Plan Your Safari Around Nature’s Rhythm

Every month in Tanzania tells a new story. The landscapes shift, herds migrate, and predators follow. Knowing when and where to go helps you witness the best wildlife encounters — from the Great Migration’s thunderous crossings to the peaceful calving season in Ndutu.
Use this month-by-month guide to plan your safari at the perfect time for you.

How to Use This Calendar

Tanzania’s wildlife moves with the seasons. Some parks shine all year, while others reveal their secrets at specific times.
This guide highlights the best places to visit each month, including:

• Where the Great Migration is found

• When predators are most active

• When elephants, birds, and calves appear

• What weather and light conditions to expect

For every month, we’ve included a suggested itinerary so you can easily match your travel dates with nature’s rhythm.

January

• Migration: Ndutu (Southern Serengeti) — peak calving season begins.

• Predators: Lions and cheetahs thrive; intense hunting scenes.

• Elephants: Seen in Tarangire and Lake Manyara forests.

• Birding: Excellent; migratory species fill the skies.

• Weather: Warm, green plains with short showers.
  Suggested Itinerary: 7-Day Ndutu Calving Safari

February

• Migration: Ndutu still active; thousands of newborn wildebeest.

• Predators: Big cats concentrate around herds; ideal for photography.

• Elephants: Families near Tarangire River.

• Birding: Superb diversity; flamingos in Manyara.

• Weather: Sunny mornings, brief afternoon rains.
  Suggested Itinerary: 8-Day Calving & Big Cats Safari

March

• Migration: Herds begin moving northwest; grass tall and lush.

• Predators: Cheetahs visible on open plains; lions near woodlands.

• Elephants: Scattered groups in Tarangire.

• Birding: Still excellent; raptors active.

• Weather: Warm with longer rains starting late month.
  Suggested Itinerary: 10-Day Serengeti Photography Safari

April

• Migration: Moving toward Central and Western Serengeti.

• Predators: Quiet but rewarding; fewer vehicles around.

• Elephants: Gather near permanent rivers.

• Birding: Lush scenery and nesting species.

• Weather: Wettest month; dramatic skies for photos.
  Suggested Itinerary: Green Season Serengeti Adventure

May

• Migration: Western Corridor; herds gather near Grumeti River.

• Predators: Crocodile activity near crossings.

• Elephants: Active at Tarangire swamps.

• Birding: Excellent; migrants preparing to leave.

• Weather: Green, cooler days; fewer travelers.
  Suggested Itinerary: 9-Day Western Serengeti & Crater Safari

June

• Migration: Herds push north toward the Mara region.

• Predators: Lions follow closely; hyenas very active.

• Elephants: Begin clustering in large family groups.

• Birding: Clear skies; raptors soaring.

• Weather: Dry, comfortable temperatures.
  Suggested Itinerary: Classic 7-Day Northern Tanzania Safari

July

• Migration: Northern Serengeti; first Mara River crossings begin.

• Predators: Intense lion and crocodile activity.

• Elephants: Tarangire at its best — huge herds near riverbeds.

• Birding: Excellent; dry season specialists visible.

• Weather: Cool mornings, sunny days.
  Suggested Itinerary: 10-Day Great Migration & Crater Safari

August

• Migration: River crossings continue; dramatic scenes daily.

• Predators: Leopards and lions thrive near Mara River.

• Elephants: Large family herds in Tarangire valleys.

• Birding: Stable; fewer migrants but clear views.

• Weather: Peak dry season; blue skies and perfect light.
  Suggested Itinerary: Northern Serengeti Migration Safari

September

• Migration: Still in north; crossings taper by late month.

• Predators: Cubs often visible; calm hunting scenes.

• Elephants: Consistent sightings in Tarangire.

• Birding: Excellent; raptors in open plains.

• Weather: Dry and comfortable; ideal temperatures.
  Suggested Itinerary: 9-Day Tanzania Classic Safari

October

• Migration: Herds begin moving south; scattered across central plains.

• Predators: Big cats follow migrating herds.

• Elephants: Remain near Tarangire River until rains arrive.

• Birding: Good; some early migrants return.

• Weather: Hotter days, chance of short rains late month.
  Suggested Itinerary: Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari

November

• Migration: Southern movement accelerates; new grass attracts herds.

• Predators: Hunting remains strong in Central Serengeti.

• Elephants: Spread across many parks after rains.

• Birding: Spectacular; migratory birds return.

• Weather: Short rains, fresh green scenery.
  Suggested Itinerary: 7-Day Green Season Safari

December

• Migration: Arrives back in Ndutu area; calving begins again.

• Predators: Excellent big-cat sightings; festive safari season.

• Elephants: Seen near rivers and swamps.

• Birding: Outstanding; flamingos at Lake Manyara.

• Weather: Warm, mostly dry, lively holiday atmosphere.
  Suggested Itinerary: Festive Season Serengeti Safari

 

Special Interests For Photographers

The green season (Jan–Mar) offers soft light, newborn animals, and vibrant landscapes.
From July to October, dust, golden light, and river drama create award-winning shots.
Your guide knows the best angles and times — from sunrise lion hunts to sunset silhouettes.

For Birders

Birding in Tanzania peaks between November and April, when migratory species from Europe and Asia arrive.
Highlights include flamingos at Lake Manyara, pelicans in Tarangire, and colorful rollers across the plains.
Even in the dry months, raptors and hornbills keep the skies alive.

Plan Your Safari with Experts

Every wildlife moment depends on the season — and our local team tracks it all year.
Whether you dream of river crossings, elephant herds, or predator action, Tanzania Timeless Safaris will design your trip around nature’s exact timing.
Our guides live this cycle — they know where the animals are today, not just where they were last year.

Get Your Month-by-Month Safari Plan or message us directly on WhatsApp to start planning your ideal dates.

Some other Useful links

• When to Go to Tanzania

• Calving vs River Crossings

• Serengeti Safari Camps & Itineraries

• 7-Day vs 10-Day Safari Costs

FAQ – Tanzania Animal Sightings by Month

Q1. Where is the Great Migration in August?
In August, the herds gather in the Northern Serengeti for the Mara River crossings, one of Africa’s most breathtaking spectacles.

Q2. When is the best time to see lions in Tanzania?
Lions are visible all year, but the dry season (June–October) offers clear views as grass is short and prey is abundant.

Q3. What month is best for the calving season?
The calving season peaks from January to March in Ndutu, when thousands of wildebeest give birth across the green plains.

Q4. When can I see elephants in large numbers?
Visit Tarangire National Park between July and October when elephants gather by the Tarangire River in impressive herds.

Q5. Is the green season good for safaris?
Yes. From April to May, landscapes are lush, lodges offer discounts, and you’ll enjoy quiet parks and dramatic skies.

Local Knowledge, Seasonal Expertise

At Tanzania Timeless Safaris, we don’t guess seasons — we live them.
Our guides, trackers, and planners know where the herds roam, where predators hide, and when nature’s rhythm changes.
Travel with experts who turn every month into the best time to be here.