 2-3 inches/day), lighter in March. Warm and humid (75-85°F/24-29°C).
- Wildlife: Harder to spot Big Five (they hide in thick bush), but babies are everywhere post-calving.
- Roads: Muddy 4WD vehicles are a must; some remote camps close.
- Best For: Birdwatchers, budget travelers, and those who love green landscapes.
Best for Specific Parks
- Serengeti: June-October for general wildlife; January-February for calving; June-July for river crossings.
- Ngorongoro: Year-round (crater keeps animals close), but June-October for dry views; March-May for quiet.
- Tarangire: July-October elephants flock to the river when swamps dry up.
- Zanzibar (Post-Safari): June-October for dry beach days; avoid April-May rains.
Quick Tips
- High Season (June-September): Book 6-12 months ahead for lodges and guides.
- Shoulder Seasons (November, March): Good mix of lower costs and decent weather.
- Avoid April-May: Long rains can flood roads, especially in remote parks like Katavi.
My Take
If you want the classic safari dusty plains, lions lazing by water, and clear Kilimanjaro shots go June to October. For the Migration’s raw drama, aim for December-March or June-July. If you’re chill with rain and want a deal, March is sneaky-good. Tanzania’s wild heart shines year-round; just match your trip to what moves you most!
