Best Time For Safari In Tanzania - Full guide 2025

Best Time for Safari in Tanzania: A Month-by-Month Breakdown

Are you planning a Tanzania safari adventure and wondering when is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania? From the Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park, to the vast herds of elephants in Tarangire, the breathtaking views of the Ngorongoro Crater, and even extending your trip to relax on the beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania offers some of the best safari experiences in Africa.

This month-by-month safari guide will help you choose the right time for your journey, covering weather conditions, wildlife highlights, and travel tips for every season. Whether you’re a photographer chasing the Mara River crossings, a wildlife enthusiast hoping to witness the Ndutu calving season, or a traveler looking to avoid the crowds while enjoying Zanzibar’s pristine beaches, this guide will ensure you plan your safari at the perfect time.

👉 Request your custom safari quote here

January – Calving Season in the Serengeti Plains

Ideal for: Predator-prey action, wildlife photography, Great Migration calving season, baby wildebeest sightings
Weather: Warm days, scattered afternoon showers, lush green landscapes

January is one of the best times to visit the Serengeti if you're looking to witness nature’s raw drama unfold before your eyes. This is the start of the Great Migration calving season, where over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born within a span of just a few weeks in the southern Serengeti region, specifically around the Ndutu area.

These wide, open grasslands are perfect birthing grounds—flat and green, offering enough food and visibility for the vulnerable calves. However, this abundance of newborns also draws in Africa’s top predators like lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and even leopards. It’s a time of intense survival, with predator-prey encounters happening daily — making January a goldmine for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.

This period is especially recommended for safari photographers seeking rare wildlife shots, as dramatic chases, emotional moments, and vibrant backdrops dominate the scene. Expect fewer tourists compared to peak dry months, making it a more intimate and exclusive safari experience.

📌 Top search terms this month:

• “Best time for calving season in Serengeti”

• “Where to see baby wildebeest in Tanzania”

• “Predator safari in Africa”

• “January safari in Serengeti”

• “Serengeti wildlife photography tour”

📍 Recommended Safari:
👉 Explore Serengeti Safari Tours – Plan your January adventure with our expert-guided safaris tailored to catch the peak of the calving season and predator action.

🔗 Request your personalized quote here:
👉 Request a Custom Safari Quote

February – Prime Time for Wildlife Encounters

Ideal for: Big cat encounters, predator action, newborn sightings, dramatic wildlife photography
Weather: Mild rains, lush green scenery, comfortable temperatures

February in Tanzania offers some of the most breathtaking safari experiences, especially for those interested in seeing Africa's big cats in action. The Serengeti plains remain alive with activity, as the calving season reaches its peak. Thousands of baby wildebeests and zebras continue to be born, making it a magnet for predators like lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards. This month is ideal for visitors who want to see both tender moments of new life and high-stakes survival scenes unfold in real time.

The short rains keep the landscape stunningly green, providing a perfect backdrop for photography. Plus, since it's considered a shoulder season, you'll enjoy fewer crowds and more intimate encounters on game drives—perfect for travelers who crave authentic, less-commercialized safari experiences.

In addition to the Serengeti, Tarangire National Park begins to reveal its own magic. Famous for its elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and abundant birdlife, it’s a perfect complement to your safari itinerary. This is the time to explore multi-park safari packages in Tanzania for a truly immersive wildlife adventure.

📌 Popular search phrases this month:

• “Best month for Serengeti safari”

• “Where to see lions hunting in Tanzania”

• “February safari in Serengeti”

• “Predator action Africa safari”

• “Baby animals in Tanzania safari”

📍 Recommended Safari:
👉 Discover Tarangire Safari Tours – Explore unique wildlife and scenic beauty with our expert-led adventures in Tarangire.

🔗 Want a custom safari itinerary?
👉 Request a Quote Today – Let us help you create your perfect Tanzania safari.

March – End of the Green Season

Ideal for: Budget-friendly safaris, rich birdlife, lush landscapes
Weather: Increasing rains, cooler evenings, vibrant greenery

March marks the tail-end of Tanzania’s green season, offering budget-conscious travelers a chance to experience wildlife safaris at lower rates. The parks are beautifully lush, making it an excellent time for bird watching and capturing vivid landscape photography.

Although the rains pick up, they usually fall in short bursts, allowing plenty of time for game drives. Mikumi National Park is a top pick this month, known for its diverse wildlife, fewer tourists, and easy accessibility from Dar es Salaam. It’s a hidden gem for those seeking affordable safari tours in Tanzania without compromising the experience.

📌 Recommended Safari:
👉 Explore Mikumi Safari Tours – Discover lions, giraffes, elephants, and more in this underrated park.

🔗 Plan your adventure today:
👉 Request a Quote – Affordable and customizable safari packages.

April – Quiet Parks and Birdwatching

Ideal for: Birdwatching, wildlife photography, discounted safari trips
Weather: Wettest month of the year, lush and green landscapes

April is considered the low season for Tanzania safaris, but it offers unique advantages for birdwatchers, photographers, and budget travelers. The national parks are quiet, the landscapes are at their greenest, and the bird activity is exceptional. This is the best time to spot migratory birds and enjoy peaceful game drives without the crowds.

Thanks to off-season safari discounts, April is a great time to enjoy affordable Tanzania safari packages. Many travelers choose to pair a short wildlife safari in parks like Mikumi or Tarangire with a relaxing beach getaway in Zanzibar. It’s the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

📌 Recommended Safaris:
👉 Explore Mikumi Safari Tours
👉 Discover Tarangire Safari Tours

🌴 Tip: Combine your safari with a Zanzibar holiday package for the ultimate nature and beach escape.

🔗 Start planning today:
👉 Request a Quote – Affordable tailor-made tours available year-round.

May – Tranquil Beauty and Bargains

Ideal for: Peaceful game drives, lush green scenery, budget-friendly safaris
Weather: Rain begins to ease, landscapes remain vibrant and fresh

May is one of Tanzania’s most underrated safari months, offering stunning natural beauty without the hustle of peak tourism. As the long rains start to taper off, the national parks are transformed into lush green paradises, perfect for relaxed wildlife viewing and immersive safari experiences.

This month is ideal for travelers seeking tranquility, vibrant landscapes, and affordable safari packages. Wildlife is still active, and the lower number of tourists means more intimate encounters with nature. May also marks a great time to explore Zanzibar’s uncrowded beaches, making it perfect for combining a bush and beach holiday.

📌 Recommended Experience:
👉 Explore Zanzibar Tours, Holidays & Packages

🌴 Travel Tip: May is a great time to secure special safari deals and discounts before the dry season rush begins.

🔗 Start your adventure today:
👉 Request a Quote – Custom tours for every traveler and budget.

June – Dry Season Begins

Ideal for: Walking safaris, excellent wildlife viewing, clear skies
Weather: Dry and sunny, mild temperatures

June marks the official start of the dry season in Tanzania, making it one of the best months to go on safari. As water becomes scarce in the bush, animals begin gathering around rivers and waterholes, offering incredible opportunities for wildlife photography and close encounters.

The dry conditions mean easier travel between national parks and superb visibility during game drives. It’s also a great time for walking safaris in areas like Tarangire and the Serengeti, as guides can track animals more easily in the drier terrain.

Whether you're dreaming of spotting lions on the prowl or elephants by the riverbanks, June offers unforgettable safari experiences in Tanzania’s top parks.

📌 Recommended Safari Tours:
👉 Serengeti Safari Tours
👉 Tarangire Safari Tours

🌿 Travel Tip: June is the perfect month to avoid peak-season crowds while still enjoying fantastic wildlife sightings.

🔗 Customize your dream trip:
👉 Request a Quote – Tailor-made safaris for every explorer.

July to September – Peak Safari Season

Ideal for: Great Wildebeest Migration, Big Five sightings, unforgettable safaris
Weather: Dry and sunny days, cool nights

From July through September, Tanzania enters its peak safari season, attracting adventurers from around the globe. These months offer the best safari experience in Tanzania, especially in the northern Serengeti, where you can witness the Great Wildebeest Migration—one of nature’s most spectacular events.

Massive herds of wildebeests and zebras cross the Mara River, often trailed by predators like crocodiles, lions, and hyenas. It's also the ideal time to spot the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—during your game drives.

With dry weather and open landscapes, animals are easier to find as they congregate around shrinking water sources. Parks like Tarangire are teeming with elephants and baobab-dotted vistas, while Serengeti National Park delivers dramatic predator-prey encounters and vast migration views.

📌 Top Safari Destinations:
👉 Book Serengeti Safari Tours
👉 Visit Tarangire Safari Tours

🌍 Why travel now?
✅ Best wildlife sightings
✅ Iconic migration moments
✅ Perfect conditions for photography

🔗 Plan your trip today:
👉 Request a Quote for a tailor-made safari experience.

October – Best of Both Worlds

Ideal for: Great wildlife viewing, fewer tourists, peaceful safaris
Weather: Warm days, occasional short rains

October is a hidden gem for Tanzania safaris. It strikes a perfect balance between excellent game viewing and low tourist density, making it a favorite for travelers who prefer more intimate safari experiences.

Wildlife remains abundant across parks like Serengeti, Tarangire, and Mikumi, as animals are still concentrated near rivers and waterholes. Predators are active, and the scenery begins to turn lush again with early rains, creating beautiful photographic backdrops.

Whether you're exploring the endless plains of the Serengeti National Park or elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire, October gives you the best of both dry and green seasons—stunning wildlife without the peak-season hustle.

📌 Top Safari Picks:
👉 Book Serengeti Safari Tours
👉 Visit Tarangire Safari Tours
👉 Explore Mikumi Safari Tours

🌍 Why October?
✅ Prime wildlife viewing
✅ Fewer crowds
✅ Great photography conditions

🔗 Request your personalized quote today:
👉 Get a Safari Quote

November – Short Rains & Scenic Beauty

Ideal for: Budget travelers, nature lovers, birdwatching
Weather: Short rains, vivid green landscapes

November marks the beginning of the short rainy season in Tanzania, transforming the landscape into a lush, vibrant paradise. While heavy tourist traffic slows down, wildlife remains active and visible, making it an ideal month for scenic safaris and budget-friendly travel.

This is one of the best times for birdwatchers, as migratory birds return, and the rich greenery provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography. With fewer vehicles in the parks, you'll enjoy peaceful game drives and deeper connections with nature.

Explore less crowded yet wildlife-rich parks like Mikumi, Tarangire, and parts of the Southern Serengeti for unique sightings and a more intimate safari experience.

📌 Top Safari Experiences in November:
👉 Mikumi Safari Tours
👉 Serengeti Safari Tours
👉 Tarangire Safari Tours

🌿 Why Choose November?
✅ Affordable safari packages
✅ Beautiful, green landscapes
✅ Great for birding and nature photography

🔗 Ready to explore Tanzania in November?
👉 Request Your Quote Now

December – Festive Safaris & Family Adventures

Ideal for: Holiday safaris, family travel, romantic getaways
Weather: Start of the green season, occasional showers

December is one of the most magical times to visit Tanzania and Zanzibar, offering a perfect blend of wildlife safaris and beach holidays. The lush landscapes return with the early rains, making the parks scenic and full of life.

It’s an ideal time for families, couples, and holiday travelers looking to celebrate the festive season in nature. Enjoy game drives in the Serengeti or Tarangire, followed by sun-soaked days on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches.

With schools closed and festive holidays in full swing, December is great for multi-generational trips, honeymoons, or last-minute getaways.

📌 Top Safari Picks for December:
👉 Serengeti Safari Tours
👉 Tarangire Safari Tours
👉 Zanzibar Tours & Holidays

🎄 Why Travel in December?
✅ Celebrate the holidays in nature
✅ Unique safari + beach combinations
✅ Great for wildlife, photography, and relaxation

🔗 Request your custom quote now:
👉 Plan Your December Escape

Final Tips: When to Go on Safari in Tanzania

• For the Great Migration: June to September

• For Calving Season & Predator Action: January to February

• For Budget Travel: April, May, and November

• Always pair your safari with a Zanzibar beach holiday for a full Tanzanian experience

Ready to Plan Your Dream Safari?

👉 Request a custom safari quote and let Cardamon Tours & Safaris design your perfect journey through Tanzania.