September 15th 2025
The Best Time to Visit Tanzania for Safari
A Local, Expert-Led Guide
If you’re dreaming of a safari in Tanzania, chances are you’ve already asked the big question:
“When is the best time to go?”
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, because neither are our safaris. The truth is, the best time to visit Tanzania for safari depends on what you want to experience, how you like to travel, and the kind of memories you want to create.
At Migration Tanzania Safari, we’ve spent a lifetime living the rhythms of this land. Our founder, Malaki, was born in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and raised within the Maasai community. His earliest memories are of wildebeest grazing near his home, and today, he guides guests from around the world across these same timeless landscapes.
This guide isn’t just another tourist blog. It’s a heartfelt, insider’s view designed to help you plan your journey with confidence, clarity, and care.
At a Glance:
Tanzania Safari Seasons
01
Dry Season (High)
June – October. Peak wildlife, cool days, Great Migration crossings.
02
Calving Season (Dry)
January – March. Baby animals, predator action, soft golden light.
03
Green Season (Shoulder)
November, March. Lush landscapes, fewer travellers, excellent birding.
04
Long Rains (Low)
April – May. Dramatic skies, best rates, peaceful camps.
For the Great Migration… Here’s When to Come
The Great Migration is one of the most remarkable wildlife events on Earth, over a million wildebeest and zebra on the move, shadowed by predators and shaped by instinct. It’s dynamic, dramatic, and ever-changing.
“Everyone wants to see the river crossings, and they’re incredible. But for intimacy, February is my favourite, when the land feels both calm and alive.”
— Malaki, Founder & Lead Guide
Malaki
Migration Tanzania Guide
January – March: The southern Serengeti and Ndutu region become the birthing grounds for thousands of calves each day. With life comes risk, big cats and hyenas lurk nearby. It’s a time of beauty & tension.
April - May: The large herds start moving West through Central Serengeti. May is rutting season so you can expect to see a lot of action from male wildebeest.
June: Herds begin pushing north. The lesser-known Grumeti River crossings offer dramatic scenes with fewer vehicles.
July – September: The famed Mara River crossings take centre stage. Expect heart-pounding action as wildebeest leap into crocodile-filled waters. Northern Serengeti camps book out quickly.
October – December: The herds turn south again. It’s quieter, yet still full of movement, ideal for travellers seeking both space and spectacle.
June to October
Tanzania’s Classic Safari Season
This is Tanzania’s dry season, and it’s widely regarded as the best time to visit for safaris, especially for those seeking the “classic” experience.
- Skies are clear and temperatures comfortable.
- Wildlife gathers around rivers and waterholes, making sightings frequent and photogenic.
- In Tarangire, elephants come by the hundreds.
- It’s also the perfect time to pair your safari with a beach escape in Zanzibar.
Ideal for:
✓ First-time safaris
✓ Big Five sightings
✓ Multi-generational trips
✓ Cooler weather and minimal mosquitoes
Good to know:
This is a popular time to travel. We recommend reserving your preferred camps and guides at least 6–9 months in advance for August and September departures.
Green Season (November & March)
Lush, Quiet, and Overlooked
Often called the “secret season,” these months bring short rains that revive the land, but not in a way that hinders your trip.
- Showers are usually brief and followed by golden, glowing light.
- Landscapes are vivid and alive.
- Fewer travellers mean more stillness, space, and attentive service.
- It’s also an excellent time for birding and seasonal migrations of elephants.
Ideal for:
✓ Couples seeking solitude
✓ Photography lovers
✓ Those who enjoy travel that’s a little different
✓ Excellent value
January to March
Calving Season in the Southern Serengeti
This is when nature’s gentle chaos unfolds: over 400,000 wildebeest calves born within weeks in the Ndutu region.
Predators follow closely, making for thrilling sightings.
Landscapes are open and beautiful, dotted with acacia trees and fresh grass.
The light is soft, days are long, and the drama is real, but rarely crowded.
Ideal for:
✓ Wildlife photographers
✓ Those who want fewer vehicles and more raw nature
✓ Romantic travellers seeking something unique
✓ Guests who appreciate storytelling over sightseeing
April to May
Quiet, Dramatic, and Full of Value
The long rains arrive in April, marking the low season, but for the right traveller, it’s a hidden gem.
The parks are green and atmospheric.
The skies turn cinematic, perfect for moody photography.
Some remote camps close, but those that stay open often offer exceptional rates and the most personalised service of the year.
Ideal for:
✓ Budget-conscious luxury travellers
✓ Return visitors
✓ Guests who don’t mind a bit of rain for a lot more peace
“You’ll likely have the lodge to yourself, and wake to the sound of elephants, not other guests.”
December
Festive Safaris, Warm Skies & Returning Herds
December in Tanzania is a beautiful contradiction, lush landscapes from the short rains, dramatic skies, and a vibrant energy as the year winds down and holiday travellers arrive.
-The Great Migration herds are on their way south to Ndutu, setting the stage for the upcoming calving season.
-Afternoon showers freshen the air, but rarely disrupt your game drives.
-Birding is excellent, the parks are green, and festive-season travellers are rewarded with golden sunsets.
-Many lodges offer special Christmas and New Year experiences, with just the right blend of elegance and authenticity.
Ideal for:
✓ Families on festive breaks
✓ Guests seeking warmth and wildlife over winter
✓ Those happy to embrace a touch of rain for lush beauty
✓ Couples looking for a meaningful, offbeat Christmas
"December feels alive, like nature is preparing for something special. The air is soft, the bush is green, and there’s celebration in the quietest of places."
— Malaki
There is no single “best time.” There is only your best time.
And that’s exactly what we help you discover.
We’ll Help You Choose What’s Right for You
At Migration Tanzania Safari, we don’t just plan trips. We listen to what matters to you and help you design a journey that’s intentional, beautifully paced, and unforgettable for all the right reasons.
Whether you’re dreaming of wildebeest thunder, lion cubs, or coffee by the fire after a day in the bush, we’ll help you be in the right place, at the right time, with the right people.
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