Tanzania is a year-round safari destination, but each season offers something different. Here's how to choose the right months for the wildlife, weather and budget you want.
Tanzania is one of the few places in Africa where a safari is rewarding in every month of the year. The animals don't leave; what changes is the weather, where the big herds are, how green the landscape is and how busy the parks feel. Here's how we help our guests choose.
June to October: the dry season
This is the classic safari season. The grass is short, water is scarce and animals gather around rivers and waterholes, which makes them easier to find. Days are sunny and mornings and evenings are cool, so pack a warm layer.
- Best for: first-time safaris, the Big Five, Tarangire's elephant herds and the Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti (usually July to October).
- Good to know: it's also the busiest and most expensive time, so book lodges early.
November and December: the short rains
Short afternoon showers return and the plains turn green almost overnight. The Great Migration moves south through the Serengeti, and the parks are quieter than in the dry season.
January to March: calving season
In the southern Serengeti and the Ndutu area, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest give birth, usually peaking in February. Newborn calves attract lions, cheetahs and hyenas, so the predator action can be spectacular. It's warm, green and wonderful for photography.
April and May: the long rains
This is the wettest time of year. Some roads become muddy and a few camps close, but the landscape is lush, there are very few vehicles and prices are at their lowest. It's a good choice for travellers on a budget who don't mind some rain.
Our advice
If you want the easiest wildlife viewing, come between June and October. If you'd like to see newborn calves and predators in action, aim for January to February. And if you prefer quiet parks and lower prices, consider November or the green season. Tell us your dates and we'll plan the best route for that time of year.
