What You Need to Know: The best time for a Tanzania safari in the northern parks is the dry season from June to October, when animals gather near water, roads are dry and the Serengeti herds are in the north. January and February are excellent too, for the calving season on the southern Serengeti plains. November and March are quieter green-season months; April and May bring the long rains, muddy roads and some camps closing.
Month by Month
| Month | Weather | Wildlife highlights |
|---|---|---|
| January | Mostly dry, warm | Calving begins on the southern plains |
| February | Mostly dry, hot | Peak calving; predators active at Ndutu |
| March | Changeable, rains begin | Herds still in the south; fewer visitors |
| April | Long rains | Green, quiet; some camps close |
| May | Long rains easing | Herds moving north-west |
| June | Dry, cool nights | Herds in the west; Tarangire elephants gather |
| July | Dry, cool | Herds reach the north; first Mara crossings |
| August | Dry, busiest | River crossings; Tarangire at its best |
| September | Dry | Crossings continue; fewer vehicles than August |
| October | Dry, warming | Herds start south; good everywhere |
| November | Short rains | Herds move south through the center; green, quiet |
| December | Mostly dry | Herds return to the southern plains |
The herds move every year in a similar pattern, but the timing shifts with the rain. See the migration month by month.
Which Parks Are Best in Which Season
| Park | Best months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tarangire | June – October | Elephants gather at the river |
| Serengeti (south, Ndutu) | January – March | Calving |
| Serengeti (north) | July – October | Mara River crossings |
| Serengeti (central) | All year | Resident big cats |
| Ngorongoro Crater | All year | Resident wildlife |
| Lake Manyara | All year; birds November – March | Migrant birds |
Best Months by What You Want to See
| You want… | Best months |
|---|---|
| Big herds and river crossings | July – October |
| Calving and predators | January – February |
| Elephant herds | June – October |
| Birds and green landscapes | November – March |
| Fewer vehicles and lower prices | November, March, early June |
| Black rhino | All year, in the crater |
Weather and Temperatures
Days are warm all year. June to August are the coolest months, with cold early mornings, especially on the Ngorongoro crater rim at about 7,500 ft (2,300 m). January and February are the hottest. The long rains fall mainly in April and May, with shorter showers around November. Bring a warm layer in every month.
Crowds and Prices
July, August and the Christmas holidays are the busiest, and some lodges charge more. November, March and the rainy months are the quietest. Park fees are the same all year; your quotation shows lodge rates for your exact dates.
Timing a Safari with Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar
Late May to October and January to March suit all three: the climb, the safari and the beach. April and May are rainy for all three. See the Kilimanjaro, safari and Zanzibar tour.
Traveling in the Rainy Season
April and May bring heavier rain: some roads become muddy, the drive to the Serengeti takes longer and some camps close, but the parks are quiet and green. November rains are usually short showers. If your dates fall in the rains, we suggest routes and lodges that work, and tell you honestly if a trip isn't a good idea.
How Far Ahead to Book
Three to six months ahead for July, August and the holidays, especially for seasonal camps in the northern Serengeti and Ndutu; a few weeks is usually enough otherwise. A 30% deposit confirms your safari, with a full refund if you cancel 60 days or more before arrival.
Best Time by Length of Trip
| Trip | Best months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Day trip or 2–3 days near Arusha | June – October, January – February | Dry roads; Tarangire best in the dry season |
| 4–6 days with the Serengeti | June – October, January – February | The central Serengeti is good all year |
| Fly-in to the northern Serengeti | July – October | River crossings |
| Calving safari | January – February | Peak calving at Ndutu |
| Longer safari following the herds | Any month | Time to reach wherever the herds are |
What a Safari Looks Like in Three Different Months
February
Hot days, green plains, and hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calving on the short-grass plains around Ndutu, with lions, cheetahs and hyenas close behind. The rest of the circuit is quiet. Our calving safari is built for this.
August
Dry, dusty and cool in the mornings. Tarangire's elephants crowd the river, the crater is excellent, and the herds are in the northern Serengeti for the Mara River crossings. It is the busiest month, so book early.
November
The short rains bring afternoon showers and a green landscape; the herds move south through the central Serengeti. There are fewer vehicles, and some lodges are cheaper. A good month for a relaxed safari and for birds.
Seasons Questions
What is the best month for a safari in Tanzania?
Any month from June to October for dry weather, or January and February for calving.
What is the worst time for a safari in Tanzania?
April and May, the long rains. It is cheaper and green, but roads are muddy and some camps close.
When can I see the wildebeest river crossings?
Usually July to October in the northern Serengeti. They are never guaranteed.
Is December a good time for a safari?
Yes. The herds return to the southern Serengeti and the short rains are usually brief. Book early for the holidays.
Is the Ngorongoro Crater good all year?
Yes. Its wildlife stays in the crater year-round.
What is the cheapest time for a safari in Tanzania?
April and May, the long rains, and to a lesser extent November and March. Park fees stay the same; some lodges are cheaper.
Is June a good month for a safari?
Yes. The dry season begins, the herds are in the west, and July–August crowds haven't arrived yet.
The Bottom Line
Go from June to October for the classic dry-season safari, or in January and February for calving. Whatever your month, there is a route that works; tell us your dates and we will plan it.
Send us your dates, the number of travelers (with children's ages) and your lodge level through the form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our sales team in Moshi will reply with a written quotation.