I’ll keep this simple. The best time to safari in Tanzania depends on what you want to see. It’s not the same for everyone.
Go in June if you want the wildebeest crossing the Grumeti. Go in September if you want them leaping into the Mara River. Go in January if you want calving in Ndutu. Each month shows you something different. And each season changes the cost, the crowds, and even the roads.
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Key Points
- Decide what wildlife event you want to see before booking. Migration, calving, or predators hunting — they happen in different months.
- Your budget will change with the season. Low season can cut lodge prices in half but expect more rain and fewer services.
- Some parks are better at certain times. Don’t just book Serengeti blindly — Tarangire, Ruaha, or Nyerere might be better in the dry.
Best Time to Safari in Tanzania Is Not One Answer
When people ask about the best time to safari in Tanzania, they usually want a quick answer. But there isn’t one.
I’ve been during the long dry season when the land is brown and the animals are clustered at waterholes. I’ve also gone in the green season when grass is high, lodges are cheaper, and birdlife is spectacular. Both trips were good, but they felt like different countries.
If you want to plan carefully, you need to choose between the migration, predator action, birding, and budget. You can’t have all four at once.
June to October – Dry Season and Migration Drama
From June to October, the weather is dry and clear. This is the busiest and most expensive time.
Roads are dusty but passable. Wildlife is concentrated near rivers and waterholes. You’ll see lions waiting by shrinking pools and elephants walking long distances.
In June, the wildebeest migration is usually in the western Serengeti, crossing the Grumeti River. In July to September, the action moves north to the Mara River. Watching thousands of wildebeest bunch up, hesitate, and finally plunge into crocodile-filled water is raw and unforgettable.
But here’s the truth — you’re not alone. Hundreds of other safari vehicles will be there too.
Expect prices for mid-range tented camps to be around $400–$600 per person per night. Luxury lodges often go over $1,000 per night. Even budget options in nearby towns like Karatu or Arusha spike in price.
If you don’t want the migration crowds, head to Tarangire National Park. The baobab trees, dry riverbeds, and huge elephant herds make it special in August and September. Tarangire is often skipped, which makes it less crowded compared to Serengeti.
I once stayed at Tarangire Safari Lodge, a mid-range option at about $300 per night, and watched elephants from my tented deck while drinking coffee.
More on parks: Serengeti National Park.
November to March – Calving Season and Green Landscapes
From November through March, the short rains fall. Don’t imagine constant downpours. Usually, showers come in the afternoon or evening.
The land turns green, and with grass and water everywhere, animals spread out. That makes spotting harder, but it also feels wilder. You’re not in a traffic jam of Land Cruisers.
January and February are calving season in the southern Serengeti around Ndutu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Thousands of wildebeest calves are born.
I stood on a rise one morning in Ndutu and saw dozens of newborns still unsteady on their legs. Lions and cheetahs were not far behind. It’s brutal, but it’s one of the most dramatic times to visit.
Budget travelers can benefit here. Lodges often drop prices by 30–50%. You can find mid-range stays for $200–$300 per person per night, with full board. Camps like Ndutu Safari Lodge offer a raw, simple base close to the action.
This is also the best season for birders. Migratory species arrive, and with the green backdrop, photography is striking.
If you’re interested in wildlife variety, check my guide on tips for safari in Tanzania.
April and May – The Long Rains and Empty Parks
April and May bring the long rains. This is low season. Many lodges close completely. The ones that stay open slash prices.
You might find luxury camps for $250 per person per night, which is unheard of at other times. But there’s a reason — roads can be muddy, river crossings impassable, and game drives unpredictable.
Still, if you want solitude, this is your window. I once stayed near Lake Manyara National Park in May and had the park nearly to myself. Flamingos colored the lake, and I watched tree-climbing lions without another vehicle in sight.
The downside: heavy rain cut one of my game drives short, and I had to stay in camp for an afternoon.
If you’re planning during this season, it’s smart to combine more accessible parks like Lake Manyara or Arusha National Park with areas where lodges remain open.
Don’t count on seeing the migration though — the herds are scattered.
Budget vs Luxury – How Timing Shifts the Costs
Your budget is tied directly to timing. In peak season, budget tours start at around $250–$300 per day if you join a small group safari.
Private trips are higher, often $500–$700 per day. Luxury safaris can easily cross $1,500 per day. In green and rainy seasons, these costs drop dramatically. Sometimes by half.
If you’re serious about cutting costs, check my post on budget safaris in Tanzania. I’ve found that the biggest savings come not just from cheap lodges, but from going in months when operators are desperate for bookings.
On the flip side, if you want indulgence, timing can still help. Luxury safaris in Tanzania drop in price outside of peak months. Lodges like Singita in the Serengeti go from $2,000 per person per night in peak months to around $1,200 in green season. It’s still expensive, but the value shifts.
Where to Stay and What to Expect
Your choice of lodge makes or breaks the trip. In peak season, book at least a year in advance, especially in the Serengeti. Places like Sayari Camp or Migration Camp fill fast.
In green season, you can be more flexible. I once booked a room at Gibbs Farm near Ngorongoro with only two weeks’ notice in February.
Mid-range safari camps usually include game drives, meals, and sometimes drinks. Budget options might only cover the bed and food, with game drives added on.
Luxury camps often include everything — bush walks, sundowners, even laundry.
For more options and comparisons, check where to stay in Tanzania for safari and best hotels for safari in Tanzania.
Final Thoughts on Timing
If you care most about seeing the migration river crossings, go July–September. If you want calving, pick January–February.
For birding and lower prices, choose March. And if you just want to save money and don’t mind rain, April–May works.
Before booking, think about your priorities and budget. Then line up your timing with the event you want. That’s the real way to decide on the best time to safari in Tanzania.
If you want a full breakdown of destinations and options, I keep a guide here: Safaris in Tanzania.
For official park details, maps, and entry fees, visit the Tanzania National Parks site.
