Best time to visit Tanzania for a safari: When to see the most wildlife
We get asked about the best time to go on safari in Tanzania almost every day. The short answer: Tanzania is a year-round destination. The longer answer: it depends on what you want to experience.
Would you like to see as many animals as possible around waterholes? Witness the spectacular river crossings of the Great Migration? Or see thousands of young wildebeest during the calving season?
The ideal time to travel can vary considerably depending on what you want to experience.
In this guide, you’ll discover when a safari in Tanzania is particularly worthwhile, which months are best for specific experiences, and which national parks show their most beautiful side at different times of the year.
The best time for a Tanzania safari at a glance
If you’re visiting Tanzania for the first time, the months from June to October are generally considered the best time for a safari.
During the dry season, vegetation becomes much thinner, many water sources dry up, and animals gather around rivers, lakes and the remaining waterholes. This often makes wildlife easier to spot.
Advantages of the dry season
Excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities
Little rainfall
Pleasant temperatures
Clear visibility for photography
Good road conditions
Disadvantages of the dry season
Peak travel season with more visitors
Higher prices at popular lodges
Booking in advance is recommended
Best time for a Tanzania safari by month
Period | What to expect |
January–March | Wildebeest calving season and many newborn animals |
April–May | Rainy season, green landscapes and fewer visitors |
June–October | Excellent wildlife viewing during the dry season |
July–October | Great Migration river crossings |
November | Short rains and fewer tourists |
December | Herds return to the south |
The Great Migration: When does it take place?
The Great Migration is one of the most impressive natural spectacles in the world. More than two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles move through the Serengeti ecosystem every year.
December to March
The herds are mainly in the southern Serengeti. This is the calving season.
April to June
The animals move through the central Serengeti towards the west and north.
July to October
The famous river crossings in the northern Serengeti create dramatic scenes. Crocodiles wait in the rivers as the herds make their way across.
Important: The Great Migration is a natural wildlife event. Rainfall and grazing conditions influence the exact location of the herds each year.
Dry season: The best time for wildlife viewing
For many visitors, the dry season from June to October is the best time for a safari.
During these months:
Vegetation becomes much thinner.
Animals gather around waterholes.
Predators are easier to spot.
Conditions are excellent for photography.
The following parks are particularly rewarding at this time of year:
Serengeti National Park
Tarangire National Park
Ngorongoro Crater
Mkomazi National Park
Green season: A hidden gem for safari enthusiasts
Between November and March, Tanzania reveals a very different side of itself.
The landscape turns lush and green, many migratory birds return, and numerous animals give birth to their young.
Advantages of the green season
Fewer visitors
Often lower prices
Particularly beautiful landscapes
Plenty of young animals
Excellent conditions for photographers
The wildebeest calving season between January and March is one of the most exciting wildlife experiences in East Africa.
Rainy season in Tanzania
The main rainy season usually falls between March and May.
During this period:
Some roads can become more difficult to drive on.
Some seasonal camps close.
There are considerably fewer visitors.
In return, travellers experience landscapes that are especially green and unspoilt.
Best time to visit Tanzania’s major national parks
Best time to visit:
June to October for excellent wildlife viewing
January to March for the calving season
The Ngorongoro Crater is suitable for safaris throughout the year, as many animals live in the crater permanently.
Best time to visit:
June to October
During this period, thousands of animals gather along the Tarangire River, including particularly large herds of elephants.
Mkomazi National Park is one of Tanzania’s lesser-known parks. It offers impressive wilderness and views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Best time to visit:
June to October
During the dry season, animals gather around waterholes and are easier to spot. The park is also known for its conservation programmes for black rhinos and African wild dogs, which are rarely seen in many other areas.
With considerably fewer visitors than the Serengeti, the park is particularly suitable for travellers looking for a quieter safari away from the classic routes.
When is the cheapest time to go on safari in Tanzania?
The lowest prices are generally found during the low season between March and May, and sometimes in November.
Many lodges offer reduced rates during these months. There are also considerably fewer visitors.
If you’re flexible and don’t mind occasional rain showers, you can often find excellent value for money during this period.
Combining a safari with Zanzibar
Many travellers combine their safari with a beach holiday on Zanzibar.
The following months are particularly suitable for this combination:
June to October
January to February
During these periods, the weather is generally pleasant both on safari and on Zanzibar’s beaches.
Conclusion: When is the best time to visit Tanzania for a safari?
The best time to visit depends on what you personally want to experience.
Want to see as many animals as possible?
We recommend the dry season from June to October.
Want to experience the Great Migration?
Different months are suitable for different stages of the migration. The river crossings between July and October are particularly popular.
Want to see young animals?
January to March is the best choice.
Want to travel at a lower cost?
The green season between November and March often offers attractive prices and considerably fewer visitors.
Whatever time of year you choose, national parks such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Mkomazi offer unforgettable safari experiences in Tanzania throughout the year.
See also:
Calving season or river crossing
Camping safari or lodge safari
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