When to go on safari in Tanzania?

The best time to explore the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara—particularly for viewing wildlife around water sources—is during the dry season, from June to October. While the Great Migration is a continuous, year-round cycle, the most dramatic events—such as the famous Mara River crossings—typically occur between July and October in the northern Serengeti.

From December to March, the migrating herds are found in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains, where they give birth during the calving season. As the rains end, the herds begin moving northward, gathering in the central and western Serengeti from April to June, where mating occurs. They eventually head into the northern Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara to complete the cycle.

The calving season occurs from December to March, which corresponds to summer in Tanzania’s southern hemisphere. Thousands of calves are born each day, attracting intense predator activity—often even more dramatic than the river crossings in the north. With climate change, East Africa’s long and short rainy seasons are no longer as regular or predictable as they once were, which can affect animal movements. Even so, camps in prime locations can be booked up to a year in advance. The days are hot during the green season (November to March), and afternoon showers settle the dust, enhancing visibility and contrast—ideal for photographers. This period also sees fewer visitors, offering a quieter and more intimate safari experience - Check out the best time to visit Tanzania