Best Time to Visit Tanzania for a Safari

If you’re planning an African adventure, one of the most important questions to ask is: What is the Best Time to Visit Tanzania for a Safari? Tanzania is a year-round safari destination, but certain seasons offer better wildlife viewing, dramatic landscapes, and unforgettable experiences like the Great Migration.

Understanding Tanzania’s climate and wildlife patterns will help you choose the perfect time for your trip.

Understanding Tanzania’s Safari Seasons

Tanzania has two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season. Each offers a unique safari experience.

1. Dry Season (June to October) – Peak Safari Season

For many travelers, this is considered the Best Time to Visit Tanzania for a Safari.

Why?

• Wildlife gathers around rivers and waterholes
• Sparse vegetation makes animals easier to spot
• Minimal rainfall and clear skies
• Ideal conditions for the Great Migration river crossings (July–September)

Best Parks to Visit:

• Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Tarangire National Park
• Ruaha National Park

This is also the busiest season, so booking accommodations and tours in advance is highly recommended.

2. Short Dry Season (January to February) – Calving Season

Another fantastic period and often overlooked as the Best Time to Visit Tanzania for a Safari.

Highlights:

• Great Migration calving season in Southern Serengeti
• Thousands of wildebeest calves are born
• High predator activity
• Beautiful green landscapes after short rains

Photographers especially love this season because of the dramatic wildlife interactions.

3. Wet Season (March to May) – Green Season

While this period sees heavier rainfall, it still has its advantages.

Benefits:

• Fewer tourists
• Lower safari prices
• Lush, scenic landscapes
• Excellent birdwatching opportunities

Some lodges close during April and May due to heavy rains, and wildlife can be harder to spot because of thick vegetation.

Best Time to Visit Tanzania for the Great Migration

The Great Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the world. Timing your visit depends on what you want to see:

• Calving Season: January – February (Southern Serengeti)
• Grumeti River Crossings: June – July (Western Serengeti)
• Mara River Crossings: July – September (Northern Serengeti)

If witnessing river crossings is your goal, then July to September is the Best Time to Visit Tanzania for a Safari focused on migration drama.

Best Time to Visit Tanzania for Specific Parks

Serengeti National Park

Year-round destination, but best from June to October for general game viewing.

Ngorongoro Crater

Excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year due to its enclosed ecosystem.

Tarangire National Park

Best from June to October when elephants gather along the Tarangire River.

Ruaha National Park

Ideal during the dry season (June to October) for predator sightings.

Weather Overview in Tanzania

• June – October: Cool and dry
• November – December: Short rains
• January – February: Warm and mostly dry
• March – May: Long rains

Temperatures generally range between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), depending on location and altitude.