Choosing the best time for safari in Tanzania can significantly enhance your wildlife experience, impact your travel costs, and shape your overall adventure. Tanzania, known for its vast savannahs, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes, is a year-round safari destination. However, the timing of your trip can determine what wildlife you’ll see, the comfort of your journey, and how crowded the parks will be.

Safari timing in Tanzania revolves primarily around its distinct dry and wet seasons, with variations depending on specific parks and regions. From witnessing the dramatic Great Migration in the Serengeti to observing elephants crowding Tarangire’s riverbanks, knowing when to go can mean the difference between a good safari and an unforgettable one.

Tanzania’s Safari Seasons Explained

Tanzania’s climate divides the year into three major seasons: the dry season, the long rains, and the short rains. These seasons dramatically influence wildlife movements, tourist crowds, and travel logistics.

• Dry Season (June to October): Widely regarded as the best time for safari in Tanzania, this period offers excellent wildlife viewing due to sparse vegetation and animals congregating around water sources.

• Short Rains (November to December): Light rains fall, refreshing the landscape and bringing lush greenery. Though wildlife may be more spread out, it’s a great time for photographers and those seeking fewer tourists.

• Long Rains (March to May): Considered the low season, this period sees heavier rains. Some roads may be impassable, but accommodation rates drop, and birdlife thrives.

Each of these seasons offers a unique safari experience, and understanding their characteristics will help tailor your trip to your desires.

Dry Season in Tanzania (June to October)

The dry season is considered the peak safari period in Tanzania—and for good reason. The landscape turns golden and sparse, forcing animals to seek water at fewer sources, making them easier to spot.

Advantages of the dry season:

• Unobstructed views of animals due to minimal foliage

• Comfortable daytime temperatures and low humidity

• Almost no rain, making travel smoother

• Ideal conditions for witnessing predator-prey interactions

This is also the prime time to see parts of the Great Migration, especially in the northern Serengeti, where herds cross the Mara River—a spectacle marked by dramatic predator activity and intense river crossings.

However, this period also attracts the most visitors. Safari lodges and camps are in high demand, and prices are at their peak. It’s wise to book well in advance if traveling during this time.

Wet Season in Tanzania (November to May)

Contrary to popular belief, the wet season is not a time to completely avoid Tanzania. In fact, it’s one of the most beautiful and rewarding periods to explore its wilderness—if you plan wisely.

During the green season, the plains come alive with fresh vegetation, newborn animals, and dramatic skies. Migratory birds flock in from Europe and Asia, making it a paradise for bird watchers.

Highlights of the wet season:

• Stunning landscapes filled with wildflowers and green vistas

• Lower prices on accommodation and tours

• Fewer tourists, offering a more intimate safari experience

• Excellent birdwatching opportunities

While the long rains (March to May) may hinder road travel and access to some areas, the short rains (November to December) are brief and sporadic. Early morning and late afternoon game drives are still quite productive during these months.

The Great Migration Timing

One of the world’s most iconic wildlife events, the Great Migration, is a primary reason many people choose a specific time to go on safari in Tanzania. Millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move through the Serengeti in a continuous loop throughout the year.

• January to March: Calving season in the southern Serengeti. Thousands of wildebeest calves are born within weeks, attracting large predator activity.

• April to May: The herds begin moving north through the central Serengeti.

• June to July: The migration reaches the western corridor, often crossing the Grumeti River.

• August to October: The dramatic Mara River crossings occur in the northern Serengeti.

• November to December: The herds start migrating south again, completing the cycle.

To witness a particular phase of the migration, align your safari with these general timelines—but remember, nature is unpredictable, and exact timings can vary slightly each year.

Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is a year-round destination, but your ideal timing depends on what you want to see. For the Great Migration, aim for July to October in the north or January to March in the south.

• Dry Season (June to October): Excellent visibility and wildlife density

• Wet Season (November to May): Verdant landscapes and calving season highlights

Each month offers its own charm. While the migration steals the spotlight, resident game like lions, elephants, and giraffes are present throughout the year.