“When should we come?” is the first question almost every traveller asks us – and the honest answer is: it depends what you want to see. Tanzania is a year-round safari destination, but each season has its own character, crowds and prices. Here is how our guides think about the calendar after years of driving the Serengeti.
The short answer
- Best overall game viewing: late June to October (dry season).
- Best for newborn animals and predator action: January to March (calving season in Ndutu).
- Best value and fewest vehicles: April, May and early November (green season).
January to March: calving season
The Great Migration herds gather on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area around Ndutu. Around half a million wildebeest calves are born in just a few weeks, usually peaking in February – and lions, cheetahs and hyenas are never far away. It is warm, green and photogenic, with occasional afternoon showers. It is also a great time to climb Kilimanjaro.
April and May: the green season
The long rains arrive. Roads can be muddy and a few seasonal camps close, but the parks are lush, birdlife is spectacular and you will often have sightings to yourself. Lodges offer their lowest rates, so this is the time for a luxury safari on a mid-range budget. Ask us which parks still work well – the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire are good choices.
June and July: the herds move north
As the plains dry out, the migration moves through the Western Corridor, where the first river crossings happen at the Grumeti River. By July the herds start reaching the northern Serengeti. The weather is dry, sunny and pleasantly cool, and game viewing everywhere improves as animals gather around water.
August to October: Mara River crossings and peak season
This is classic safari time. Wildebeest crowd the banks of the Mara River in the far north of the Serengeti, and the crossings – with crocodiles waiting – are one of nature’s great dramas. Tarangire is also at its best, with hundreds of elephants along the river. It is peak season, so we recommend booking 6-12 months ahead, especially for smaller camps.
November and December: the short rains
Short showers turn the land green again and the herds stream back south. Crowds thin out before the Christmas holidays, and prices drop slightly. It is a lovely, underrated time to travel – and a good fit for combining a safari with Zanzibar.
What about Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar?
The best Kilimanjaro months are January to early March and late June to October. Zanzibar is dry and sunny from June to October and December to February. See our guides to Kilimanjaro routes and Zanzibar holidays.
Our advice
Pick your season by your priorities, not by the brochure. If you dream of river crossings, come in August or September. If you want baby animals and cats on the hunt, come in February. If you want space and value, the green season is wonderful. Whatever you choose, we will position your camps where the action is.
Not sure when to travel? Start planning your tailor-made trip or message us on WhatsApp (+255 763 222 443).