Best time to visit Tanzania

Pick one and the best months light up below.

1. JanVery good

   The herds head south

   The migration settles on the short-grass plains around Ndutu in the southern Serengeti. Calving starts late in the month.

   Weather

   Warm, a dry spell between the short and long rains, with the odd afternoon shower.

   Crowds & prices

   Busy around Ndutu, quiet elsewhere. Mid-season prices.

   5 Day Ndutu Calving Season Safari

2. FebVery good

   Calving season

   Most wildebeest calves are born in a few weeks on the Ndutu plains, and lions, cheetahs and hyenas follow.

   Weather

   Warm, mostly dry, short afternoon showers.

   Crowds & prices

   Busy around Ndutu, quiet elsewhere. Mid-season prices.

   5 Day Ndutu Calving Season Safari

3. MarGreen season

   Green and quiet

   Herds are still in the south with young calves. The long rains usually begin towards the end of the month.

   Weather

   Green landscapes, heavier rain from late March.

   Crowds & prices

   Few visitors. Many lodges lower their rates.

   4 Day Taste of Tanzania Budget Safari

4. AprGreen season

   Long rains, lowest prices

   Herds spread across the southern and central Serengeti. The crater and Tarangire stay rewarding.

   Weather

   The wettest month. Rain often comes in heavy afternoon bursts.

   Crowds & prices

   The quietest month. Some camps close; the ones open charge least.

   2 Days Tanzania Budget Safari

5. MayGreen season

   The herds start moving

   The migration begins its move north-west through the central Serengeti. Wildebeest rut season.

   Weather

   Rains easing, lush grass, cooler evenings.

   Crowds & prices

   Quiet. Low-season prices hold until June.

   4 Day Taste of Tanzania Budget Safari

6. JunVery good

   The western corridor

   Columns of wildebeest pass through the central Serengeti towards the Grumeti River in the west.

   Weather

   Dry season begins. Cold mornings, especially on the crater rim.

   Crowds & prices

   Getting busier. Prices rise from mid-June.

   6 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Migration

7. JulPeak

   River crossings begin

   Herds reach the northern Serengeti around Kogatende and the first Mara River crossings can start.

   Weather

   Dry, clear and cool. Dusty roads.

   Crowds & prices

   Peak season. Book lodges early.

   5-Day Great Migration Fly-in from Zanzibar

8. AugPeak

   Crossing season

   Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti. Tarangire's elephants gather along the river.

   Weather

   Dry and sunny, cold early mornings.

   Crowds & prices

   The busiest month. Highest prices.

   5-Day Great Migration Fly-in from Zanzibar

9. SepPeak

   Crossings, fewer people

   Herds stay in the north with crossings continuing. Excellent everywhere in the dry.

   Weather

   Dry and warm.

   Crowds & prices

   Still peak prices, a little quieter than August.

   5-Day Great Migration Fly-in from Zanzibar

10. OctVery good

    Tarangire at its best

    Herds begin drifting south from the north. Tarangire is packed with elephants at the river.

    Weather

    Hot and dry until the short rains.

    Crowds & prices

    Busy early in the month, then easing.

    7 Days Tarangire, Serengeti, Manyara & Ngorongoro

11. NovGreen season

    Short rains, good value

    Herds move south through the central Serengeti towards Ndutu.

    Weather

    Short afternoon showers, the plains turn green.

    Crowds & prices

    Quiet. Shoulder-season prices.

    4 Days Serengeti Mid-Range Lodge Safari

12. DecPeak

    Back to the south

    The herds arrive on the southern plains. Good game everywhere on the northern circuit.

    Weather

    Warm, green, with some showers.

    Crowds & prices

    Busy over Christmas and New Year, when lodges charge peak rates.

    3-Day Fly-in Luxury Honeymoon

PeakVery goodGreen season