One of the most common questions we hear is: "When is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania?" The honest answer is that there is no single best time — it depends entirely on what you want to see and experience.
Dry Season: June to October
The dry season is Tanzania's peak safari period. Vegetation thins, animals concentrate around water sources, and game viewing is at its most productive. The Serengeti's dramatic Mara River crossings typically occur between July and October. This is also the most popular (and expensive) period — book well in advance.
Green Season: November to May
The "green season" brings rain, lush landscapes, and dramatically fewer tourists. Prices drop significantly, and the scenery is stunning for photography. The Serengeti calving season (January-March) is one of the year's highlights, with hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves born on the southern plains — attracting predators in extraordinary concentrations.
Month-by-Month Highlights
January-February: Calving season in the southern Serengeti. Predator action is intense. Clear skies for Kilimanjaro treks.
March-May: Long rains. Lowest prices, fewest tourists. Some camps close, but the bush is lush and birdlife peaks.
June-July: Dry season begins. Herds move north through the Serengeti. Excellent game viewing everywhere.
August-September: Peak season. Mara River crossings. Best overall game viewing. Book 6-12 months ahead.
October: Dry season's final month. Wildlife still concentrated. Good value before November rains.
November-December: Short rains. Migration herds return south. Ngorongoro is green and beautiful. Good value.