Tanzania is a premier safari destination that offers unparalleled wildlife experiences throughout the year. From the iconic Great Migration in the Serengeti to the stunning landscapes of Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s most famous parks and reserves. However, choosing the best time to visit for your safari can be a challenge, as different months bring distinct wildlife activities, weather patterns, and landscape changes.
This month-by-month guide will help you plan your safari adventure in Tanzania, ensuring that you visit at the right time to witness the natural wonders that make Tanzania a bucket-list destination.
January to March: Calving Season and the Green Season
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Weather: These months fall within Tanzania’s wet season, also known as the “Green Season,” when short rains from November start to taper off. The landscape is lush and vibrant, providing a beautiful backdrop for wildlife photography.
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Wildlife: January to March is the calving season for the wildebeest in the southern Serengeti. During this time, thousands of newborn wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles can be seen across the plains, attracting predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. This is an excellent time for witnessing dramatic predator-prey interactions.
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Best Parks: The Southern Serengeti and Ndutu region are prime locations during this period for the Great Migration's calving season. Ngorongoro Crater is also great for wildlife viewing due to the concentration of animals within the caldera.
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Why Visit: Fewer tourists and greener landscapes make this period an ideal time for photographers and travelers looking to avoid the crowds. It’s also perfect for witnessing the fascinating circle of life as newborn calves take their first steps while predators lurk nearby.
April to May: The Long Rains and Quietest Safari Season
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Weather: April and May are characterized by long, heavy rains. Some roads in more remote parks may become impassable, and the lodges are typically quieter due to fewer visitors.
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Wildlife: While wildlife viewing is still possible, animals may be harder to spot as they disperse with the abundant water sources. However, the rains create incredibly lush landscapes, with blossoming flowers and full rivers.
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Best Parks: Parks like Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater remain accessible year-round, though some lodges in more remote areas may close. The Serengeti still offers excellent opportunities to witness resident wildlife.
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Why Visit: Lower prices, fewer tourists, and the chance to see Tanzania’s parks at their greenest make this a great time for budget travelers or those seeking solitude. Birdwatchers will also enjoy this period as migratory species flock to the wetlands.
June to July: The Start of the Dry Season and the Great Migration
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Weather: June marks the start of the dry season, with clear skies, cooler temperatures, and very little rainfall. The landscape begins to dry out, and wildlife becomes easier to spot as animals congregate around water sources.
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Wildlife: June and July are ideal months for catching the Great Migration as the herds of wildebeest and zebras begin their journey from the Southern Serengeti toward the Western Corridor and the Grumeti River. By July, the herds start crossing into the northern Serengeti.
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Best Parks: The Serengeti, especially the Western Corridor and Grumeti River, is a prime location for witnessing the Great Migration at this time. Tarangire National Park also becomes a hotspot for large elephant herds.
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Why Visit: June and July are perfect for travelers looking to experience the Great Migration’s river crossings and witness large concentrations of animals. It’s also one of the best times to visit Tanzania’s northern parks, with dry conditions making game viewing easy.
August to September: Peak Safari Season and River Crossings
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Weather: The dry season continues, with minimal rainfall and warm days. The landscapes are golden and dusty, and water sources become scarce, drawing more animals to rivers and waterholes.
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Wildlife: August and September are peak months for the famous Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti. This dramatic event sees thousands of wildebeest braving crocodile-infested waters as they migrate into Kenya’s Masai Mara.
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Best Parks: The northern Serengeti is the place to be during this time for the Great Migration’s river crossings. Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire also offer excellent game viewing as animals concentrate around remaining water sources.
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Why Visit: These months are perfect for travelers looking for intense wildlife action, including the thrilling Mara River crossings. The dry conditions and plentiful wildlife make it one of the best times for safari in Tanzania, though it’s also the busiest.
October: The Transition Month and Smaller Crowds
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Weather: October marks the end of the dry season, with temperatures starting to rise and the landscape becoming more parched. Rain showers may begin towards the end of the month as the short rains approach.
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Wildlife: The Great Migration may still be seen in the northern Serengeti, with wildebeest herds making their return journey south. As the dry season draws to a close, animals remain concentrated around rivers and waterholes, providing excellent game-viewing opportunities.
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Best Parks: The northern Serengeti remains a great location to witness the migration, while Tarangire and Lake Manyara also offer rewarding wildlife experiences.
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Why Visit: October is a good month to visit if you’re looking for fewer tourists and excellent wildlife viewing before the short rains begin. It’s a great time to witness the migration and enjoy Tanzania’s parks in relative tranquility.
November: The Short Rains and Birdwatching Paradise
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Weather: November brings the start of the short rains, but these showers are typically brief and do not disrupt wildlife viewing. The rains rejuvenate the landscapes, turning the plains green again.
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Wildlife: Wildlife is still easy to spot, and the return of the rains brings an abundance of birdlife. Migratory birds arrive from Europe and Asia, making this a fantastic time for birdwatching. The wildebeest herds move back into the southern Serengeti for calving season.
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Best Parks: The southern Serengeti starts seeing the return of the migratory herds, while Tarangire and Lake Manyara are excellent for birdwatching. Parks are lush and full of life, with fewer tourists.
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Why Visit: November is ideal for bird enthusiasts, as well as travelers seeking a quieter safari experience. The rains bring beautiful landscapes, and wildlife viewing is still excellent despite the occasional shower.
December: Festive Season and Wildlife in Abundance
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Weather: December falls within the short rainy season, but showers are generally mild and followed by sunny periods. Temperatures are warm, making it a pleasant time to travel.
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Wildlife: The wildebeest herds are in the southern Serengeti for calving season, providing a great opportunity to witness the start of the migration cycle. Resident wildlife can be seen throughout Tanzania’s parks, and the landscapes remain lush and green.
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Best Parks: The southern Serengeti and Ndutu region are key areas for seeing the Great Migration’s calving season. Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara also offer excellent game viewing with fewer tourists.
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Why Visit: December is a great month for travelers looking to combine a festive holiday with a safari adventure. The green landscapes, abundance of wildlife, and returning migratory herds make it a fantastic time to visit Tanzania.
Conclusion: Tailoring Your Safari to the Seasons
Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife offer something spectacular throughout the year. Whether you’re drawn to the drama of the Great Migration or the tranquility of the green season, planning your safari based on the time of year allows you to tailor your experience to your preferences.
At Furaha Adventures, we specialize in helping you find the perfect time to visit based on your safari goals. Whether you’re seeking iconic river crossings or quiet wildlife encounters, we’ll ensure that your Tanzanian safari is nothing short of extraordinary.
