The Best Time to Visit Tanzania for Safari: A Month-by-Month Guide for Every Traveler

Tanzania is one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations, famous for the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, and vast wildlife. With its rich ecosystems, big cat sightings, and the legendary Great Migration, planning a safari in Tanzania is a bucket-list dream. But when exactly is the best time to visit Tanzania for safari?

The answer depends on what you want to see, your budget, and your travel style. This guide will help you understand the seasons, climate, wildlife behavior, and the pros and cons of each month so you can plan the perfect Tanzanian safari adventure.

1. Overview: Tanzania’s Safari Seasons

Tanzania has two main safari seasons:

Dry Season (June to October)

• Peak travel season

• Best wildlife visibility

• Cool and dry weather

Wet Season (November to May)

• Lush green landscapes

• Great for birdwatching and fewer tourists

• Some roads may be muddy or closed in heavy rains

2. Best Time for the Great Wildebeest Migration

The Great Migration is a world-famous wildlife event where over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. It’s a major highlight for safari-goers and occurs in different parts of the Serengeti throughout the year.

For river crossings, July to September is the best time to visit Tanzania for safari, particularly in the northern Serengeti.

3. Month-by-Month Safari Guide

January – Warm and Active

• Weather: Warm and relatively dry

• Wildlife: Calving season begins in southern Serengeti—great for predator action

• Ideal For: Wildlife photographers

February – Calving Season Peak

• Highlights: Thousands of baby wildebeests are born

• Predator Activity: High—lions, cheetahs, and hyenas take advantage

• Crowds: Moderate

March – Start of the Long Rains

• Weather: Increasing rainfall and humidity

• Scenery: Very green and beautiful

• Note: Good time for birdwatchers

April – Wet Season Begins

• Weather: Heavy rainfall

• Travel Tip: Some lodges close, roads may be slippery

• Pros: Lowest prices of the year

May – Green Season Continues

• Landscapes: Spectacular and lush

• Crowds: Fewest tourists

• Good For: Budget travelers and solitude seekers

June – Start of the Dry Season

• Weather: Rain eases, game-viewing improves

• Wildlife: Herds begin migrating north

• Ideal Time: Safari conditions improve significantly

July – Peak Safari Season

• Weather: Cool and dry

• Events: Wildebeest begin Grumeti River crossings

• Crowds: High; early booking recommended

• One of the Best Times to Visit Tanzania for Safari

August – Spectacular River Crossings

• Highlights: Mara River crossings in Northern Serengeti

• Animals: Big cats, elephants, giraffes, buffalo in abundance

• Ideal For: Classic big game safaris

September – Consistent Wildlife Action

• Wildlife: Peak predator-prey interactions

• Scenery: Dusty but excellent for spotting animals

• Booking: Plan at least 6 months in advance

October – Migration Moves South

• Weather: Warm and dry

• Good For: Less crowded, still excellent wildlife

November – Start of the Short Rains

• Rain: Scattered showers begin

• Wildlife: Herds moving south, still plenty to see

• Discounts: Lower prices than peak season

December – Festive Season

• Travel: Popular holiday time, especially Christmas/New Year

• Wildlife: Wildebeest arrive back in Southern Serengeti

• Good For: Combining safari with Zanzibar beach holidays

4. Best Time for Specific Safari Parks in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

• Best Time: June–October

• Why: Dry season is ideal for wildlife viewing and migration tracking.

Ngorongoro Crater

• Best Time: Year-round

• Why: It’s a contained ecosystem, so animals don’t migrate far.

Tarangire National Park

• Best Time: June–October

• Why: Elephants and game concentrate around the Tarangire River.

Selous Game Reserve & Ruaha National Park

• Best Time: June–October

• Why: Roads are accessible and animals are easier to spot.

Lake Manyara National Park

• Best Time: June–September

• Why: Tree-climbing lions and flamingos are more active in the dry season.

5. Best Time Based on Your Travel Preference

6. Pros and Cons of Each Season

Dry Season (Pros)

• Best for animal sightings

• No rain, comfortable travel

• Few mosquitoes

Dry Season (Cons)

• More tourists

• Higher prices

• Dusty landscapes

Wet Season (Pros)

• Lower costs

• Beautiful green landscapes

• Fewer tourists

Wet Season (Cons)

• Some lodges close

• Road conditions can be poor

• Wildlife harder to spot in tall grass

7. Tips for Booking the Perfect Safari

• Book Early: Especially for July–September

• Consider Local Operators: They know the terrain best

• Be Flexible: Shoulder seasons offer great value

• Pack Right: Include waterproof clothing and neutral colors

8. Combine Your Safari with Zanzibar

If you’re visiting Tanzania for safari, consider adding a few days in Zanzibar afterward. White sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and spice tours offer a relaxing end to an action-packed safari trip.

Best time for a Zanzibar beach holiday? June to October and December to February.

Conclusion: Timing Is Everything in Tanzania

The best time to visit Tanzania for safari depends on what you want to experience. Whether it’s the drama of the Great Migration, the magic of the calving season, or the peaceful beauty of the green season, Tanzania delivers unforgettable moments all year round.

With proper planning and insight into seasonal patterns, you’ll enjoy close encounters with lions, elephants, zebras, and wildebeest in some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth.