Safari PlanningThe question we hear most often from travellers is simple: when should I go? The honest answer is that Tanzania has good safari conditions all year. What changes from month to month is the weather, where the animals are, how many other vehicles you share a sighting with, and how much you pay for your lodge.
In short, June to October is the classic dry season and the easiest time to find wildlife. January and February bring the wildebeest calving season to the southern Serengeti. March to May is wet, green and quiet, with the lowest prices of the year. This guide explains each season so you can choose the one that suits you.
Tanzania’s safari seasons at a glance
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Long dry season | June to October | Thin vegetation, animals gather near water, cool mornings, busiest period and highest rates |
| Short rains | November to mid December | Short afternoon showers, the bush turns green again, fewer vehicles |
| Short dry season | Mid December to February | Warm days, wildebeest calving in the southern Serengeti, very good birding |
| Long rains | March to May | Heaviest rain in April, lowest prices, some camps close, lush scenery |
June to October: the dry season
This is the period most people picture when they think of an African safari. Rain stops, grass dries out and many seasonal waterholes disappear, so animals concentrate around rivers and permanent water. Thinner vegetation also makes them easier to spot.
In Tarangire National Park, large herds of elephants gather along the Tarangire River. In the northern Serengeti, the wildebeest herds reach the Mara River from around July, which is when the famous river crossings can happen. Days are dry and sunny, while early mornings are cool, especially on the Ngorongoro Crater rim, where you will want a fleece and a warm jacket.
The trade-off is demand. July and August match the European and American summer holidays, so popular lodges fill early and rates are at their highest. If you plan to travel in these months, we suggest booking six to nine months ahead.
November to mid December: the short rains
The short rains usually arrive as brief afternoon or evening showers rather than full days of rain. Dust settles, the plains turn green within days and migratory birds arrive from Europe and Asia. The wildebeest herds move back south through the eastern Serengeti towards their calving grounds.
Because this falls between the two busy periods, you often have sightings to yourself and lodge rates start to drop. It is a good choice for travellers who want a quieter safari without the heavier rain of April.
Mid December to February: calving season
From around late January to early March, the herds settle on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti and the Ndutu area. Thousands of calves are born within a few weeks, which draws lions, cheetahs and hyenas. For predator action, this is one of the most rewarding times to be in Tanzania.
The weather is warm, with occasional showers, and the landscape is green. The Christmas and New Year weeks are busy, but January and February are calmer. It is also a good time to add a few days on Zanzibar, where these months are generally dry and hot.
March to May: the long rains
April is usually the wettest month in northern Tanzania. Some tented camps close for a few weeks, a few dirt roads become slow going, and Zanzibar is wet too. That is the downside.
The upside is real. Lodges that stay open offer their lowest rates, the parks are quiet, the scenery is at its greenest and many animals have young. Rain tends to come in heavy bursts rather than all day, so game drives still go ahead. If your dates are fixed to this period, a safari is still well worth doing, and a private vehicle lets your guide work around the showers.
The best time for each park
- Serengeti: good all year, but the herds move, so where you stay matters more than when you go. Southern plains from December to March, central and western areas from April to July, north from July to October.
- Ngorongoro Crater: good all year. The crater floor has water and grazing in every season, so resident wildlife stays put.
- Tarangire: best from June to October, when elephants and other animals crowd along the river.
- Lake Manyara: good all year, with the best birding from November to April.
- Zanzibar: best from June to October and from mid December to February.
So when should you go?
- Your first safari, with the best chance of seeing a lot: June to October.
- Calving and predators: late January to February.
- River crossings: July to September in the northern Serengeti, with no guarantee on the day.
- Fewer vehicles and better rates: November, early December, or March.
- The lowest prices: April and May.
- Safari and beach together: June to October, or January and February.
Frequently asked questions
Is a safari in the rainy season worth it?
Yes, for many travellers. You will see fewer vehicles, pay less and enjoy green landscapes with young animals. Pack a light rain jacket and allow a little flexibility in your daily plan.
How far ahead should I book?
For July, August and the Christmas period, six to nine months ahead. For other months, three to four months is usually enough, although the best-located camps still fill early.
Is Tanzania very hot?
Most northern parks sit at altitude, so days are warm rather than hot and nights can be cool. The Ngorongoro rim is the coldest place on a typical itinerary.
Plan your safari with us
Every Isimila safari is private, so we can build your route around the month you travel. Have a look at our 7-Day Tanzania Safari or the shorter 5-Day Tanzania Highlights Safari, read our safari FAQ, or send us your dates and we will tell you what to expect that month.
