Best Time to Visit
Plan your perfect Tanzania safari with our month-by-month guide to weather, wildlife, and seasonal highlights.
Peak Season
July - October
Best wildlife, highest prices
Calving Season
January - March
Baby animals, predator action
Value Season
April - May
Lowest prices, fewer crowds
Seasonal Calendar
Each month offers unique experiences. Find your perfect time.
January
Wildebeest calving in Ndutu
Calving season begins in the southern Serengeti. Dramatic predator-prey interactions.
February
Best time for baby animals
Peak calving - up to 8,000 wildebeest born daily. Predators are very active.
March
Lush green landscapes
Long rains begin. Lower prices and fewer tourists. Great for bird watching.
April
Dramatic storms
Peak rainy season. Some camps close. Best prices of the year.
May
Green season photography
Rains easing. Dramatic skies perfect for photography. Excellent value.
June
Grumeti River crossings
Dry season begins. Migration reaches the Grumeti River area.
July
River crossings begin
Prime safari season. Mara River crossings may begin. Book early!
August
Mara River drama
Peak Mara River crossings. Most dramatic wildlife viewing of the year.
September
Best overall safari month
Excellent wildlife viewing across all parks. Migration still in northern Serengeti.
October
Short rains begin
Short rains begin. Migration starts moving south. Still excellent game viewing.
November
Green landscapes return
Short rains continue. Excellent bird watching. Good value season begins.
December
Holiday season safaris
Holiday season brings crowds despite rain. Migration moving to calving grounds.
What Do You Want to See?
Great Migration
Witness millions of wildebeest crossing the Mara River
Calving Season
See thousands of baby wildebeest being born
Big Cat Action
Best time to see lions, leopards and cheetahs hunting
Bird Watching
Migratory birds arrive, over 500 species visible
Best Time by Park
Different parks peak at different times. Here's when to visit each.
Serengeti
Year-round, Jul-Oct peak
Great Migration river crossings
Ngorongoro Crater
Jun-Sep (dry season)
Best visibility, concentrated wildlife
Tarangire
Jul-Oct (dry season)
Massive elephant herds
Zanzibar
Jun-Oct, Dec-Feb
Beach extension after safari
Lake Manyara
Jul-Oct, Jan-Feb
Tree-climbing lions, flamingos
Selous/Nyerere
Jun-Oct
Boat safaris, walking safaris
Pro Tip
Book 6-12 months ahead for peak season
Ramadan & Eid Considerations
Planning a safari during Ramadan or Eid? Here's what you need to know.
During Ramadan
- Early morning game drives allow return for Suhoor
- Flexible schedules to accommodate fasting
- Special Iftar arrangements at camps
Eid Celebrations
- Special Eid safari packages available
- Zanzibar makes excellent Eid celebration destination
- Book early - popular times for Muslim travelers
Found Your Perfect Time?
Let us help you plan the safari of a lifetime at the perfect time of year