Tanzania – A Year-Round Safari Destination
A Tanzania safari is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on earth. From the endless plains of the Serengeti to the volcanic majesty of the Ngorongoro Crater, every season offers something unique. Tanzania is not just a destination—it’s an unfolding story of nature, where each month brings a new chapter filled with wildlife drama, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural encounters.
Unlike many destinations that are best at one time of the year, Tanzania is a true year-round safari country. Whether you want to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, spot the Big Five, enjoy birdwatching in lush green seasons, or combine a safari with a beach escape in Zanzibar, there is no wrong time to visit.
That said, the experience varies greatly by season. Some months are best for dramatic river crossings, while others are ideal for budget travellers looking for great value. Understanding Tanzania’s climate, safari seasons, and wildlife patterns is the key to planning the perfect safari adventure.
At Travel Wise Safari, we have guided travellers through Tanzania in every month of the year, tailoring safaris to personal preferences, travel styles, and seasonal highlights. Below, we share a detailed guide to help you decide the best time for your Tanzania safari.
Tanzania Climate & Safari Seasons
Tanzania lies close to the equator, which means it does not experience the traditional four seasons like Europe or North America. Instead, the year is divided into dry seasons and wet (rainy) seasons, each with its own advantages for safari travellers.
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Long Dry Season (June–October)
Cool mornings, warm afternoons, little rain. The best time for classic safaris, Great Migration river crossings, and Big Five sightings. -
Short Rains (November–December)
Light, refreshing showers that green up the landscapes. Excellent for photography, fewer crowds, and birdwatching. -
Short Dry Season (January–February)
Hot and sunny. The Ndutu plains in Serengeti are alive with calving wildebeest and predator action. -
Long Rains (March–May)
Heavy rains, fewer tourists, and lower prices. Best for lush landscapes, birdwatching, and solitude.
📌 Travel Tip: Unlike some safari destinations, Tanzania’s parks remain open year-round. Even during the rains, safaris are possible, and the experience can be uniquely rewarding.
Month-by-Month Safari Guide
January – Calving Season Begins
January is one of the most exciting months for safaris in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu Plains. Over 400,000 wildebeest calves are born within a few weeks, attracting predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. This is the best time for dramatic predator-prey action.
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Weather: Warm, mostly dry with occasional showers.
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Best Parks: Southern Serengeti, Ngorongoro.
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Highlights: Wildebeest calving, predator hunts, and excellent photography opportunities.
February – Peak Predator Season
February continues the drama in the Serengeti as predators feast on vulnerable calves. Big cat sightings are almost guaranteed. The weather is generally dry and sunny, making this a favorite time for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
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Weather: Hot and dry.
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Best Parks: Ndutu, Southern Serengeti.
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Highlights: Predator action, calving season climax, romantic safari escapes.
March – Green Season Begins
The long rains usually begin in March, transforming the plains into lush green pastures. While some days are wet, safaris remain possible, and crowds are minimal. It’s also the start of low-season pricing, making it great for budget travelers.
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Weather: Increasing rains.
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Best Parks: Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro.
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Highlights: Fewer tourists, green landscapes, great value.
March – Green Season Begins
The long rains usually begin in March, transforming the plains into lush green pastures. While some days are wet, safaris remain possible, and crowds are minimal. It’s also the start of low-season pricing, making it great for budget travelers.
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Weather: Increasing rains.
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Best Parks: Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro.
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Highlights: Fewer tourists, green landscapes, great value.
April – Quiet & Affordable
April is the wettest month, but it’s also when you’ll find the best safari deals. Many lodges offer discounted rates, and the landscapes are at their most photogenic with dramatic skies and vibrant greenery.
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Weather: Long rains, muddy roads in some areas.
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Best Parks: Serengeti, Ngorongoro (4x4 vehicles essential).
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Highlights: Low prices, excellent birdwatching, solitude.
May – Migration Moves North
By May, wildebeest herds begin moving north from the southern Serengeti toward the central and western regions. The rains start to ease, and game viewing improves daily.
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Weather: Rains tapering off.
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Best Parks: Western Serengeti, Grumeti region.
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Highlights: Wildebeest migration on the move, fewer tourists.
June – Start of the Dry Season
June is the transition month into the long dry season. The grass is shorter, making animals easier to spot. The Grumeti River crossings begin as wildebeest face their first crocodile-infested challenges.
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Weather: Dry, cooler mornings.
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Best Parks: Western & Central Serengeti, Tarangire.
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Highlights: Grumeti River crossings, elephants in Tarangire.
July – Peak Safari Season
July is one of the most popular months for safaris in Tanzania. The Great Migration reaches the northern Serengeti and the Mara River, where dramatic river crossings take place. It’s also excellent for Big Five sightings across the Northern Circuit.
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Weather: Dry, sunny, cool evenings.
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Best Parks: Northern Serengeti (Mara River), Ngorongoro, Tarangire.
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Highlights: Mara River crossings, lion & leopard sightings.
August – Migration Drama
August is peak migration season. Thousands of wildebeest attempt river crossings daily. Predator encounters are frequent, and the dry season concentrates animals around waterholes.
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Weather: Warm and dry.
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Best Parks: Northern Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire.
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Highlights: Migration spectacle, elephants in Tarangire, classic dry-season safaris.
September – Classic Wildlife Viewing
By September, wildlife is abundant across northern Tanzania. The migration is still in the north, while Tarangire is teeming with elephants and dotted with baobabs. This is one of the most reliable months for guaranteed sightings.
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Weather: Dry and warm.
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Best Parks: Northern Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara.
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Highlights: Migration, Big Five, excellent for families.
October – End of Dry Season
October is the final month of the long dry season. Animals are concentrated around scarce water sources, creating incredible game drives. The migration starts moving south again.
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Weather: Hot and dry.
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Best Parks: Central & Southern Serengeti, Tarangire.
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Highlights: Wildlife concentrations, fewer crowds compared to July–August.
November – Short Rains Begin
The short rains begin, but they are usually light and don’t disrupt safaris. The landscape becomes green again, making for stunning photography. Migratory birds return, making this a paradise for birdwatchers.
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Weather: Short rains.
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Best Parks: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara.
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Highlights: Fewer tourists, excellent birding, fresh scenery.
December – Festive Season Safaris
December is a high-demand month as holiday travellers flock to Tanzania. Wildlife is still abundant, the landscape is lush, and the migration has returned to the southern Serengeti for another calving season.
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Weather: Warm, occasional showers.
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Best Parks: Southern Serengeti, Ngorongoro.
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Highlights: Holiday safaris, migration return, family-friendly trips.
FAQs – Best Time for Tanzania Safari
What is the best month to go on a Tanzania safari?
There is no single “best” month, because Tanzania is a year-round safari destination. However, each season offers something unique:
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July–September: Peak safari season, when the Great Wildebeest Migration crosses the Mara River in the Serengeti. Wildlife is concentrated around scarce water sources, making game drives spectacular.
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January–February: Calving season in the Ndutu plains of the Serengeti, when over 400,000 wildebeest calves are born and predators gather for dramatic hunts.
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March–May & November: The green season, less crowded, with vibrant landscapes and amazing birding.
👉 If your dream is to witness the Great Migration crossings, choose July–September. For predator action and newborn wildlife, go in January or February.
Is Tanzania safari better in June or December?
Both months are excellent, but they offer different experiences:
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June: The start of the long dry season. Grass is shorter, wildlife is easier to spot, and the migration begins river crossings in the Grumeti region.
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December: The holiday season, with lush green landscapes following the short rains. Wildlife viewing is still excellent, and the migration returns south for calving.
👉 If you want dry landscapes and concentrated wildlife, pick June. If you prefer green scenery, festive safari vibes, and combining with Zanzibar, December is perfect.
Can you go on safari in Tanzania during the rainy season?
Yes — and it can be surprisingly rewarding.
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March–May (long rains): Safaris still operate. You’ll enjoy lush landscapes, dramatic skies, and far fewer crowds. Prices drop significantly, making luxury lodges more affordable.
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November (short rains): Showers are brief and rarely interrupt game drives. This is one of the most photogenic times of year.
👉 While the rains can mean muddy roads, the rewards include solitude, discounted rates, and fantastic photography opportunities.
When is the cheapest time for Tanzania safari?
The green season is the most affordable:
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April–May (long rains): Lodges and camps offer discounts of up to 40%.
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November (short rains): Cheaper rates and fewer tourists.
👉 These months are ideal if you want to stretch your budget while still enjoying excellent wildlife encounters.
When is the cheapest time for Tanzania safari?
The green season is the most affordable:
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April–May (long rains): Lodges and camps offer discounts of up to 40%.
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November (short rains): Cheaper rates and fewer tourists.
👉 These months are ideal if you want to stretch your budget while still enjoying excellent wildlife encounters.
What is the best time to see the Great Migration?
The Great Migration is a year-round event as wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move in search of fresh grazing:
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Jan–Feb (Southern Serengeti): Calving season in Ndutu.
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Jun–Jul (Western Serengeti): Grumeti River crossings.
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Jul–Sep (Northern Serengeti): Mara River crossings.
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Oct–Dec (Central & Southern Serengeti): Herds moving south.
👉 If you dream of seeing river crossings, book for July–September.
Can I combine Zanzibar with a safari year-round?
Absolutely! Tanzania is unique in offering world-class safari and tropical beaches in one trip.
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Flights operate daily between Zanzibar and safari parks such as Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Ruaha, and Nyerere.
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This means you can spend a few days exploring wildlife, then relax on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches.
👉 Whether you travel in July, December, or March, a Safari + Zanzibar combo is always possible.
How many days should I spend on safari?
The ideal number of days depends on your travel style and goals:
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3–5 Days: Perfect for travelers starting from Zanzibar or Arusha who want a quick, high-impact safari. Example: Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti short safari.
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7–10 Days: The classic Northern Circuit safari, covering Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara.
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10–14+ Days: Extended safari including migration tracking, remote southern parks (Ruaha, Nyerere), plus a Zanzibar beach extension.
👉 At Travel Wise Safari, we recommend at least 5–7 days for a balanced experience.
Is April really a bad month for safari?
Not at all — it just depends on your expectations.
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Pros: Green landscapes, discounted rates, solitude, amazing birding, and beautiful skies.
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Cons: Heavier rainfall, some lodges close, and game viewing can be more challenging.
👉 April is ideal for photographers, budget travellers, and repeat safari visitors who want a quieter experience.
Is Tanzania better for safari than Kenya?
Both Tanzania and Kenya are incredible safari destinations, but they offer different advantages:
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Tanzania: Larger parks (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Ruaha), fewer crowds, and more of the Great Migration occurs within Tanzania.
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Kenya: Smaller, more accessible parks, and the famous Maasai Mara.
👉 For the ultimate Great Migration experience and diverse landscapes, Tanzania is unbeatable.
When should I book my safari?
For peak travel months — July, September, and December holidays — book 12–18 months in advance. Lodges in Serengeti and Ngorongoro fill up quickly.
For shoulder seasons (November and March), you can book 6–8 months in advance.
👉 Early booking also secures better rates and ensures the availability of your preferred lodges.
Why Book with Travel Wise Safari
At Travel Wise Safari, we don’t just sell safaris — we create memorable journeys crafted around your dream experience and the best timing for your goals.
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✈️ Fly-In Safaris from Zanzibar, Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Dar es Salaam – saving you travel time.
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🚙 Private 4×4 Safari Vehicles with professional guides who know the parks intimately.
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🏨 Hand-Picked Lodges & Tented Camps – from budget to five-star luxury.
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🌍 Personalised Planning – every safari is tailored to your interests, whether it’s wildlife photography, family travel, honeymoon romance, or Great Migration tracking.
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✅ Trusted Local Expertise – As a Tanzanian company, we know the land, culture, and wildlife better than anyone.
👉 Ready to start planning?