Best Time to Go on a Tanzania Safari

Best Time to Go on a Tanzania Safari: Month-by-Month Travel Guide

When’s the best time to go on a Tanzania safari? Well, it depends on what you want to see, how you like to travel, and how comfortable you are with a little rain or a few extra tourists. Tanzania is a year-round safari destination, but each season has its own perks and quirks.

Whether you’re chasing the iconic Great Migration in the Serengeti or aiming for quiet game drives in Ruaha, this guide breaks down exactly what to expect month by month. Let’s dive in and figure out the perfect window for your wild adventure.

Understanding Tanzania’s Safari Seasons

Tanzania’s safari calendar revolves around two main seasons:

• Dry Season (June to October)
  This is the peak safari season. Expect clear skies, cooler temps, and the best wildlife viewing.

• Wet Season (November to May)
  Split into the short rains (Nov–Dec) and long rains (March–May), this season brings fewer tourists, lush scenery, and excellent birdwatching.

Now let’s zoom in on each month.

January to March: Calving Season and Clear Skies

Highlights:

• Wildebeest calving in the southern Serengeti

• Excellent predator sightings

• Clear, warm weather

This is one of the best times to witness dramatic scenes in the wild. January through March is calving season in the Ndutu region of the southern Serengeti. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest give birth, and where there are babies, predators follow. Lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are on the prowl.

Skies are mostly clear and the weather is warm but not stifling. This period offers great visibility for photographers and fewer crowds compared to peak migration months.

Best For:
Wildlife action, photographers, fewer tourists

April to May: Green Season and Fewer Crowds

Highlights:

• Lush green landscapes

• Fewer tourists and lower prices

• Birdwatching at its peak

This is the long rainy season. It pours regularly, especially in April, and roads can get muddy. Some camps and lodges even close during this period. But if you’re up for a more intimate, budget-friendly experience, this might be your window.

The vegetation is thick, which makes spotting animals a bit harder, but it’s a dream for birdwatchers. You’ll also enjoy stunning landscapes full of blooming flowers and dramatic skies.

Best For:
Budget travelers, bird lovers, solitude seekers

June to July: Start of the Dry Season and Great Migration

Highlights:

• Cooler temps and dry weather

• Wildebeest herds begin moving north

• Great viewing in western and central Serengeti

June marks the beginning of the dry season, and with it, the Great Migration kicks off as wildebeest begin heading north. By July, many of them are in the western and central Serengeti, making for dramatic river crossings and predator chases.

Temperatures are cooler, especially in the mornings and evenings. Expect more visitors, but also the kind of wildlife action that makes it all worthwhile.

Best For:
The Great Migration, mild weather, classic safari experience

August to October: Peak Safari Season

Highlights:

• River crossings in northern Serengeti

• Excellent wildlife visibility across the country

• Dry, sunny days with little rain

This is high season for a reason. The weather is nearly perfect—dry, sunny, and not too hot. The northern Serengeti becomes the main stage as wildebeest cross the Mara River, often into Kenya’s Masai Mara and back again.

Meanwhile, parks like Tarangire and Ruaha shine during this time as animals gather around water sources. Crowds can be high, and prices peak, but the sightings are incredible.

Best For:
The Great Migration, photographers, first-time safari travelers

November to December: Short Rains and Shoulder Season Charm

Highlights:

• Short, refreshing rain showers

• Lower rates and fewer tourists

• Migration herds return to southern Serengeti

The short rains typically begin in November and taper off by mid-December. These aren’t torrential downpours—more like occasional afternoon showers. This period is known as the shoulder season. Lodges drop their prices, crowds thin out, and the landscape turns beautifully green.

By late December, wildebeest are settling back into the southern Serengeti to begin the calving cycle again. Christmas and New Year weeks tend to be busy, so book early if you’re planning a holiday safari.

Best For:
Affordable safaris, fewer tourists, scenic beauty

Quick Safari Timing Summary