| Period | What you see | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January to March | Wildebeest calving, southern Serengeti and Ndutu | Green grass, good prices outside holidays |
| April to May | Long rains | Camps closed, few visitors |
| June to October | Dry season, best game viewing | High season, high prices |
| July to September | Mara River crossings, northern Serengeti | Not guaranteed |
| November to December | Short rains, green landscapes | Fewer visitors, lower prices |
Choosing by what you want to see
River crossings draw crowds; book months ahead. Calving brings active predators on open plains. The dry season is the safe choice for a first time: short grass, passable roads, fewer mosquitoes. For the beach afterwards, see the best time for Zanzibar.
What the rains change
The long rains of April and May make tracks difficult and some camps close. The short rains of November and December come as showers, often in the afternoon, and green the parks. It is not the ideal season, but rates drop. Keep your itinerary flexible.
Combining safari and beach
A 4 to 6 day safari followed by Zanzibar works all year, but look for dry months on both sides, June to October or December to March. See safari or Zanzibar, or both and the cost of a Tanzania safari.
FAQ
What is the best month for a Tanzania safari?
August and September for the dry season and river crossings; February for calving.
Can I go on safari in the rainy season?
Yes in November and December, with short showers; April and May are harder, with camps closed.
Does the Great Migration happen all year?
The herds move all year across the Serengeti and Masai Mara; their exact position changes from year to year.
The Zanzibar Authority editorial team
