Best Time to Go on Safari in Tanzania
Going on a safari in Tanzania is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — but if you go at the wrong time, you might miss out on the action. Tanzania’s wildlife follows natural cycles tied to rainfall and migration patterns, which means some months are better for safari adventures than others. Whether you want to witness the Great Migration or spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo), choosing the right time to visit makes all the difference.
This guide breaks down Tanzania’s safari seasons, weather patterns, and wildlife movements so you can plan the perfect trip.
🦒 Tanzania’s Safari Seasons Overview
Tanzania experiences two main safari seasons — the Dry Season and the Wet Season — each offering a unique experience:
| Season | Months | Conditions | Wildlife Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | June to October | Sunny, dry, cool nights | Best for wildlife viewing and Great Migration crossings |
| Wet Season | November to May | Short rains (Nov–Dec), Long rains (Mar–May) | Lush landscapes, fewer tourists, great for birdwatching and calving season |
☀️ Best Time for Safari – Dry Season (June to October)
The dry season is considered the peak safari season in Tanzania.
✅ Why It’s the Best Time:
✔️ Animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot.
✔️ Sparse vegetation improves visibility for wildlife photography.
✔️ Less risk of rain, so roads and trails are in better condition.
✔️ Comfortable daytime temperatures (20°C to 30°C / 68°F to 86°F).
🦓 Key Safari Highlights in the Dry Season:
Great Migration river crossings – From July to September, thousands of wildebeest and zebras brave crocodile-infested rivers in the Serengeti.
Big Five sightings – Easier to spot lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo as they gather around rivers and waterholes.
Ngorongoro Crater – Excellent for game viewing year-round, but the dry season brings more concentrated wildlife.
📍 Best Places to Visit:
Serengeti National Park – For the Great Migration.
Ngorongoro Crater – High concentration of wildlife.
Tarangire National Park – Large herds of elephants gather around the Tarangire River.
❌ Downsides:
Higher prices and more crowded lodges and camps.
Book early — popular camps fill up months in advance.
🌧️ Good Time for Safari – Short Wet Season (November to December)
The short rains from November to December create a beautiful green landscape without disrupting game viewing too much.
✅ Why It’s a Good Time:
✔️ Fewer tourists = more intimate safari experience.
✔️ Baby animals are born during this period — lots of predator action!
✔️ Lush green scenery makes for stunning photography.
✔️ Birdwatching is at its peak as migratory birds arrive.
🦒 Wildlife Highlights:
Calving season begins — expect to see young wildebeest, zebras, and impalas.
Predators (like lions and cheetahs) are more active, hunting the newborns.
📍 Best Places to Visit:
Southern Serengeti – Best for calving season.
Lake Manyara National Park – Lush landscapes and tree-climbing lions.
Ruaha National Park – Quieter with excellent game viewing.
❌ Downsides:
Occasional showers might affect game drives.
Some lodges may close for maintenance.
🌧️ Low Season – Long Wet Season (March to May)
The long rains from March to May are considered the low season.
✅ Why You Might Still Consider It:
✔️ Lodges and camps offer discounted rates.
✔️ Lush green landscapes and fewer tourists.
✔️ Excellent birdwatching as migratory species flock to the wetlands.
🦓 Wildlife Highlights:
Animals are still present, but they spread out due to available water.
Large predators like lions and leopards are harder to spot due to thick vegetation.
📍 Best Places to Visit:
Ngorongoro Crater – Great year-round for wildlife.
Tarangire National Park – Smaller crowds and dramatic scenery.
❌ Downsides:
Heavy rains can make some roads impassable.
Increased mosquito activity — pack insect repellent!
🦌 Best Time for the Great Migration
If witnessing the Great Migration is at the top of your list, timing is everything!
| Event | Location | Best Months |
|---|---|---|
| Calving Season (birth of wildebeest calves) | Southern Serengeti | January to March |
| River Crossings (Mara and Grumeti Rivers) | Northern Serengeti | July to September |
| Migration Back to Southern Serengeti | Serengeti Plains | October to November |
👉 Pro Tip: July and August are the best months to catch dramatic river crossings — but they’re also the most crowded. Book early!
🌅 Best Time for Climbing Kilimanjaro
If you’re adding a Mount Kilimanjaro trek to your safari, the best times to climb are:
✅ January to March – Colder but less crowded.
✅ June to October – Warmer and drier, but busier.
🏝️ Best Time for Zanzibar and Coastal Safaris
After your safari, why not relax on Zanzibar’s stunning beaches?
✅ June to October – Dry and sunny — perfect beach weather.
✅ December to March – Hot and humid, but great for snorkeling and diving.
💡 Pro Safari Tips
👉 Book early – For peak season (July to September), camps and lodges fill up quickly.
👉 Dress in layers – Mornings and evenings can be chilly, even in the dry season.
👉 Go for smaller camps – Fewer people means more intimate wildlife encounters.
👉 Hire an experienced guide – They know the animal patterns and the best viewing spots.
