Planning a Tanzania safari is an exciting adventure, but timing can make all the difference between a good trip and an extraordinary one. The best time to visit depends on what you want to see, your budget, and how you feel about crowds. This comprehensive month-by-month guide will help you choose the perfect time for your Tanzania safari.
Understanding Tanzania’s Safari Seasons
Tanzania has two main seasons that dramatically affect your safari experience:
Dry Season (June to October): Characterized by clear skies, sparse vegetation, and animals congregating around water sources. This is peak safari season with the best overall wildlife viewing but higher prices and more tourists.
Wet Season (November to May): Split into short rains (November-December) and long rains (March-May). Features lush green landscapes, fewer tourists, lower prices, and excellent birding, though some roads may be challenging and animals more dispersed.
Month-by-Month Safari Guide
January – February: Calving Season Paradise
Weather: Warm and mostly dry with occasional short showers. Temperatures range from 15-27°C (59-81°F).
Wildlife Viewing: Exceptional. The Great Migration herds are in the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area for calving season. Over 8,000 wildebeest are born daily, attracting predators in incredible numbers.
Crowds: Moderate to high, especially in prime calving areas.
Prices: High season rates apply.
Best For: Wildlife photographers and predator enthusiasts. The calving season offers dramatic predator-prey action with lions, cheetahs, and hyenas hunting vulnerable newborns. The southern Serengeti plains provide open landscapes perfect for photography.
Top Parks: Ndutu area (southern Serengeti), Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara.
March – April: Green Season Budget Option
Weather: Long rains arrive. Expect afternoon thunderstorms and muddy conditions. Temperatures are warm, averaging 17-25°C (63-77°F).
Wildlife Viewing: More challenging as animals disperse due to abundant water sources. Vegetation is thick, making spotting more difficult.
Crowds: Very low – you’ll often have sightings to yourself.
Prices: Lowest of the year, with discounts up to 30-40% on accommodations.
Best For: Budget travelers and birding enthusiasts. Over 500 bird species are present, many in breeding plumage. The landscape is stunningly green and photogenic. Solo travelers and couples who don’t mind rain will find exceptional value.
Considerations: Some camps close, and certain roads become impassable. Tarangire and Lake Manyara are better choices than Serengeti during this period.
Top Parks: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater (all-weather roads).
May: Shoulder Season
Weather: Transitional month. Rains taper off toward the end, but occasional showers continue. Pleasant temperatures around 15-26°C (59-79°F).
Wildlife Viewing: Improving as the month progresses. Migration herds begin moving northwest through the western corridor.
Crowds: Low – one of the quietest months.
Prices: Still discounted with green season rates extending into early May.
Best For: Value-seekers who want low prices without the heaviest rains. Late May offers a sweet spot with clearing weather, fewer tourists, and discounted rates.
Top Parks: Western Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater.
June – July: Peak Season Begins
Weather: Dry season starts. Clear, sunny days with cool mornings and evenings. Temperatures 13-26°C (55-79°F).
Wildlife Viewing: Excellent and improving daily. Animals gather at permanent water sources. June-July is when the Great Migration crosses the Grumeti River in the western Serengeti, though timing varies yearly.
Crowds: Increasing, especially in July. Book well in advance.
Prices: High season rates begin.
Best For: First-time safari goers wanting reliable weather and excellent wildlife viewing. Families visiting during summer holidays will find perfect conditions.
Highlight: The Grumeti River crossings (mainly July) feature dramatic crocodile attacks on migrating wildebeest, though these are less concentrated than the later Mara River crossings.
Top Parks: Serengeti (western and central), Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater.
August – September: Prime Safari Season
Weather: Peak dry season. Virtually no rain, clear skies, and cooler temperatures, especially in mornings. Ranges from 12-25°C (54-77°F).
Wildlife Viewing: Outstanding. This is the best time for the famous Mara River crossings as massive herds move into the northern Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara. Predator activity is intense, and animals are concentrated around rivers and waterholes.
Crowds: Peak season – expect full camps and busy game drives, particularly in the northern Serengeti.
Prices: Highest of the year.
Best For: Bucket-list travelers who want to witness the iconic Mara River crossings. Despite crowds and prices, this is when you’ll see the most dramatic wildlife spectacles. Ideal for those with flexible budgets prioritizing experience over cost.
Pro Tip: Book 9-12 months in advance for prime camps near the Mara River crossing points.
Top Parks: Northern Serengeti (Kogatende area), Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire (massive elephant herds).
October: Shoulder Season Excellence
Weather: Late dry season. Still mostly dry with occasional late-month showers. Warming temperatures 15-28°C (59-82°F).
Wildlife Viewing: Excellent. Animals remain concentrated around water, and the migration begins moving south from Kenya back into the Serengeti. Vegetation is sparse, making spotting easy.
Crowds: Decreasing as peak season ends.
Prices: Beginning to drop, especially late October. Better availability at popular lodges.
Best For: Smart travelers seeking the best of both worlds – excellent wildlife viewing with fewer crowds and slightly lower prices. Photographers benefit from dramatic, dusty landscapes and desperate animals at shrinking water sources.
Top Parks: Serengeti (central and eastern), Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater.
November – December: Short Rains and Great Value
Weather: Short rains bring brief afternoon showers. Generally warm and pleasant with temperatures 16-27°C (61-81°F). December often sees rains subsiding.
Wildlife Viewing: Good to very good. Migration herds return to the southern Serengeti by December. Newborn animals appear across parks. The landscape transforms from brown to lush green within weeks.
Crowds: Low to moderate. December holidays bring some uptick.
Prices: Reduced rates in November; December approaches high season pricing around Christmas/New Year.
Best For: Travelers seeking value with good wildlife viewing. November offers excellent discounts while December (outside holiday weeks) provides a balance of good weather, green scenery, and decent pricing.
Top Parks: By December, the southern Serengeti becomes prime, along with Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater.
Quick Reference: Best Time for Different Safari Goals
Best Overall Wildlife Viewing: August – September (dry season peak)
Best for Great Migration River Crossings: July – September (Mara River in northern Serengeti)
Best for Calving Season & Predator Action: January – February (southern Serengeti/Ndutu)
Best for Budget Travel: March – May and November (green season discounts)
Best for Fewer Crowds: April – May and November (avoid peak months)
Best for Photography: January – February (calving action) or June – October (golden light and clear skies)
Best for Birding: November – April (migratory species present)
Best Weather Guarantee: June – October (minimal rain)
Best Value Without Sacrificing Too Much: May, October, November (shoulder seasons)
Special Considerations by Traveler Type
First-Time Safari Visitors
Recommended: June – October. You want reliable weather, excellent wildlife viewing, and the peace of mind that comes with peak season infrastructure. Yes, you’ll pay more, but your first safari should be as worry-free as possible.
Wildlife Photographers
Recommended: January – February or late October. Calving season offers unparalleled predator action, while late dry season provides dramatic, dusty landscapes and animal concentrations. The golden light of dry season is unbeatable.
Budget-Conscious Travelers
Recommended: Late April – May or November. You’ll get significant discounts (30-40% off) while still seeing plenty of wildlife. Avoid March-early April when rains are heaviest.
Families with Children
Recommended: June – August or December – January. School holidays align with excellent viewing periods. June-August offers perfect weather, while December-January provides calving season excitement that captivates children.
Honeymooners
Recommended: June – July or October. Avoid the absolute peak crowds of August-September while still getting excellent conditions. More intimate experiences at luxury camps with slightly fewer guests.
Birdwatching Enthusiasts
Recommended: November – March. Migratory species from Europe and North Africa join resident birds, bringing totals over 500 species. The wet season greenery also attracts stunning breeding plumage.
Adventure Seekers & Repeat Visitors
Recommended: March – May (green season). Experience Tanzania’s wild side with dramatic storms, muddy roads, and the challenge of finding dispersed animals. The rewards include empty parks, lush scenery, and authentic wilderness.
Professional Tips for choosing the best time to visit Tanzania for Safari
Book Early: Peak season (June-October) requires 6-12 months advance booking for the best camps, especially for Mara River crossing areas.
Be Flexible: Wildlife doesn’t follow calendars perfectly. Migration timing can vary by 2-3 weeks year to year based on rainfall patterns.
Layer Your Clothing: Mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cold year-round, especially June-August. Bring warm layers even in summer months.
Consider Park Rotation: If visiting during shoulder or wet seasons, focus on parks with all-weather roads like Ngorongoro Crater and consider spending less time in the Serengeti.
Avoid Holiday Peaks: Christmas, New Year, and Easter see price spikes and crowding even during otherwise quiet months. Book early or travel just before/after these periods.
Check Camp Closures: Some seasonal camps close during April-May. Verify your preferred accommodations are open during your travel dates.
Expert Advice
There’s truly no “bad” time for a Tanzania safari – each season offers unique rewards. The dry season (June-October) provides the most reliable wildlife viewing and weather, making it ideal for first-timers despite higher costs and crowds. The wet season (November-May) offers budget-friendly adventures with dramatic landscapes and special events like calving season, perfect for photographers and repeat visitors.
Your perfect timing depends on your priorities: wildlife guarantees, budget constraints, photography goals, or crowd tolerance. Use this guide to match your travel style with Tanzania’s seasonal rhythms, and you’ll create an unforgettable safari experience regardless of when you visit.
Ready to start planning your Tanzania safari? Consider your must-see experiences, check your budget, and book early for peak seasons. The adventure of a lifetime awaits in any month you choose.
