One of the most common questions travelers ask when planning a safari is: When is the best time to visit Tanzania?
The short answer: Tanzania is a year-round safari destination.
The long answer depends on what you want to see, your travel style, and your budget.
In this month-by-month guide, we break down weather, wildlife, and travel highlights to help you choose the perfect time for your Tanzania safari.
Understanding Tanzania’s Safari Seasons
Tanzania has two main seasons that affect safari experiences:
Dry Season (June to October)
Best overall wildlife viewing
Short grass makes animals easier to spot
Peak season for the Great Wildebeest Migration
Cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall
Green Season (November to May)
Lush landscapes and fewer tourists
Excellent birdwatching
Calving season with dramatic predator action
Better safari value and special offers
💡 Important: Wildlife is present year-round—animals do not disappear during the green season.
Month-by-Month Safari Guide
January – February: Calving Season
Best time to see newborn wildebeest and zebras
Intense predator activity
Excellent photography opportunities
Warm temperatures and green landscapes
📍 Best areas: Southern Serengeti, Ndutu region
March – May: Green & Low Season
Fewer tourists and lower rates
Dramatic skies and lush scenery
Peak birdwatching season
Occasional heavy rains (especially April)
📍 Best for: Budget travelers, photographers, nature lovers
June: Start of the Dry Season
Wildlife concentrations increase
Weather becomes cooler and drier
Start of peak safari season
📍 Best areas: Western Serengeti, Grumeti River
July – August: Peak Safari Season
Prime wildlife viewing
Famous river crossings of the Great Migration
Ideal weather conditions
📍 Best areas: Northern Serengeti, Mara River
⚠️ This is the busiest time—advance booking is essential.
September – October: Excellent Game Viewing
Fewer crowds than July–August
Animals gather around water sources
Excellent predator sightings
📍 Best areas: Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater
November: Short Rains
Landscapes turn green again
Fewer tourists
Excellent value safari options
📍 Best for: Travelers seeking quieter safaris
December: Festive Season Safari
Great weather and wildlife
Popular travel period
Ideal for combining safari and Zanzibar beach holidays
📍 Best areas: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire
Best Time to Visit Tanzania Based on Interests
For the Great Wildebeest Migration
January–February: Calving in Southern Serengeti
June–July: Migration moves north
July–September: River crossings in Northern Serengeti
For the Big Five
June–October offers the best chance due to shorter grass and concentrated wildlife
For Birdwatching
November–April is ideal, with migratory birds present
For Budget Travelers
March–May and November offer lower rates and fewer crowds
For Honeymooners & Luxury Travelers
June–October for premium weather
January–February for exclusive, less crowded experiences
Is There a Bad Time to Visit Tanzania?
There is no bad time to visit Tanzania for a safari—only different experiences. Even during rainy months, wildlife viewing remains excellent, and the landscapes are at their most beautiful.
The key is choosing the right itinerary for the season, which is where local expertise matters most.
Plan the Perfect Safari at the Right Time
At Nguto Expeditions, we design tailor-made safaris based on the best wildlife movements, weather patterns, and your personal interests. Whether you’re planning around the Great Migration, a family holiday, or a romantic escape, we’ll help you travel at the perfect time.
👉 Contact Nguto Expeditions today and let us plan your Tanzania safari at the ideal time of year.
