When Is the Best Time to Go on Safari in Tanzania?
- travelwisesafari
- Jul 25
- 5 min read
Your Month-by-Month Safari Guide with Expert Tips from Travel Wise Safari
Planning a safari in Tanzania? You're about to experience one of the most breathtaking wildlife adventures on Earth. From the thunder of wildebeest hooves in the Serengeti to the golden hues of the Ngorongoro Crater at sunrise, Tanzania offers something extraordinary every month of the year.
But here’s the truth: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, “When is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania?” The right time depends on your interests—Big Five sightings, Great Migration, birdwatching, photography, or escaping the crowds—and your travel style.
This expert guide by Travel Wise Safari breaks down each season, each month, and each region, so you can confidently plan the trip of a lifetime.
🗺️ Tanzania: A Year-Round Safari Destination
Tanzania’s diversity in both landscape and climate means there is always something happening somewhere:
🦓 The Great Migration shifts position through the Serengeti all year
🐘 Tarangire’s elephants are best seen in dry months
🐦 Birders find their paradise during the green seasons
🏞️ The Ngorongoro Crater delivers exceptional sightings year-round
✈️ Fly-in safaris from Zanzibar operate across all seasons
Let’s break it all down season by season and month by month.
🌞 June to October: Tanzania’s Peak Safari Season (Dry Season)
Why it’s ideal:Clear skies, dry conditions, and animals gathering at waterholes make this the most popular time for safaris in Tanzania.
🧭 What You’ll Experience:
The Great Migration builds up to dramatic river crossings in the Northern Serengeti (especially July–Sept)
Big cats, elephants, giraffes, and buffalo are easily spotted
Less vegetation means better visibility for photography
Perfect for luxury safaris, honeymoons, and first-time travelers
💡 Expert Tip:
Book your safari at least 6 to 12 months in advance for July and August—lodges fill quickly.
🌦️ November & December: Short Rains & Lush Landscapes
Why it’s underrated:These are Tanzania’s “green season” months, and while there may be showers, they’re usually short-lived. Wildlife remains active and the crowds thin out.
🧭 What You’ll Experience:
Gorgeous green backdrops (great for photography)
Excellent birding—migratory species return
Newborn impalas and gazelles in the wild
Lower lodge rates and better availability
💡 Expert Tip:
This is a great time for budget-conscious travelers or couples seeking a romantic off-season escape.
🍼 January to March: Calving Season in Southern Serengeti
Why it’s dramatic:This is the season of birth and predators. Over 8,000 wildebeest calves are born daily in the Ndutu plains (part of Southern Serengeti and Northern Ngorongoro).
🧭 What You’ll Experience:
Calving of wildebeest and zebra herds
Spectacular predator activity—lions, cheetahs, hyenas in action
Less dust and crowds
Good weather windows and golden photography light
💡 Expert Tip:
Stay in mobile tented camps near Ndutu for front-row seats to the calving drama.
☔ April to May: Long Rains – A Green Paradise with Fewer Tourists
Why it’s worth considering:Yes, these are the wettest months, but they also come with massive savings, lush beauty, and a surprising number of sunny days.
🧭 What You’ll Experience:
Lowest prices of the year (up to 40% less than peak season)
Rich green vegetation and vibrant skies—perfect for landscape photos
Bird migration is in full swing
Quiet parks, perfect for honeymooners and offbeat travellers
💡 Expert Tip:
Some remote camps may close temporarily—stick to well-connected areas like Central Serengeti, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro.
📅 Month-by-Month Safari Calendar: What to Expect Each Month
Month | What You’ll See | Recommended Parks |
January | Start of calving, lush vegetation | Ndutu, Lake Manyara |
February | Peak calving, predator hunts | Ndutu, Serengeti |
March | End of calving, rising humidity | Serengeti |
April | Green season, birding | Ngorongoro, Manyara |
May | Discounts, transitional migration | Serengeti, Tarangire |
June | Dry season starts, game viewing spikes | Serengeti, Ngorongoro |
July | River crossings begin | Northern Serengeti |
August | Peak Great Migration | Northern Serengeti, Tarangire |
September | Excellent visibility | All Northern Circuit parks |
October | Wildlife still abundant | Tarangire, Serengeti |
November | Short rains, green return | Lake Manyara, Selous |
December | Birding, festive travel | Ngorongoro, Zanzibar add-ons |
🧭 Best Time for Each Park in Tanzania
National Park | Best Time to Visit | Wildlife Highlights |
Serengeti | June–Oct & Jan–March | Migration, Big Cats, Wildebeest |
Ngorongoro Crater | Year-round | Rhinos, Lions, Elephants |
Tarangire | July–October | Elephants, Baobabs, Birdlife |
Lake Manyara | June–October | Flamingos, Tree-Climbing Lions |
Selous (Nyerere) | June–Oct | Boat safaris, Walking safaris |
Ruaha | June–October | Remote big game experiences |
✈️ Best Time for Fly-In Safaris from Zanzibar
Zanzibar safari extensions are incredibly popular, and Travel Wise Safari offers flexible fly-in safari options to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and more.
Recommended Options:
2-Day Ngorongoro & Tarangire Fly-In Safari – Ideal for quick wildlife immersion
4-Day Serengeti Fly-In Safari – Perfect for witnessing the Great Migration
5-Day Fly-In & Out Northern Circuit Safari – Best for covering multiple parks
🗓️ Fly-ins are available year-round, but June–October and January–March offer the best conditions.
🎯 How to Choose the Best Time for Your Safari
Your Preference | Best Months |
First-time Safari | June – October |
See the Great Migration | July – September |
Avoid Crowds | April, May, November |
Photographers | February, May, November |
On a Budget | April, May, November |
Birdwatching | November – April |
Adventure Seekers | Green Season & Southern Circuit |
Final Thoughts from Travel Wise Safari
No matter when you come, Tanzania will amaze you. What changes is how you experience it:
In July, you’ll hear the splash and screams of wildebeest leaping into rivers.
In February, you'll witness cheetah cubs grow up amidst calving chaos.
In May, you’ll have entire valleys to yourself, painted green and gold.
📍 There’s no wrong time to visit Tanzania—only better times for specific experiences. At Travel Wise Safari, we tailor each itinerary based on what you want to see, do, and feel.
🌟 Our Top Tanzania Safari Tours — Based on the Best Travel Times
Whether you're planning for dry season drama or a lush green adventure, these handpicked tours are designed to give you the best wildlife encounters at the right time of year.
🦓 1. 4-Day Serengeti Fly-in Safari from Zanzibar
Best Time: June to October, January to March➡️ Witness the Great Migration or calving season without long drives. Fly directly from Zanzibar into the heart of the Serengeti. Perfect for those short on time but big on adventure.👉 View Full Itinerary
🐘 2. 5-Day Tanzania Fly-in Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire
Best Time: Year-round (with peak from July to October)➡️ Our most popular all-in-one safari. Visit three iconic parks with luxurious stays, expert guides, and stunning game drives. Start from Zanzibar or Arusha.👉 Explore This Safari
🦁 3. 2-Day Fly-in Safari from Zanzibar to Ngorongoro & Tarangire
Best Time: November to March (great off-season value)➡️ Ideal for beach holiday guests looking to add a quick but powerful safari experience to their Zanzibar trip.👉 Book This Safari
🌍 4. 7-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari
Best Time: July to September (river crossings), December to March (calving season)➡️ Tailored for migration chasers and wildlife photographers. Follow the herds and witness once-in-a-lifetime animal spectacles.👉 Follow the Migration
Ready to See Tanzania at Its Best?
Every month has its magic—but with Travel Wise Safari, you’ll experience the very best of Tanzania no matter when you travel.
📩 Let us build your custom safari based on your travel dates, interests, and budget.📞 Talk to a safari expert now for personal advice on timing, lodges, and routes.
🔗 Quick Links to Start Planning:
Luxury vs. Budget Safaris
Travel Wise Safari – See Tanzania Through Expert Eyes.
🌍 Locally owned. Passionately guided. Truly unforgettable.
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