When Is the Best Time for A Safari in Tanzania?

By Africa Exotic Holidays

June 6, 2025

The Best Time to Visit Tanzania depends entirely on what you want your safari to be. If you dream of watching the Great Migration charge across rivers, the dry season offers the clearest views.

But if lush green landscapes, newborn wildlife, and quiet parks sound appealing, the green season might be your perfect window. Every part of the year tells a different story here.

No matter when you arrive, Safari Tours in Tanzania will always bring you face-to-face with wild beauty, incredible wildlife, and memorable moments under Africa’s open skies.

Tanzania’s Safari Seasons: The Two Key Periods

Most people divide Tanzania’s calendar into two simple seasons: dry and wet. But in reality, these seasons create entirely different safari experiences.

Dry Season- June to October

This is regarded as the Best Time to visit Tanzania, as most first-time safari visitors are drawn to the region around this time. During these months:

• The rains have stopped.
• Waterholes shrink, forcing animals to gather in tighter spots.
• The grass is shorter, making animals easier to spot.
• Skies stay clear, and game drives are usually smooth and predictable.

In short, wildlife visibility is at its best. You’re likely to see predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards resting in the open. Herds gather around limited water sources, and photographers get the wide, open shots many dream about.

Of course, it’s also peak season for tourism. Camps fill up quickly. Prices are higher. Popular parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater can feel busy.

Green Season- November to May

The Green Season Tanzania Safari is less famous but equally powerful — and in some ways, even more beautiful. As rains return, everything changes:

• The dry, dusty plains transform into emerald grasslands.
• Migratory birds arrive in huge numbers.
• Calving season begins, drawing predators.
• Fewer tourists mean quieter, more personal safaris.
• Rates at lodges often drop, offering better value.

Not all rains are equal. November and December bring the “short rains,” usually quick and scattered. The “long rains” arrive around March to May, with heavier showers that can occasionally affect travel routes.

Still, for travellers willing to accept some afternoon rain, the rewards include vibrant scenery, excellent photography, and dramatic predator-prey interactions.

Tanzania Weather, Rainfall & Safari Highlights (Month-by-Month Guide)

To better understand when to plan your safari, here’s a month-by-month breakdown of Tanzania’s climate, rain patterns, and safari highlights:

Best Time to See the Great Migration in Tanzania

The Serengeti Great Migration is a living cycle that never stops. Over two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle journey across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara in search of fresh pastures. But different parts of the year reveal different chapters of this epic event.

January to March: The Beginning of Life

The southern plains of Serengeti bloom, becoming birthing grounds for half a million wildebeest calves. Predators lurk nearby, turning these months into a high-stakes survival game. For photographers and those interested in predator-prey interactions, this is one of the most intense periods for Tanzania Wildlife Safari experiences.

May to July: Grumeti’s Quiet Drama

As the herds move westward, they gather at the Grumeti River. Fewer tourists visit here, but the drama is no less thrilling as crocodiles wait for migrating herds.

July to September: The Mara River Crossings

This is when Tanzania steals global attention. The Mara River crossings in the Northern Serengeti offer the most spectacular scenes of wildebeest braving crocodile-infested waters. It’s the peak of Tanzania’s Safari Season.

October to December: The Circle Completes

By October, the herds begin their southward return. The plains of central and southern Serengeti prepare once again for calving. The story continues.

The Best Time to see the Serengeti Migration is during the river crossings, from July to September.  But, as we have seen that the migration is a year-round event, so no matter when you visit, you will always witness some stage of this epic phenomenon.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing in Different National Parks

Every national park in Tanzania carries its personality. While some parks shine year-round, others offer their best experiences during specific windows.

Special Note: Accessible nearly year-round, the Northern Circuit Safari Tours in Tanzania are the most popular. The dry season delivers consistent game viewing, while the green season adds lush beauty and fewer tourists.

Travelling During the Green (Low) Season: Pros and Cons

While many automatically choose the dry months, the Green Season Tanzania safari deserves special attention.

Why Some Travellers Prefer It:

• Fresh green landscapes turn the plains into natural gardens.
• Calving season draws intense predator action.
• Birdlife explodes with colour and variety.
• Fewer tourists allow for a peaceful, unhurried safari.
• Lodges offer discounted rates on Tanzania Safari Packages.

But Be Aware:

• Heavy rains in April and May can make some roads impassable.
• Afternoon showers may shorten game drives.
• Some camps close entirely in remote regions.
• Humidity brings more mosquitoes.

For photographers, birders, and returning safari-goers, this season often becomes a hidden favorite.

Tanzania Is Magical Year-Round — It’s About What You Want to See

There’s no wrong time to visit Tanzania. The dry season delivers outstanding wildlife visibility, while the green season offers raw beauty, new life, and quiet moments most travellers never experience. What matters most is knowing what you want from your safari and letting experts guide you to the best timing.

With the team at Africa Exotic Holidays, your safari won’t be left to chance. We combine expert knowledge, local insight, and years of experience to craft a safari that fits your exact idea of a Safari Tour in Tanzania. So, irrespective of when you visit, Tanzania’s wild world will be waiting.