At Face of Africa Adventures, we believe that every safari in Tanzania should be extraordinary. But if you're wondering when the best time is to plan your adventure, the answer depends on what you want to see, do, and experience. Whether you dream of witnessing the Great Migration, enjoying a predator-packed game drive, or soaking in golden sunsets over the Serengeti, timing your trip is essential.
Here’s your comprehensive guide to the best time for safari in Tanzania with insights to help you plan your once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Tanzania has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. These affect wildlife movement, park accessibility, and your overall safari experience.
Dry Season (June to October): Peak safari season — excellent wildlife viewing, minimal rain, clear skies.
Short Rains (November to December): Brief rains that freshen up the landscape. Still good for safari with fewer crowds.
Green/Wet Season (March to May): Lush, beautiful, and uncrowded — perfect for birders and photographers, though some areas become muddy or inaccessible.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the world’s most iconic wildlife spectacles — and it's possible to see it year-round in different parts of the Serengeti.
January to March: Calving season in the Southern Serengeti (Ndutu area). Thousands of wildebeest give birth, and predators like lions and cheetahs are highly active.
April to May: The herds begin moving northwest. While some roads get muddy during the rains, this period offers lush landscapes and excellent value.
June to July: The migration reaches the Western Corridor. This is when the herds start making dangerous river crossings — a thrilling sight.
August to October: River crossings continue in the Northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara border. It’s the best time to catch dramatic encounters with crocodiles and other predators.
November to December: The herds start returning south for the next calving season, moving through Central Serengeti.
Face of Africa Adventures offers expertly guided migration safaris tailored to each season — ensuring you’re in the right place at the right time.
Best For: Wildlife births, predator action.
Where: Ndutu, Southern Serengeti.
Why Go: Over 8,000 wildebeest calves are born daily in this season. It's a predator’s paradise and a photographer’s dream.
Best For: Close-up wildlife encounters.
Where: Ndutu and Central Serengeti.
Why Go: Calving continues, and the landscapes are green and vibrant. This is a great time to witness lions, leopards, and cheetahs on the hunt.
Best For: Green landscapes, birdwatching.
Where: Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara.
Why Go: Early rains bring life to the plains. Migratory birds are abundant, and the crowds are minimal.
Best For: Solitude, dramatic skies.
Where: Central and Southern Serengeti.
Why Go: April is part of the long rains, but safari prices drop. You’ll enjoy exclusive game viewing with few vehicles in sight.
Best For: Budget safaris, landscape photography.
Where: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater.
Why Go: The rains taper off toward late May. Wildlife is still active, and the scenery is spectacular.
Best For: Wildlife concentration, cool weather.
Where: Western Serengeti, Grumeti River.
Why Go: The dry season kicks in. Animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. Wildebeest start moving toward the Grumeti River.
Best For: Iconic safari experiences.
Where: Western and Northern Serengeti.
Why Go: One of the best times to witness the dramatic river crossings. The weather is dry, and wildlife is everywhere.
Best For: Classic Big Five safari.
Where: Northern Serengeti, Mara River.
Why Go: Peak of the migration. Excellent for spotting elephants, lions, leopards, and vast herds crossing the Mara River.
Best For: Action-packed safaris.
Where: Northern Serengeti, Maasai Mara border.
Why Go: Migration herds linger in the north. Predators follow closely, providing thrilling game drives.
Best For: Balanced experience.
Where: Central and Northern Serengeti.
Why Go: The migration begins to return south. It’s warm, dry, and excellent for both first-timers and seasoned safari-goers.
Best For: Birding, lush scenery.
Where: Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro.
Why Go: Short rains begin. The landscape transforms into a vibrant green, attracting migratory birds. Game viewing is still strong.
Best For: Festive safaris, wildlife photography.
Where: Ndutu, Southern Serengeti.
Why Go: Herds return south for calving. Perfect for a unique holiday safari with fewer crowds and rich colors.
Here’s a quick guide based on your travel goals:
See the Great Migration
Avoid Crowds
Birdwatching
Budget Travel
Luxury Travel
Photography
June – October & January – March
April – May, November
November – March
April – May
June – October
January – March & October – December
Serengeti, Ndutu
Tarangire, Ngorongoro
Lake Manyara, Selous
Most parks
Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater
All major parks
Book early for peak seasons: June to October and January to March fill up fast.
Pack layers: Evenings can be chilly, especially in the highlands.
Work with local experts: Our team at Face of Africa Adventures customizes each itinerary to match the season and your dream experience.
Choose your region wisely: While the Serengeti is iconic, lesser-known parks like Ruaha or Selous offer fantastic experiences without the crowds.
Every month in Tanzania offers something unique. From the thundering hooves of migrating wildebeest to the quiet drama of a leopard in the tall grass, nature is always putting on a show. The best time for safari really depends on what you want to see — and at Face of Africa Adventures, we’re here to help you experience it your way.
So, when’s your perfect time? Let’s plan the safari of a lifetime together. Contact us today and let your Tanzanian safari adventure begin.
The best time for a Tanzania safari is from late June to October. There are two rainy seasons: April to May (long rains) and November to December (short rains). During the long rains, some safari camps may close due to heavy downpours, and the short rains bring occasional brief showers. Most safari areas have warm days and cool evenings, except for Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, where temperatures drop below freezing. Coastal and lakeside regions are hot and humid. The dry season is recommended for first-time safari-goers as it makes it easier to track and spot wildlife.
Tanzania has 2 rainy seasons and 2 dry seasons. The short dry season is from late January to early March, while the long dry season lasts from June to October. The short rains occur from November to January, and the long rains from late March to May, with April being particularly lush and invigorating for travel.
The weather patterns vary depending on your chosen location in Tanzania. The northern parks are likelier to experience dry spells, while the western parks remain wet throughout. February is the best time of year to witness wildebeest calves, with the migratory herds in full view.
The Ngorongoro Highlands usually have brief rainfall in the late afternoon, so the mornings are generally dry and great for seeing animals. March is typically dry, but sometimes the rain comes early, so it’s a time of waiting and possible change.
This month is usually the rainiest time of the year with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and occasional heavy rain at night. There can also be some cloudy, overcast days.
In early May, it’s usually rainy, but as the month goes on, it gets drier and road repairs start, making it easier to travel around parks and the countryside by car. The plants and trees look great after all the rain, and most plant-eating animals are in good shape because there’s plenty of food and water for them.
In June, the dry season is in full swing, and the western Serengeti is buzzing with activity as huge herds of wildebeest journey through the area. The transition from green to yellow across the savannah is a captivating sight, and the clearing vegetation offers incredible opportunities to spot diverse wildlife.
The best time for a safari in Tanzania is right now, and the weather is dry. If you visit in July or August, it will be busy, especially in the northern parks. If you’re thinking about going to Zanzibar, consider looking into some quieter spots in the Indian Ocean.
In August, lots of tourists from the US and Europe visit the safari areas in the north and Zanzibar. The weather is really nice, but it can get quite windy and there are often wildfires in the dry grasslands.
Visitor numbers may be dwindling, but the absence of rain has led to lower humidity and fewer mosquitoes. The transforming landscapes, with their brown hues, are a testament to the resilience of the migrating animals. As they concentrate around the Mara River, the majestic sight of wildebeest and zebra crossing back and forth in search of sustenance near the water is a powerful reminder of nature’s determination.
As the thunderclouds gather and late October approaches, the initial rains are usually expected. During this time, the wildebeest migrate southward, while Mount Kilimanjaro remains a popular destination for climbers. October offers excellent wildlife viewing due to minimal vegetation, resulting in high-quality sightings. Tourist activity is notably reduced during this shoulder season, making it an ideal time to visit the most popular tourist attractions.
Tanzania is an ideal destination for safari during this particular month, often overlooked by many. Despite the likelihood of intermittent afternoon thundershowers, the overall experience is rewarding. The northern parks, in particular, offer excellent game viewing opportunities throughout the year, with the Serengeti also benefiting from the rainfall.
In December, there are short periods of rain and wet weather, but it’s generally a good time to visit. The number of tourists is low at the beginning of the month, but it gets very busy for the two weeks around Christmas and New Year’s. It’s best to book your travel well ahead of time to avoid any last-minute rush.
June to October (Dry Season): Ideal for
wildlife viewing as animals gather around water
sources. This is also the best time to witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti
(July to October).
November to May (Wet Season): The landscape
is lush and green, perfect for birdwatching
and seeing newborn animals. The wet season also offers fewer crowds and lower
prices.
You can learn more about the best time for a Tanzania safari in this article
The cost of a Tanzania safari varies widely based on several factors such as the
type of safari, accommodation, season, and the length of the trip. Budget safaris
can cost around $200 to $400 per person per day, while mid-range options typically
range from $400 to $800 per day. These safaris may include camping or staying in
basic lodges with shared amenities.
For a more luxurious experience, prices can start from $800 to $1,500 per person per
day and go much higher for exclusive, high-end safaris. Luxury accommodations often
feature upscale lodges, private safari vehicles, and guided experiences.
Additionally, peak season, such as during the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti,
can drive up prices due to higher demand.
On a Tanzania safari, you can expect to see a diverse range of wildlife, including
the "Big Five" – lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinoceros. The Serengeti
and Ngorongoro Crater are particularly famous for their large populations of these
iconic animals. Additionally, Tanzania is home to giraffes, zebras, wildebeests,
cheetahs, hyenas, and an abundance of antelope species like gazelles, impalas, and
elands.
Birdwatching is also exceptional, with over 1,100 species of birds, including
flamingos, ostriches, and various raptors. In the lakes, such as Lake Manyara and
Lake Natron, you might see large flocks of flamingos feeding. If you're lucky, you
might also spot rare animals like the endangered African wild dog or a Nile
crocodile. Each national park offers unique opportunities to see a wide variety of
wildlife in their natural habitats.
Yes, Tanzania is generally considered safe for tourists, with a well-established
tourism industry that caters to travelers from around the world. Popular tourist
areas like Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, and
Zanzibar are typically safe for visitors. However, like any travel destination, it's
important to take basic precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night in
urban areas, safeguarding valuables, and being mindful of local customs and
laws.
Tanzania also has a relatively low crime rate in comparison to many other countries,
but petty theft and scams can occasionally occur, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
It's advisable to book safaris and accommodations through reputable tour operators,
use registered guides, and stay informed about local safety tips. Additionally,
health precautions such as vaccinations and malaria prevention are recommended for
travel in certain regions. Always follow travel advisories and seek guidance from
local authorities or embassies for the latest updates.
The Great Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the world,
involving the annual movement of millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles
across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in East Africa. The animals migrate in search of
fresh grazing areas and water, following the seasonal rains. The migration also
attracts predators like lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles, creating dramatic scenes of
survival and interaction.
The migration typically takes place year-round, but its timing and specific routes
vary with the rains. It begins in the southern Serengeti around December to March,
where the animals give birth. From April to June, they move northwards towards the
central and western Serengeti. By July to October, the herds cross the Grumeti River
and later the Mara River into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, where they remain until the cycle
repeats itself. The best time to witness the dramatic river crossings, where herds
must navigate crocodile-infested waters, is generally from July to October.
Tanzania offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different preferences
and budgets during a safari. For those seeking luxury, high-end lodges and tented
camps provide world-class amenities, including spacious rooms, private verandas,
gourmet dining, and personalized services. These accommodations are often located in
prime wildlife areas, offering stunning views and exclusive experiences. Luxury
safari options may include features like private safari vehicles, spa services, and
guided walks. Notable examples include Four Seasons Safari Lodge in Serengeti and
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, where guests can enjoy top-notch comfort while
being immersed in nature.
For those with a mid-range or budget preference, Tanzania also offers comfortable
lodges, mobile camps, and tented camps that provide a more affordable yet still
enjoyable experience. Mid-range options typically include en-suite bathrooms and
quality meals, while budget accommodations may feature shared facilities or simpler
setups, providing an authentic, back-to-basics safari experience. Campsites are also
available for those who want a more adventurous, hands-on stay, offering the
opportunity to camp in some of Tanzania’s most beautiful and remote locations.
Whether you opt for luxury, a more modest stay, or an immersive camping experience,
Tanzania’s safari accommodations cater to every traveler’s needs.