Best time to visit Tanzania for safari
Choosing the best time to visit Tanzania for safari is essential for experiencing unforgettable wildlife moments such as the Great Migration, predator hunts, big cat sightings, and dramatic landscapes. Tanzania offers year-round safari opportunities, but understanding the seasons, wildlife behavior, and regional differences will help you tailor a perfect safari adventure.
In this comprehensive guide, you will find detailed explanations of the best time for safari in Tanzania, including month-by-month breakdowns, recommended parks, weather patterns, pros and cons of each season, and expert advice that will help you plan a safari better than most competitors’ content online.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Tanzania for Safari?
The best time to visit Tanzania for a safari is generally during the dry season from June to October, when wildlife viewing is at its peak. During these months, animals gather around limited water sources, vegetation is thinner, and the weather is clear—ideal conditions for spotting the Big Five.
However, Tanzania is a special safari destination where every month offers unique experiences. For instance:
- January–February is the prime time for the wildebeest calving season.
- March offers lush green landscapes perfect for photography.
- November offers excellent value with fewer crowds and still great sightings.
This guide helps you choose based on your travel goals—not just the weather.
Tanzania Safari Seasons Explained
Dry Season (June to October) – The Peak Safari Months
The dry season is widely considered the best time for safari in Tanzania, especially for first-time visitors.
Why It’s the Best:
- Animals congregate around rivers and waterholes.
- Grass is shorter, making wildlife easier to see.
- Most days are sunny with low humidity.
- Optimal timing for the Great Migration river crossings.
Best Parks in Dry Season:
- Serengeti (Great Migration crossings)
- Tarangire (elephants and baobabs)
- Ngorongoro Crater (Big Five sightings)
- Ruaha (excellent predator action)
Travelers can expect higher demand and premium pricing, but the experience is unmatched.
Green Season (November to March) – Best for Calving & Photography
Often called the secret best time to visit Tanzania, the green season offers dramatic scenery and incredible wildlife behaviors.
What Makes This Season Special:
- Lush, green landscapes ideal for photographers.
- Migratory birds arrive from Europe and Asia.
- Wildebeest calving season (January–February) — over 500,000 newborns.
- Predator action intensifies as lions, leopards, and cheetahs target vulnerable calves.
Advantages:
- Lower lodge rates.
- Fewer tourists.
- Short afternoon showers, but mostly sunny mornings.
This season is excellent for travelers seeking value, unique wildlife, and stunning visuals.
Long Rains (April to May) – Best for Budget Travelers
The long rains season is the quietest period but still rewarding for certain travelers.
Pros
- Lowest rates of the year.
- Fewer vehicles and crowds.
- Beautiful green landscapes.
Cons:
- Some lodges close due to accessibility.
- Occasional road challenges due to mud.
If you prefer privacy, affordability, and don’t mind occasional rain, this can be a fantastic time to visit.
Month-by-Month Guide: Best Time for Safari in Tanzania
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| January |
|
| February |
|
| March |
|
| April |
|
| May |
|
| June |
|
| July |
|
| August |
|
| September |
|
| October |
|
| November |
|
| December |
|
Best Parks by Season
| Destinations | Best Months |
|---|---|
| Serengeti National Park |
|
| Ngorongoro Crater |
|
| Ndutu (Ngorongoro Conservation Area) |
|
| Tarangire National Park |
|
| Ruaha National Park |
|
| Selous (Nyerere National Park) |
|
Best Time to Visit Tanzania for the Great Migration
| Months | Event |
Location |
|---|---|---|
| January to March | Calving Season & Intense Big Cat Action | Ndutu (Ngorongoro conservation area) |
| April to May | Mating season & male battle head-to-head | Central Serengeti |
| June | Grumeti River Crossings | Western Serengeti |
| July to September | Mara River Crossings | Northern Serengeti |
Best Time for a Tanzania & Zanzibar Combined Trip
- Best: June–October for perfect beach weather.
- Good: December–March for warm tropical conditions.
- Rainiest time in Zanzibar: April–May.
Best Time for Climbing Kilimanjaro
- January–March
- June–October
Dry conditions and clear skies offer the highest chance of summit success.
Recommended Safari Packages in Tanzania
Plan Your Tanzania Safari With Zepisa African Safaris
At Zepisa African Safaris, we create tailor-made Tanzania safaris designed specifically for couples, families, groups, or private. Whether you want pure luxury, private game drives, or a romantic beach escape, we design the perfect itinerary to match your dreams.
Contact us today and let us create your unforgettable Tanzania safari! Read our TripAdvisor Reviews
Design your trip
