Best Time To Go On Safari

Best Time to Go on Safari in Tanzania

The best time for your Tanzania safari depends on what matters most to you: wildlife, weather or fewer people. The seasons shape parks like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire, so here's a simple breakdown to help you choose. This guide was last checked on March 23, 2025.

Tanzania's Seasons

Tanzania has two main seasons:

Dry Season (June to October): Sunny, cool and dry. This is the easiest time to spot animals.
Wet Season (November to May): Rainy and green, with good scenery and fewer visitors.
The wet season is split into the short rains and the long rains, and each one changes where the animals are and how easy it is to get around.

Best Overall Time: June to October (Dry Season)

Why it's good: Animals gather around rivers and waterholes, like the Tarangire River or the Serengeti's Grumeti, so they're easier to find. Clear skies give you good views of Kilimanjaro and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Weather: Cool mornings (50-60°F/10-15°C), warm days (75-85°F/24-29°C) and dry trails.
Wildlife: The Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo and rhinos) are active, and you're more likely to see predators hunting.
Crowds: Busy, especially in July and August, so book early.
Cost: Peak-season prices ($300-$600/day for safaris).
Best for: First-time visitors, photographers and anyone who wants dry ground for walking safaris.

Best for the Great Migration: December to July

Why it's special: In the Serengeti's Great Migration, about 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles move in a big loop, following the fresh grass.
Key times:
- December-March (Calving Season): The southern Serengeti around Ndutu fills with newborn wildebeest, and lions and other predators follow. The short rains (November-December) keep the plains green, but the roads are still manageable.
- May-July (River Crossings): The herds cross the rivers of the western Serengeti and the Mara River, with crocodiles waiting in the water. The rain eases off by May.
Weather: A mix of rain (March-April) and dry days (June-July), warm at 70-80°F/21-27°C.
Crowds: Busy during the crossings; quieter in calving season.
Best for: Anyone who wants to see the Migration up close.

Best for Budget and Quiet: March to May (Wet Season)

Why it's good: Fewer visitors, lower prices ($150-$300/day) and green parks. The animals spread out, but bird life is at its best; look for the flamingos at Lake Manyara.
Weather: Heavy rain in April-May (it can reach 2-3 inches a day), lighter in March. Warm and humid (75-85°F/24-29°C).
Wildlife: The Big Five are harder to see because they hide in thick bush, but there are young animals everywhere after the calving season.
Roads: Muddy, so a 4WD vehicle is a must, and some remote camps close.
Best for: Birdwatchers, travelers on a budget and anyone who loves green landscapes.

Best Time for Specific Parks

Serengeti: June-October for general wildlife; January-February for calving; June-July for river crossings.
Ngorongoro: Good all year, because the crater keeps the animals close. Come in June-October for dry, clear views, or March-May for quiet.
Tarangire: July-October, when the swamps dry up and elephants gather at the river.
Zanzibar (after your safari): June-October for dry beach days; avoid the April-May rains.

Quick Tips

High Season (June-September): Book lodges and guides 6-12 months ahead.
Shoulder Seasons (November, March): A good mix of lower prices and decent weather.
Avoid April-May: The long rains can flood roads, especially in remote parks like Katavi.

Our Advice

For a classic safari, with dusty plains, lions resting near water and clear photos of Kilimanjaro, come between June and October. For the Migration, aim for December-March or June-July. If you don't mind some rain and want a better price, March is a good choice. There's something to see in Tanzania all year; just pick the season that fits what you want most from your trip.