Discover the Best Time to Visit Tanzania for a Safari | Month-by-Month Guide. From the Great Migration to off-the-beaten-path parks like Ruaha and Selous, plan your perfect safari adventure.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best time to visit Tanzania for a safari, month by month, with insights into each season, region, and what makes every moment of the year unique.
Tanzania Safari Seasons Overview
Tanzania’s weather is defined by its dry and wet seasons, each offering a different kind of safari magic. And by understanding this you will know when is the Best Time to Visit Tanzania for a Safari.
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Dry Season (June to October): Clear skies, minimal rain, and exceptional wildlife viewing as animals gather around waterholes.
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Green Season (November to May): Lush landscapes, vibrant birdlife, and fewer tourists — perfect for photographers and travelers seeking tranquility.
While the dry season is considered the Best Time to Visit Tanzania for a Safari, every month has something extraordinary to offer.
Month-by-Month Safari Highlights in Tanzania
January – February: Calving Season in Ndutu
This is one of the most spectacular times to visit Tanzania. In the southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains, over 300,000 wildebeest calves are born within weeks, attracting big predators like lions and cheetahs. The scenery is lush and green, and the crowds are still light.
Best for: Witnessing the Great Migration’s calving season and dramatic predator action.
June – October: Peak Safari Season
The dry season is Tanzania’s prime safari time. Vegetation thins, making wildlife easier to spot. In the Serengeti, this is when the Great Migration heads north, and river crossings begin in the Western Corridor and Mara regions. Tarangire shines with huge elephant herds, and the Ngorongoro Crater offers year-round wildlife drama.
Best for: Classic game viewing, clear skies, and unforgettable experiences.
Tip: Book early — lodges fill up fast during these months.
November – December: Short Rains and Migration Return
Light showers return, refreshing the plains without disrupting game drives. The Great Migration moves south toward Ndutu, preparing for the next calving season. Landscapes turn green again, and crowds thin out.
Best for: Lower prices, beautiful scenery, and transitional migration moments.
Best Time to Visit Tanzania for a Safari by Region
| Region / Park | Best Months | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Serengeti | June–October (Migration), January–February (Calving) | Witness the Great Migration and dramatic predator hunts. |
| Ngorongoro Crater | Year-round | Consistent wildlife viewing with lush crater landscapes. |
| Tarangire & Lake Manyara | June–October | Massive elephant herds and tree-climbing lions. |
| Ruaha & Nyerere (Selous) | June–October | Remote, wild, and best accessed during the dry season. |
Choosing the Right Time for Your Safari
Each season in Tanzania tells a different story:
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If you want river crossings and migration drama, travel between July and September.
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For new life and predator action, choose January and February.
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If you prefer quiet parks and lush scenery, go during March to May.
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For value and fewer crowds, try November and early December.
Your safari experience depends on what you dream of seeing — and when you’re ready to go, Tanzania is ready for you all year long.
Thoughts From Our Experts
The best time to visit Tanzania for a wildlife safari ultimately depends on your interests — whether it’s watching wildebeest charge across rivers, photographing golden plains, or enjoying peaceful drives under the rain-kissed sky.
At Tanzania Timeless Safaris, we craft journeys around your schedule and your passions. Whether you visit during the dry season or the green season, every safari reveals the wild beauty of Tanzania in its own timeless way.