Understanding Tanzania's Seasons
Tanzania has two main seasons that dramatically affect wildlife viewing and your safari experience.
Dry Season (June to October)
This is the peak safari season and for good reason:
- Wildlife congregates around water sources, making viewing easier
- Sparse vegetation improves visibility
- Pleasant weather with minimal rain
- The Great Migration river crossings occur in July-August
Wet Season (November to May)
Don't dismiss the wet season - it has its own advantages:
- Lower prices and fewer tourists
- Beautiful green landscapes
- Baby animals from January to March
- Excellent bird watching with migratory species
The Great Migration
If witnessing the Great Migration is your priority, timing is crucial:
- December-March: Southern Serengeti - calving season
- April-May: Central Serengeti - moving north
- June-July: Western Corridor - river crossings begin
- August-October: Northern Serengeti - Mara River crossings
- November: Moving south again
Our Recommendation
For first-time visitors, we recommend June to October for the best overall experience. If you want to see baby animals and don't mind some rain, January to March is magical.