Choosing the right time to visit Tanzania can dramatically influence your safari experience. You want ideal weather, active wildlife, and minimized crowds. Below is a month-by-month guide, plus park-specific tips, so you can pick the best window for your dream safari.
Understanding Tanzania’s Seasons & Rainfall
- Short rains: November – mid-December
- Long rains: March – May (peak in April)
- Dry season / cool: June – October
- Shoulder months: January – February & late December
During rains, many roads become muddy, animals hide, and access is limited.
Best Months for Wildlife & Migration
- June to October: Prime dry season animals congregate at water holes, excellent visibility.
- Also, the Great Migration River crossings occur (northern Serengeti).
- December to March: Southern Serengeti – calving season, predator activity around newborns.
- January – February: Great for migration when herds are in southern Serengeti
- April – May: Heavy rains make safaris challenging; many lodges close
Park-by-Park Recommendations
- Serengeti / Ngorongoro: June – October & December – March (for migration / calving)
- Tarangire & Lake Manyara: June – October for dry season wildlife concentrations
- Selous / Nyerere (southern circuit): Best visited during dry months outside heavy rains
- Zanzibar: Best after rains (Jul – Oct, Dec – Feb)
Crowd & Price Considerations
- June – October is high season; more tourists, higher prices
- January – March is moderate; fewer crowds sometimes
- April – May is the low season; lower prices, but risk of bad weather
Sample Scenarios
- Goal: See Great Migration crossings; aim for July – September
- Goal: See newborn wildebeest / predator action; aim December – March
- Goal: Budget safari; consider shoulder months (January / February)
- Goal: Peace & fewer crowds; avoid peak months
Conclusion
There’s no single “best” time; it depends on your priorities (wildlife, migration, cost, fewer crowds). At Wakanda Safaris, we’ll help you select the perfect window. If you tell us your goals (e.g. photography, families, culture), we’ll suggest ideal dates for your itinerary.
