Best time for Tanzania Safari
The best time to visit Tanzania depends on what wildlife you’d like to spot. The country’s seasons and wildlife numbers are dictated by the rains, so you’ll have a slightly different experience depending on when you choose to visit.
Tanzania’s headline attraction is the Great Migration, which occurs year-round across the Serengeti. Many people flock here between July and September for a chance to witness huge herds of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River — panic ensues as they try to avoid the jaws of crocodiles and other predators waiting to pounce. You’ll see lots of vehicles in the park at this time of year, though.
Tanzania’s ‘green season’, between November and March, is much quieter. While there’s a chance of rain showers, it’s a fantastic time for bird watching as migratory species arrive in their thousands. You’ll also see Great Migration herds with their newly born calves.
The only time we tend to avoid Tanzania is between April and May, when heavy rains can disrupt wildlife viewing
Tanzania is one of the most sought-after safari destinations in the world, boasting diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and iconic national parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire. But like any adventure, timing plays a key role in maximizing the experience. Whether you want to witness the Great Migration, explore the Ngorongoro Crater’s biodiversity, or simply soak up the raw beauty of the African wilderness, understanding the best time for a safari in Tanzania can help ensure you have an unforgettable experience.
1. Dry Season: June to October – Peak Safari Time
The dry season is considered the best time for a safari in Tanzania, especially for those seeking to witness high volumes of wildlife in prime conditions.
Why it’s great:
- Wildlife Visibility: During the dry months, animals tend to gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. The vegetation is thinner, and animals are less scattered, so game viewing is at its best.
- Weather: The weather is generally sunny, with clear skies and low humidity, making it more comfortable for both wildlife and tourists.
- The Great Migration: If you’re visiting the Serengeti, the dry season coincides with the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras. While the herds can be found in various parts of the Serengeti throughout the year, the dry season is a prime time to witness dramatic river crossings, especially in the Grumeti River in June and the Mara River in August–September.
Best places to visit:
- Serengeti: The dry season is perfect for catching the Great Migration and large predator-prey interactions.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Dense wildlife populations make the crater a prime destination year-round, and the dry season ensures the roads aren’t muddy, making game drives easier.
- Tarangire National Park: Famous for its elephants, the park sees large numbers of wildlife congregating around the Tarangire River.
2. Green Season: November to May – A More Tranquil, Budget-Friendly Option
While the dry season gets most of the attention, the green season (or wet season) offers its own set of advantages, particularly for those who prefer a quieter, more affordable safari.
Why it’s great:
- Fewer Crowds: Fewer tourists visit Tanzania during the green season, meaning you can enjoy a more intimate experience with the wildlife and the landscapes.
- Lush Scenery: The parks and reserves transform into a vibrant, green paradise after the rains. This is the perfect time for photography, as the landscapes are stunningly lush and full of life.
- Birdwatching: Migratory birds flock to Tanzania during this season, making it ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts.
- Lower Costs: Because fewer tourists are around, safari packages, flights, and accommodations tend to be more affordable during this time.
Challenges:
- Rain: Although the rain isn’t constant, it can come in heavy bursts, especially from March to May. Some areas might be difficult to access due to muddy roads.
- Animal Visibility: With an abundance of water and food, animals may be more spread out, making sightings less predictable than in the dry season.
Best places to visit:
- Lake Manyara: This park is known for its lush landscapes, which thrive during the green season, and its birdlife, especially flamingos and other migratory species.
- Ruinsori Crater & Ngorongoro Crater: The terrain remains accessible, and the craters look magnificent with their green surroundings.
- Selous Game Reserve (now Nyerere National Park): This is one of the largest and least-visited parks, offering a more secluded experience, especially during the wet season.
3. Shoulder Seasons: December to February – A Sweet Spot for Wildlife and Weather
The months between the wet and dry seasons (usually December to February) can offer a sweet spot in terms of weather, wildlife, and fewer crowds.
Why it’s great:
- Migration Movement: Although the Great Migration is not at its peak, you can still witness impressive wildlife movement, particularly in the southern Serengeti. This is the calving season, when thousands of wildebeest give birth, drawing predators and creating dramatic scenes.
- Weather: The rains are lighter compared to the heavy downpours of March–May, so you can expect warm temperatures with some showers in the evenings or at night.
- Less Crowded: Compared to peak tourist months (July–September), the shoulder season tends to see fewer visitors while still offering good conditions for game viewing.
Best places to visit:
- Serengeti (Southern Serengeti in particular): Witness the birth of thousands of wildebeest calves and the ensuing predator activity.
- Tarangire: The landscape is still lush, and animal sightings are great as herds of elephants, giraffes, and buffalo are more spread out but still plentiful.
- Zanzibar Beach Extension: If you’re looking for some relaxation after your safari, the shoulder months are great for a beach holiday on Zanzibar.
Tips for Planning Your Safari:
- Flexibility: While the dry season is the most popular time to visit, a safari in the green season can be just as rewarding, especially if you are after a more serene experience. Just be ready for some rain!
- Safari Type: If you’re keen on seeing specific animals or experiences, such as the Great Migration, plan accordingly. But for more general wildlife watching, the shoulder and wet seasons offer great alternatives.
- Booking: Safari lodges and camps tend to book up quickly in the peak months (June–October), so it’s best to reserve well in advance if you’re traveling during that time.
Your Perfect Safari Timing
Tanzania is a year-round safari destination, but the best time for your adventure depends on your priorities. If you’re hoping to see the Great Migration, witness large predator-prey interactions, and enjoy sunny days, the dry season from June to October is ideal. For those seeking a quieter, more budget-friendly experience with lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching, consider visiting in the green season (November to May). The shoulder season from December to February offers a balanced experience with fewer crowds and excellent wildlife movements.
Ultimately, Tanzania is an incredible place to experience the raw beauty of nature, and no matter when you go, you’re in for a thrilling safari adventure!
Tanzania is one of the most sought-after safari destinations in the world, boasting diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and iconic national parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire. But like any adventure, timing plays a key role in maximizing the experience. Whether you want to witness the Great Migration, explore the Ngorongoro Crater’s biodiversity, or simply soak up the raw beauty of the African wilderness, understanding the best time for a safari in Tanzania can help ensure you have an unforgettable experience.
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Travelling to Tanzania during January to March
It’s hot and humid during February, and it’s the start of calving season when thousands of wildebeest give birth to their young and predators lie in wait. Approximately 500,000 wildebeest calves are born during this period. The plains are full of new life, taking their first teetering steps.
It’s extremely hot in Tanzania in March, early in the month it tends to be dry, although the ‘long rains’ have in previous years come early. The landscape turns an otherworldly green which is a strong contrast to the brown texture of the terrain over the summer months. The Ngorongoro Highlands receives short and sharp rainfall in the late afternoon, leaving the mornings pleasant. March is also considered a prime month to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro.
Visiting Tanzania in April & May
The beginning of May is still very wet, but things do start to dry out towards the end of the month as June welcomes in the dry season. During this month, the Great Migration is trekking from the southern Serengeti to the western corridor.
Visiting Tanzania from June to August
July is when peak safari season is in full swing and is the best time to travel to Tanzania for ideal weather and excellent game drive opportunities, as well as pairing up a Kenya and Tanzania safari. The Great Migration should have reached the northern parts of the Serengeti, getting ready for its main event: crossing the treacherous waters of the Mara River into Kenya. Read more to find out about a Kenya vs Tanzania safari.
August is still considered peak season with tourist crowds flocking to the northern safari circuit (Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti) and Zanzibar. Wildlife viewing is sensational, and the herds of the Great Migration should have started to cross the Mara River.
Travelling to Tanzania during September and October
October sees the building of thunderclouds and the arrival of the first rains. Mahale Mountains National Park during this month is the best time to travel to Tanzania for chimpanzee encounters, and Lake Tanganyika is at its warmest. If you’re wanting to climb Mount Meru, this is the best month to visit Arusha National Park.
Visiting Tanzania in November & December
December falls in the middle of the ‘short rains’ and the beginning of the month is usually quiet compared to the two weeks over Christmas and New Year. December is the perfect month for birdwatching as the migratory birds start to arrive – particularly in the Nyerere and Tarangire National Parks. The Great Migration has returned to the short grass plains of the southern Serengeti. It’s the ideal time for a Serengeti Safari in Tanzania witnessing feasting in preparation to calve and bringing new life on their year-round circular journey.