Discover the best time to visit Tanzania for safari. Month by month guide to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and beyond with tips for wildlife viewing and travel planning.
Introduction
Planning a safari in Tanzania is a once in a lifetime adventure. But one of the most common questions travelers ask is: When is the best time to visit Tanzania for safari? The answer depends on what you want to see, whether it’s the Great Migration in the Serengeti, predator action in the Ngorongoro Crater, or birdwatching during the lush green season. This guide breaks down Tanzania’s safari calendar month by month, helping you choose the perfect time for your journey.
Tanzania Safari Seasons Overview
- Dry Season (June to October): Best for wildlife viewing, clear skies, and the Great Migration river crossings.
- Green Season (November to May): Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, excellent birdwatching, and calving season in Serengeti.
Month‑by‑Month Safari Guide
January & February: Calving Season
- Wildebeest calving in the Southern Serengeti.
- High predator activity (lions, cheetahs, hyenas).
- Warm weather, good visibility.
March & May: Green Season
- Rainy months, but landscapes are lush and vibrant.
- Excellent for birdwatching and photography.
- Fewer tourists, lower safari costs.
June & July: Dry Season Begins
- Wildlife congregates around waterholes.
- Start of the Great Migration river crossings.
- Cool mornings, warm afternoons.
August & September: Peak Safari Season
- Best time for Serengeti Mara River crossings.
- High wildlife density in Ngorongoro Crater.
- Popular months, book early for lodges.
October: End of Dry Season
- Still excellent for game viewing.
- Slightly fewer crowds compared to August/September.
- Transition into short rains.
November & December: Short Rains
- Landscapes turn green again.
- Migratory birds arrive.
- Good safari deals, fewer tourists.
Green Season vs Peak Season Safaris
- Green Season: Affordable rates, lush scenery, birdwatching, calving season.
- Peak Season: Best wildlife viewing, Great Migration highlights, higher costs.
Practical Tips for Safari Timing
- Budget travelers: Consider March to May or November for lower prices.
- Luxury travelers: June to October for premium lodges and iconic wildlife encounters.
- Photographers: January & February for dramatic predator‑prey interactions.
Conclusion
Choosing the best time to visit Tanzania depends on your safari goals, whether it’s witnessing the Great Migration, spotting the Big Five, or enjoying a quieter green season adventure. No matter when you travel, Tanzania offers unforgettable wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes.
Ready to plan your safari? Book with our expert team in Tanzania for tailor made itineraries across Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Kenya’s Masai Mara, Uganda, and Rwanda. Let us design your perfect safari adventure today.
