Scheduling a Tanzania safari always begins with the same essential question: when should I go? It depends on the experiences you want and the animals you want to see. You might want to observe the Great Wildebeest Migration, take photos of newborn wildebeest at Ndutu, enjoy good dry season game drives, get away from the crowds, or take advantage of reduced green season prices.
Tanzania is a country to visit any time of year, yet every month brings its own unique features. The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara all change with the seasons, rainfall, planting, and wildlife migration. The Great Wildebeest Migration isn’t a one-time event that happens on a single day; it’s an ongoing process in the Serengeti ecosystem.
The following month-by-month guide will help you determine the best time for a Tanzania safari.
Best Safari Months at a Glance
This is for a better and quicker overview of the best Tanzania safari months:
| Month | Weather | Best For | Crowd Level | Pice |
| January | Warm, green | Calving Season | Moderate | Moderate |
| February | Warm, green | Calving Season | Moderate | Moderate |
| March | Warm, wet | Calving Season, Photography | Moderate | Moderate |
| April | Long rains | Lean season | Very Low | Low |
| May | Wet | Lean season | Very low | Low |
| June | Dry, cooler | Migration movement | High | High |
| July | Dry, cooler | Grumeti crossing | High | High |
| August | Dry, sunny | Mara crossing | High | High |
| September | Dry, sunny | Wildlife tours, birdwatching | High | High |
| October | Dry, warm | Game viewing, zanzibar, forest trekking | High | High |
| November | Short rains | Birdwatching | Moderate | Moderate |
| December | Green, warm | Migration retreat | Moderate | Moderate |
Please note: Prices may vary based on activities, camps, lodges, exact travel dates, transportation, and customized services.
What’s Your Priority? Find Your Best Safari Month
You may already have decided what you want in a Tanzania safari; this quick guide can help you narrow down the best time to go to Tanzania on a safari:
- Chasing the Great Migration
If you want to witness the biggest movement of wildebeest, then July to October is the right time of the year for you. The best place to be then is the northern Serengeti. But remember that migration is an all-year-round process. From January to March, the calving season is in Ndutu. After that, the wildebeest move into the Western Corridor and northwards.
2. Best Value & Fewer Crowds
Those tourists seeking to maximize value and minimize crowds may consider April, May, and November. April and May bring heavy rains and some of the fewest tourist arrivals of the year. Green-season lodging costs can be around 20% to 40% lower than peak-season prices, depending on the lodge and activities. The only hindrances are rainier weather, lush vegetation, and rougher roads.
3. Guaranteed Dry Weather
If you want to ensure dry weather throughout your safari, the period between June and October is highly recommended. During this time, vegetation is sparse, and water sources are scarce. Wildlife is also easier to see. This is Tanzania’s busiest period.
4. Newborn Wildlife & Green Season Photography
January to March is particularly unique for those who enjoy baby animals, predator behavior, green scenery, and photography. Many baby wildebeest are born in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area, where huge numbers of wildebeest gather.
Tanzania Safari Seasons Explained
Safari seasons in Tanzania are largely shaped by rainfall. There are no “good” or “bad” seasons; rather, the season determines which activities you can do and what safari tourists can see at that time. Here’s how the two major safari seasons are divided:
Dry Season (June–October)
The June to October dry season is Tanzania’s traditional safari season and is also considered the best time for an African safari. Rainfall decreases, and the vegetation thins out. Animals congregate in areas with more reliable water, making wildlife easier to see.
This period also includes much-anticipated parts of the Great Migration. The Western Corridor is critical from June to July, while the northern section of the Serengeti draws attention from July onward because of the Mara River crossings.
Green Season (November–May)
This season features rains, greenery, young animals, bird migration, and lower visitor numbers. November and December usually have short rains, while March to May have long rains.
January to March can be quite good, especially because of the calving period in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu. April and May are quite wet, with chances of muddy terrain and temporary camp closure, but still quite attractive with fewer cars around.
Best Time to Go on Safari, Month by Month
Let’s be clear: wildlife movement can be unpredictable, but seasonal movements and indigenous species in particular national parks and reserves can be spotted. The ideal safari seasons in Africa depend on where the animals are and what you want to experience.
Here’s a month-by-month guide for you:
January
January falls within the green season in Tanzania, and the weather is usually warm with sporadic rainfall. The Southern Serengeti and Ndutu areas gain more significance as the wildebeest congregate in preparation for their calving season.
Wildlife is abundant, and the scenic environment is ideal for photography, while migratory birds are plentiful. January is therefore good for bird watchers.
Where to go:
- Ndutu
- Southern Serengeti
- Central Serengeti
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Travel tip for Tanzania: January is an ideal month for travelers who desire to enjoy the onset of the calving season without waiting until February.
February
February is one of the best months to visit Tanzania if you want to see young animals. Many wildebeest moms and their calves are in the Ndutu plains and southern Serengeti, making it easy to see lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and other predators.
February combines young animals, predators, green plains, and great game-viewing opportunities, making it appealing to photographers and wildlife fans.
Where to go:
- Ndutu
- Southern Serengeti
- Central Serengeti
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Tanzania tip: If calving season matters to you, book your trip as early as possible.
March
March ushers in the long rains. Vegetation is still green, and calving can be in full swing in the southern Serengeti.
The number of tourists usually starts to decrease, so March is ideal for those looking for less crowded game drives. Rain is likely as the month goes on, although showers could bring beautiful weather and good photographic conditions.
Where to go:
- Ndutu
- Southern Serengeti
- Central Serengeti
- Ngorongoro Crater
Tanzania Tip: March provides a nice compromise between wildlife viewing, good scenery, and fewer tourists.
April
April is when the rains in Tanzania are at their height and is usually considered one of the quietest months for a safari. Rain can wreak havoc on road access, and some camps shut down during this time.
This month, however, shouldn’t be completely ruled out. The landscapes are lush and green, the light can be spectacular for photos, and prices can be much lower than peak-season rates. This is especially appealing to seasoned safari-goers who like the idea of seclusion and aren’t put off by wet weather.
Where to go:
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Tarangire National Park
- Lake Manyara National Park
Tanzania tip: April suits flexible travelers who want value for money, photo opportunities, and far fewer cars around.
May
The rains continue in May, though the weather usually starts to shift toward drier conditions by the end of the month. Migrating wildlife in the Serengeti moves further north and west as new grazing areas become available.
If you are willing to put up with some rain, May offers an unusually secluded safari. With lush foliage, impressive cloud formations, and fewer visitors, the scenery contrasts sharply with the busy July-September period.
Where to go:
- Western Serengeti
- Central Serengeti
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Tarangire
Travel tip: Late May can be especially exciting for those who would like to experience a change in the weather while taking advantage of green season prices.
June
June marks the start of the more predictable dry season. It gets less rainy, becomes cooler, and the Serengeti looks drier, and it is traditionally the best time for a Tanzania safari.
Migration crosses the Western Corridor and heads north into the Serengeti. The Grumeti region can get especially exciting, depending on the rains and the herd’s movements.
Where to go:
- Western Serengeti
- Grumeti region
- Central Serengeti
- Ngorongoro Crater
Tanzania tip: June can be an ideal transition month for those who want good game viewing but don’t want to cope with the crowds.
July
July is considered to be one of the best times for safari in Tanzania. The weather is usually dry and cool, and the Great Migration is making its way toward the northern Serengeti.
The Grumeti River may play an important role in early July, while the northern Serengeti will gain significance as the migrating animals head for the Mara River. The exact timing of the crossing can’t be guaranteed, since the migration depends on rainfall and grazing rather than calendar dates.
Where to go:
- Northern Serengeti
- Kogatende
- Western Serengeti
- Central Serengeti
Tanzania tip: July is a great option for a migration safari, especially to see hungry Nile crocodiles lurking in the Grumeti River to get wildebeest. The predator-prey action is a wonder of nature’s circle of life.
August
August is prime safari time in Tanzania. The northern Serengeti is a hotspot for people who want to see amazing Mara River crossings.
The climate is usually dry, visibility is good, and the conditions for wildlife watching are great. The downside is increased demand, especially at popular northern Serengeti locations.
Where to go:
- Northern Serengeti
- Kogatende
- Lamai
- Central Serengeti
- Ngorongoro Crater
Tanzania tip: If you’re planning to see a Mara River crossing, you should plan to spend a few days in the northern Serengeti rather than just one day.
September
September belongs to the dry season and is an equally good month for observing northern Serengeti migration.
Herds may linger near the Mara River, while resident wildlife will be very active in the Serengeti. September can also be a good time for game viewing thanks to improved weather conditions and low vegetation.
Where to go:
- Northern Serengeti
- Kogatende
- Lamai
- Central Serengeti
- Ngorongoro Crater
Tanzania Tip: September is particularly suitable for tourists who want to combine migration with dry-season game viewing.
October
October is usually dry and warm, though conditions change as the rains draw near. For most safari operators and tourists over the years, the best time to go on safari in Africa officially ends in October.
Migration behavior may be unpredictable because the herds start leaving the northern Serengeti. This doesn’t mean October is a bad month. Resident game is really good, and the northern Serengeti may still offer some migration views.
Where to go:
- Northern Serengeti
- Central Serengeti
- Tarangire
- Ngorongoro Crater
Tanzania tip: October is a nice choice for travelers seeking dry weather but do not want to build their whole schedule around one particular migration event.
November
November signals the start of the short rains in Tanzania, rejuvenating the environment and marking the herd’s yearly migration south.
The rainy season doesn’t interrupt life as much as the long-rain season does, and this season’s greenery, birds, fewer tourists, and lower prices make November an ideal time to visit.
Where to go:
- Central Serengeti
- Southern Serengeti
- Ngorongoro
- Tarangire
Tanzania tip: November is one of the finest months for a traveler looking for a less strenuous Tanzanian safari experience, without the difficulty of April and May.
December
December is getting greener as the rainy season continues. The migratory herds are heading south toward their calving grounds, and the Serengeti is a safari destination year-round.
Traveling during the holidays may be expensive, but if you want to save money, traveling during off-festive periods might help. Here to go:
- Southern Serengeti
- Ndutu
- Central Serengeti
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Tarangire
Tanzania tip: December could be an ideal pre-calving season safari, especially for those wanting greenery and the start of a new migration season.
Best Time for a Tanzania Safari Specifically
Tanzania deserves more attention because its safari schedule is directly tied to animal migration in the Serengeti ecosystem. The best time for a Tanzania safari depends on what you want to see.
When planning a luxury Tanzania safari, the best approach isn’t just picking a month; it’s choosing a specific place based on your travel dates.
Great Migration Timing by Location (Serengeti, Ndutu, Mara River)
If you mainly want to watch the Great Wildebeest Migration, Serengeti National Park should be your priority. Our Great Migration Itinerary is focused on all the top places where you can witness the different aspects of the Greatest Show on Earth:
- Serengeti
January to March are ideal for visiting Ndutu and the Southern Serengeti, as the Great Migration reaches its calving season. Thousands of wildebeest converge on the plains to give birth, giving visitors the chance to see calving and predator movements. February is usually when calving peaks in the region.
- Ndutu
From May to July, migrating herds travel through Tanzania’s Western Corridor to reach the Grumeti River. You may see the herds crossing rivers during this period, depending on the rains and other factors. It is usually a good time to visit this region. The Western Corridor offers good wildlife viewing options apart from the migration itself.
- Mara River
July to October are the months when you can trace the movements of the migration in the Northern Serengeti, especially along the Mara River. Huge herds travel to the north and cross rivers. July to September are some of the best months for this kind of spectacle, although the crossings are unpredictable and no dates are definite.
Tanzania Safari Prices by Season
The cost of a Tanzania safari varies depending on the type of accommodation chosen, whether you choose private or shared transportation, park charges, transport, and even the dates selected.
In general, current pricing data for Tanzania safaris shows that luxury safaris start at980 per person per day. At Proud African Safaris, we primarily focus on offering luxury private and customized safaris. With unlimited game drives and no mileage restrictions, our tour guides will take you to off-beat tracks, help you slowly enjoy African scenery and wildlife, and provide privacy and security during your Tanzania vacation.
Pricing also varies by season, as the most expensive accommodations are during the July to October peak season, while April and May can be 25%-40 % cheaper at some hotels. We can assure you that your Tanzania experience will be worth the price you’ll trust us with.
Common Myths About Safari Timing
“Great Migration occurs only in a particular month.”
Fact: It is a year-long event, and different phases take place throughout the year in Tanzania.
“During the rainy season there is no wildlife.”
Fact: Wildlife stays alive and well throughout the rainy season, while the green environment and calving time may be great for viewing.
“Peak season is always the best season.”
Fact: What season is considered to be the best for you depends on what you want: a rain-free period, migration, a crowd-free period, or photography.
“River crossing has to occur during a successful Tanzania safari.”
Fact: River crossing is a magnificent event, but calving, predation, massive herds, and permanent wildlife are all great as well.
Ready to Plan Your Tanzania Safari?
Visit our website at Proud African Safaris to Plan Your Trip.
Call us at +1 617-513-7192 or email us at steve@proudafricansafaris.com for luxury Tanzania safaris tailored to your travel preferences.
See you soon!
What is the cheapest month to go on safari?
The low season for a Tanzania safari is April and May, but how much you save depends on the camp or lodge, itinerary, and even your travel dates. April and May fall during the long rainy period, which is the low season for visitors.
Can you see the Great Migration year-round?
Yes, you can witness various stages of the Great Migration all year long in Tanzania, as the herds migrate based on the pattern of rain and grass, calving in Ndutu from January to March, migrating through the Western Corridor towards the later part of the year, northward during the dry months, and finally returning south at the end of the year.
Is safari good in the rainy season?
Yes, you can have an excellent Tanzania safari even during the rainy season, depending on the month. Safari between January and March is considered great for calving, predator hunting, greenery, and birds. April and May are the wettest months but still rewarding, with less congestion and beautiful scenery.
