Best Time to Visit Tanzania for a Safari: Month-by-Month Guide

Discover the Perfect Season for Your African Adventure with Packup & Go Safari

Tanzania is one of Africa’s top safari destinations — a land of breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and warm, welcoming people. But if you’re planning your first trip, you might wonder: When is the best time to visit Tanzania for a safari?

The truth is — there’s no bad time to visit Tanzania. Every month offers something unique, from the dramatic Great Migration to lush green landscapes and predator action during the calving season. Let’s explore Tanzania’s safari seasons, month by month, so you can plan your journey with confidence.

Tanzania Safari Seasons Overview

Tanzania has two main seasons:

• Dry Season (June to October): Best for game viewing — animals gather near rivers and waterholes, and vegetation is low, making wildlife easier to spot.

• Green/Wet Season (November to May): Lush, beautiful, and perfect for birdwatching and photography — plus, fewer tourists and lower rates.

Now let’s break it down month by month 👇

 Month-by-Month Safari Guide

January – February: The Calving Season

• Highlights: This is one of the most dramatic times to visit the Serengeti, especially the Ndutu region. Thousands of wildebeest give birth, attracting predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

• Best For: Wildlife photographers and travelers who love thrilling predator action.

• Parks to Visit: Ndutu (Southern Serengeti), Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

March – April: The Green Season

• Highlights: Lush landscapes, vibrant birdlife, and dramatic skies. Rains arrive, but game viewing remains excellent.

• Best For: Budget travelers and photographers who prefer fewer crowds.

• Parks to Visit: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and central Serengeti.

(Note: Some lodges close temporarily due to heavy rain, but Packup & Go Safari offers flexible routes.)

May: Transition & Quiet Beauty

• Highlights: The rains ease, parks are green and quiet — an excellent time before peak season starts.

• Best For: Peaceful safaris and off-season discounts.

• Parks to Visit: Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, and Arusha National Park.

June – July: Start of the Great Migration

• Highlights: The wildebeest herds move north toward the Western Corridor — crossing the Grumeti River. The weather is dry and clear.

• Best For: Classic game drives and migration safaris.

• Parks to Visit: Western Serengeti, Grumeti, Tarangire.

August – September: Peak Migration & River Crossings

• Highlights: The Great Migration reaches the northern Serengeti, where herds cross the Mara River — one of nature’s most iconic spectacles.

• Best For: Witnessing the Great Migration in full action.

• Parks to Visit: Northern Serengeti, Masai Mara (Kenya).

October: End of the Dry Season

• Highlights: Still excellent for wildlife — animals remain near water sources before the short rains begin.

• Best For: Consistent game drives, smaller crowds.

• Parks to Visit: Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro.

November – December: Short Rains & Green Renewal

• Highlights: Short, refreshing rains bring new grass and clear air — the landscape bursts into color. Calving begins again late December.

• Best For: Photographers, birdwatchers, and travelers seeking fewer tourists.

• Parks to Visit: Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Arusha, Zanzibar (for post-safari relaxation).

Summary: Best Time to Visit Tanzania by Travel Style

 Combine Your Safari with Zanzibar

After your adventure in the wild, unwind on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches. The dry months from June to October and December to February are perfect for a bush-to-beach getaway.

Explore Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Holidays →

 Final Thoughts

The best time to visit Tanzania truly depends on your travel goals. Whether you want to see the Great Migration, photograph lush green plains, or simply escape into the wild, Packup & Go Safari will design the perfect safari — tailored to your schedule, budget, and dreams.