Best Time for Tanzania Safaris: A Month-by-Month Guide
When planning your dream Tanzania safari, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is when to go. Tanzania’s national parks and game reserves offer breathtaking experiences year-round, but the best time depends on what you want to see — from the Great Migration in Serengeti to predator action in Ngorongoro Crater, or birdwatching in Tarangire.
At Wildbud Safaris, we help travelers choose the perfect season for their adventure, tailoring Tanzania safari packages to match wildlife activity, weather, and your travel style.
Tanzania Safari Seasons at a Glance
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Dry Season (June–October): Best for game viewing, wildebeest migration, fewer mosquitoes.
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Short Rains (November–December): Green landscapes, excellent photography, fewer crowds.
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Calving Season (January–March): Wildebeest births in Southern Serengeti, predator activity.
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Long Rains (April–May): Quiet parks, lush scenery, best for budget safaris.
Tanzania Safari Seasons at a Glance
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Dry Season (June–October): Best for game viewing, wildebeest migration, fewer mosquitoes.
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Short Rains (November–December): Green landscapes, excellent photography, fewer crowds.
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Calving Season (January–March): Wildebeest births in Southern Serengeti, predator activity.
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Long Rains (April–May): Quiet parks, lush scenery, best for budget safaris.
Month-by-Month Guide to the Best Time for Tanzania Safaris
January – March: Calving Season in Serengeti
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Over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born in Southern Serengeti.
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Predators (lions, cheetahs, hyenas) are highly active.
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Ideal for photographers and adventure seekers.
April – May: Long Rains
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Lush green landscapes across Tanzania.
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Less crowded parks, lower safari costs.
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Some lodges close due to muddy conditions, but ideal for budget travelers.
June – July: Migration River Crossings Begin
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Herds move north from Serengeti.
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Famous Grumeti River crossings.
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Excellent for dramatic wildlife action.
August – October: Peak Safari Season
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Wildebeest Mara River crossings between Serengeti & Masai Mara.
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Best game viewing in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire.
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Dry weather → easy game spotting.
November – December: Short Rains
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Parks transform into lush green wonderlands.
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Great time for birding and photography.
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Fewer tourists → more intimate experiences.
Best Time for Specific Tanzania Safari Experiences
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Great Migration Safaris: June–October (river crossings), January–March (calving).
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Big Five Safaris in Ngorongoro: Year-round, but best June–October.
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Birdwatching Safaris: November–April during wet seasons.
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Family Safaris: Dry season (July–October) offers comfortable weather.
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Luxury Safaris: Year-round, with fly-in options to Serengeti & Selous.
Plan Your Safari with Wildbud Safaris
At Wildbud Safaris, we design tailor-made Tanzania safari packages for every season — from thrilling migration safaris to relaxing safari & beach holidays in Zanzibar.
Explore our Tanzania Safaris
Discover Kenya–Tanzania Combined Safaris
📩 Contact us today to book your safari at the perfect time of year!
FAQs – Best Time for Tanzania Safaris
Q1: What is the best month for a Tanzania safari?
A: The peak months are July–October for wildlife concentration and the Great Migration river crossings.
Q2: Is April a good time to visit Tanzania?
A: April is the rainy season. While wildlife is still present, road conditions can be challenging. However, it’s a great time for photographers and budget travelers.
Q3: When is the best time for a Serengeti safari?
A: January–March for calving season in Southern Serengeti, or July–September for Mara River crossings.
Q4: Can I see the Great Migration year-round?
A: Yes — the migration is a circular movement. The location varies monthly, so it depends on your timing.
Q5: What’s the best season for a Kenya–Tanzania combined safari?
A: July–October is perfect, as the migration moves between Serengeti and Masai Mara.