The Best Safari Months
When is the Best Time?
Quick and Precise Answer: Now
In Tanzania, seasonal differences are not dramatic, allowing for safaris year-round. The best time for a safari is simply whenever you decide to embark on this great safari adventure!
Each season—whether during the rainy or dry season—offers unique experiences. During the rains, the landscape becomes vibrant, and animals are abundant. In the dry season, wildlife viewing is even easier as animals concentrate around water sources.
Regardless of the season, we are ready to create an unforgettable adventure for you!
January: Hot, Dry, and Perfect for the Calving Season
January marks a hot and dry period in Tanzania, making it a spectacular time to explore the Ndutu Plains, a grazing area in the northern part of the country, located between the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park.
This is the time for the Calving Season, when thousands of wildebeest give birth. It’s a unique opportunity to witness one of the largest concentrations of wildebeest and other herbivores, while predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas stay alert, taking advantage of the abundance of prey.
If you’re looking for a safari filled with action and unforgettable wildlife scenes, January is the perfect time!
February: Wildlife, Climbing and Dream Beaches
In February, temperatures continue to rise, creating the perfect setting to explore Tanzania in all its diversity. The Great Migration remains on the Ndutu Plains in northern Tanzania, an area that connects the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Serengeti National Park. This is an incredible time to observe large herds of wildebeest and the predators following them, ensuring unforgettable wildlife encounters.
In addition to safaris, February is also one of the best months for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing, thanks to favorable weather conditions and ideal trekking conditions. And if you’re seeking relaxation, Zanzibar is the perfect destination to enjoy paradisiacal beaches and crystal-clear waters, complementing your adventure with peaceful moments.
Summary: February is the ideal month for a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, with unforgettable safaris, challenges on Kilimanjaro and rest on Zanzibar’s beaches.
March: Transition and New Exploration Opportunities
March is a transitional month in Tanzania, bringing changes in wildlife movement and climate. The Great Migration begins moving westward toward the Grumeti River, creating unique opportunities to witness vast herds on the move. Temperatures remain high, offering excellent conditions for Mount Kilimanjaro trekking, exciting safaris, and relaxing days on Zanzibar beaches during the first weeks of the month.
However, as the month progresses, the likelihood of rain increases with the approach of the rainy season. This transforms the landscape into a vibrant green spectacle, providing incredible opportunities for photographers and nature lovers to capture Tanzania’s beauty.
Summary: March is perfect for those looking to combine safaris, trekking, and beach relaxation, with the chance to experience the savannah’s beauty in a seasonal transition.
April: A Month of Rain and Spectacular Wildlife Photography Safaris
April marks the peak of the rainy season in Tanzania, making it less ideal for traditional safaris due to heavy rains that may impact travel itineraries. However, for professional photographers and enthusiasts, this is one of the best times to capture stunning images. The landscape transforms into a vibrant green carpet, and the contrasts between lush vegetation, wildlife, and dramatic skies create truly unique photographic opportunities.
Summary: While April may not be the ideal month for traditional safaris, it’s perfect for those seeking a wildlife and nature photography safari.
May: Rain, Natural Beauty, and Photographic Opportunities
May is still part of the rainy season in Tanzania, with significant rainfall that may make traditional safaris and tours more challenging. Despite this, the month offers an unparalleled experience for professional photographers and photography enthusiasts. The vegetation is at its lush peak, dramatic skies often create stunning backdrops, and the interaction of wildlife with the landscape presents unique opportunities to capture spectacular images.
Summary: While May may not be ideal for all travelers, it is a paradise for wildlife and nature photography lovers, offering safaris filled with extraordinary photographic opportunities.
June: The End of the Rains and the Start of Extraordinary Safaris
June marks the end of the rainy season in Tanzania, with the landscape still lush and green, making it a spectacular month for birdwatching enthusiasts, thanks to the abundance of both migratory and resident species.
As the month progresses, the savannah begins to dry, making it easier to spot wildlife as they search for water, creating perfect safari settings. This is also when the Great Migration begins its movement towards the Grumeti River, providing unique opportunities to witness the herds in motion.
Summary: June is an excellent time for safaris, combining vibrant landscapes early in the month with easier wildlife sightings. It also marks the beginning of an exciting phase of the Great Migration, perfect for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.
July: The Start of High Season and Unmissable Moments in Tanzania
July is perfect for safaris, with the Great Migration heading towards Kenya and elephants gathering in Tarangire. The dry climate enhances wildlife sightings, while Zanzibar offers paradisiacal beaches with pleasant temperatures.
Summary: July is an ideal month for safaris and relaxing in Zanzibar, combining incredible wildlife experiences with the chance to unwind on beautiful beaches.
August: A Month of Unique Opportunities in Tanzania
With dry and cool weather, August is perfect for exploring wildlife, as animals gather around water sources, making sightings easier. Flamingos arrive in large numbers at Lake Natron, creating unforgettable scenes. For ocean lovers, the crystal-clear waters of Zanzibar make August ideal for diving, while sea turtles begin hatching on the islands of the Indian Ocean—a unique natural spectacle.
Summary: August combines incredible safaris, natural beauty at Lake Natron, idyllic beaches in Zanzibar, and unforgettable marine experiences, making it perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
September: The Grand Finale of High Safari Season in Tanzania
September marks the final month of Tanzania’s peak safari season, offering an excellent opportunity to explore wildlife at its peak. Wildebeests and zebras continue to be seen in large numbers across the Serengeti, one of Africa’s most iconic parks. During this period, you can witness the Great Migration, where thousands of animals courageously cross crocodile-infested waters, creating a survival spectacle full of emotional moments. These scenes of fear and chaos serve as a reminder that the struggle for survival is a daily reality in nature.
In addition to the incredible safaris in Serengeti, September is also a great time to visit Zanzibar. With pleasant temperatures and stunning landscapes, it’s the perfect destination to relax and explore pristine beaches after an exhilarating journey through the African wilderness.
Summary: September is the perfect month to witness the wildebeest migration in Serengeti, featuring thrilling survival scenes, and to enjoy the tropical wonders of Zanzibar, making it ideal for unforgettable African adventures.
October: The Perfect Month for Safari, Trekking, and Zanzibar Beaches
Although October marks the end of the high season, this month still offers excellent conditions to explore Tanzania and its incredible natural destinations. The dry and mild climate is perfect for safaris, providing a great opportunity to observe wildlife in Africa’s savannas. Additionally, it’s an ideal time for trekking, whether on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro or the trails through the region’s national parks.
October is also great for those looking to relax on Zanzibar’s beaches, with its crystal-clear waters and tropical landscapes ensuring a peaceful retreat after an adventure. Zanzibar remains an unmissable destination for those seeking the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation.
Summary: October is the ideal month for thrilling safaris, challenging trekking, and enjoying the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, making it an excellent choice for those looking for both adventure and relaxation in Tanzania.
November: Transitioning to Low Season and Diving Opportunities
November marks the start of the short rainy season in Tanzania and the beginning of the low season for safaris. Despite being a quieter period, there are still plenty of opportunities to explore the country’s natural beauty. For diving enthusiasts, from November to March, Zanzibar and Mafia Island offer a unique experience with the chance to spot majestic whale sharks in their crystal-clear waters — a must-see spectacle for marine life lovers. While rain may be more frequent during this period, Tanzania remains an incredible destination for those seeking fewer crowds and a more intimate connection with nature.
Summary: November is the transitional month to the low season, but still a good time for safari and it’s also an excellent time for diving in Zanzibar and Mafia Island, where whale sharks can be spotted, making it a great time for marine life enthusiasts.
December: End of the Short Rainy Season and Preparation for the Festive Season
By mid-December, the short rainy season in Tanzania comes to an end, and the weather begins to stabilize, making it an excellent month for safaris and visits to Zanzibar. Temperatures start to rise slowly, providing pleasant days to enjoy the island’s pristine beaches and lush nature.
With the arrival of the Christmas and New Year festivities, Tanzania becomes an increasingly popular destination. The days during this time are bustling, with a significant rise in demand for accommodation and activities. It’s highly recommended to book well in advance to secure your spot for the best safari and beach experiences.
Summary: December is the perfect month to enjoy the end of the rainy season and prepare for the holiday celebrations. With pleasant temperatures and rising demand, early reservations are crucial to make the most of this unforgettable experience.
Discover the Best Time for a Safari in Tanzania: Every Season Unveils a New Adventure with Wildlife and Stunning Landscapes!
- The major national parks like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire deliver superb year-round game viewing, but visitor numbers peak from about June to October.
- The best time to visit Tanzania if you want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is between July and October, or January and March.
- If it’s a tropical beach holiday that you’re after, the best time to visit Tanzania's coast, Zanzibar and other islands is between June and March. If you want to take your chances during the long rains (April to May), you could have a week of sunshine or a week of rain – but you’ll get low season rates.
When to see the Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti
The Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti is one of nature’s most spectacular events and it’s a year-round phenomenon that follows a cyclical route. Here’s a breakdown of the best times to witness different parts of the migration:
January to March: Calving Season – The wildebeest give birth on the southern plains of the Serengeti, offering a unique opportunity to see thousands of newborns. This is also when predators such as lions and cheetahs are more active due to the abundance of vulnerable young wildebeest.
April to May: Rainy Season – While this is the wettest time, the landscape is lush and green, offering stunning photography opportunities. The wildebeest are often spread out, but the migration still occurs as they move in search of better grazing.
June to July: Migration to the Western Corridor – The wildebeest begin to move towards the western Serengeti, crossing the Grumeti River. This period offers dramatic river crossings, with crocodiles lying in wait, creating intense and memorable moments for safari-goers.
August to October: Northern Migration – The wildebeest move north into the Maasai Mara in Kenya, and it’s during this time that many travelers flock to Serengeti for the thrilling river crossings at the Mara River. This is often the peak of the migration, with large herds of wildebeest and zebras making their way through the river, facing the threat of crocodiles and predators.
November to December: Return South – As the herds begin their southward trek back towards the Serengeti, they pass through the central areas, where conditions are favorable. This time can still offer great opportunities for witnessing the migration as the wildebeest continue their journey.
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