When to visit Tanzania
Explore Tanzania
Explore Tanzania
Home of the legendary Serengeti and the Great Migration, Tanzania is a highly sought-after safari destination. To help you make sense of its changing seasons, and how they’ll affect your safari experience, here’s our guide on when to visit Tanzania.
Tanzania’s seasons at a glance
Peak season (June–Oct)
Minimal rainfall, sparse vegetation, great wildlife visibility, Great Migration sightings.
Green season (Nov–May)
Lush landscapes, great wildlife viewing during calving season, off-peak pricing, fewer crowds.
Shoulder season (Nov & May)
Off-peak pricing, fewer crowds, increased rainfall, warm weather, good wildlife viewing.
Seasonality
Tanzania is a remarkable safari destination year-round, but the best time to visit truly depends on what you want to see. The park's diverse climate and the world-famous Great Migration mean each season offers something new.
(November–May)
Green season
This includes two wet periods (or shoulder seasons), during which the landscapes are lush and green compared to peak season. While January–March isn’t considered the typical high season, in our opinion, they are excellent months to visit. These are the calving season months, during which thousands of ungulates give birth in the Serengeti, creating dramatic predator-prey interactions.
(June–October)
Peak season
This is the dry season, when river crossings in the Serengeti are at their most dramatic, so expect peak prices, plenty of crowds (except, of course, at Wilderness Usawa), and excellent Great Migration sightings.
(November & May)
Shoulder season
These months offer fewer crowds, lower prices and good game viewing during the transitional months between Tanzania’s wetter and dryer periods. In November, expect the scattered showers typical of the short rainy season, which start to clear up around mid-December. In May, expect heavier rains typical of the long rainy season (March–May).
Green season
(November–May)
Green season
This includes two wet periods (or shoulder seasons), during which the landscapes are lush and green compared to peak season. While January–March isn’t considered the typical high season, in our opinion, they are excellent months to visit. These are the calving season months, during which thousands of ungulates give birth in the Serengeti, creating dramatic predator-prey interactions.
Peak season
(June–October)
Peak season
This is the dry season, when river crossings in the Serengeti are at their most dramatic, so expect peak prices, plenty of crowds (except, of course, at Wilderness Usawa), and excellent Great Migration sightings.
Shoulder season
(November & May)
Shoulder season
These months offer fewer crowds, lower prices and good game viewing during the transitional months between Tanzania’s wetter and dryer periods. In November, expect the scattered showers typical of the short rainy season, which start to clear up around mid-December. In May, expect heavier rains typical of the long rainy season (March–May).
Peak season in Tanzania
Green season in Tanzania
Shoulder season in Tanzania
Activities
As with all safaris, seasonality will affect the activities available. Be sure to confirm with our Travel Designers that your desired activities are available when you plan to travel.
Walking safaris
Walking safaris are possible year-round, but tall grasses in the green season may make wildlife viewing more difficult. For safety reasons, guides recommend walking safaris in the dry season.
Birding
The green season is when many migratory birds arrive in the Serengeti; it’s also breeding season for many resident species. Birding photography is particularly beautiful with the season’s green backdrops, too.
*Available at additional cost
Hot air ballooning
This activity is usually reserved for dry season, when clear skies make for smoother sailing. Flying overhead during green season is beautiful, however, but some flights may be cancelled depending on the day’s weather.
Game drives
Peak season is when your game drive to the Mara River will reveal the most drama – and the most crowds. That’s why we highly recommend off-peak or shoulder seasons, as wildlife viewing is just as wonderful, and enjoyed in a more meaningful fashion.
Walking safaris
Walking safaris
Walking safaris are possible year-round, but tall grasses in the green season may make wildlife viewing more difficult. For safety reasons, guides recommend walking safaris in the dry season.
Birding
Birding
The green season is when many migratory birds arrive in the Serengeti; it’s also breeding season for many resident species. Birding photography is particularly beautiful with the season’s green backdrops, too.
Hot air ballooning
*Available at additional cost
Hot air ballooning
This activity is usually reserved for dry season, when clear skies make for smoother sailing. Flying overhead during green season is beautiful, however, but some flights may be cancelled depending on the day’s weather.
Game drives
Game drives
Peak season is when your game drive to the Mara River will reveal the most drama – and the most crowds. That’s why we highly recommend off-peak or shoulder seasons, as wildlife viewing is just as wonderful, and enjoyed in a more meaningful fashion.
Talk to a Travel Designer
Talk to a Travel Designer
Let’s plan your next journey
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When we say we’re there every step of the way, we mean it, literally. From planning the perfect circuit, to private inter-camp transfers on Wilderness Air, and easing you through Customs. We’re with you on the ground, at your side, 24-7, from start to finish. Ready to take the road less travelled? Contact our Travel Designers to plan an unforgettable journey.