Best time to visit Tanzania safari parks, Tanzania is best visited during the extended dry season, which lasts from June to October which is the peak season and best time to visit Tanzania for Tanzania safaris. The reduced grass height during these months facilitates easier wildlife viewing. This peak dry season coincides with the Great Migration in the Serengeti. For reliable wildebeest calving, visit from January to February in the Southern Serengeti.
Most popular Tanzania safaris
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Best Time to Visit Tanzania Safari Parks in Peak Season
The peak season to visit Tanzania safari parks is from June to October. During this time, wildlife congregates around water sources, making it easier to spot animals, including the Big Five.
Best Time to Visit Tanzania Safari Parks for Wildebeest Migration
The best time for the wildebeest migration is from July to September. Massive herds cross rivers in the Serengeti, providing incredible wildlife viewing opportunities as predators follow closely behind during this period.
Best Time to Visit Tanzania Safari Parks for Mara River Grummeti river crossing
The best time to visit Tanzania safari parks for the Mara and Grumeti River crossings is from July to September. During this period, wildebeest migrate, creating dramatic river crossings, attracting both predators and tourists eager to witness this spectacle.
Mara river Crossing Best time and Crossing points
The Mara River crossing features several key locations for witnessing the dramatic migration of wildebeest and zebras. The Lookout Hill Crossing, located in the Southern Mara near the Sand River, is best visited in early August as herds move from the Serengeti to the Mara.
Mara River crossing at the Northern Serengeti: This is one of the most famous crossing points where wildebeest and zebras brave the river’s waters, facing predators like crocodiles.
Mara River crossing at the Kenya-Tanzania Border: As the herds migrate between the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara in Kenya, they cross the river at various locations, particularly during the Great Migration from July to October.
The Cul de Sac Crossing in the Central Mara Plains is ideal from mid to late August, continuing the migration northward. The Paradise Plains Crossing, north of Cul de Sac, peaks in late August. Serena’s Crossing, near Mara Serena Safari Lodge, is accessible from August 15 to September 5, allowing for great viewing of the Serengeti to Mara movement.
The Mortuary Crossing in the Mara Triangle occurs in September, while the Kichwa Tembo Crossing, near Kichwa Tembo Camp, is best from September to October as herds return to the Serengeti. Finally, the Main Crossing, located at the Central Mara River, offers opportunities to see crossings throughout August and September, with animals moving both ways between the Serengeti and Mara.
Best Time to Visit Tanzania Safari Parks for Big Five Safari Experience
For the best chance to see the Big Five in Tanzania safari parks, visit from June to October. This dry season allows for excellent visibility as animals gather near waterholes, making sightings more frequent.
Month-by-Month Guide to Visiting Tanzania Safari Parks
January (Peak Season)
January is a great time to visit Tanzania safari parks as wildlife is active after the short rains. This month marks the beginning of the calving season in the Serengeti, where wildebeest give birth. Expect to see predators like lions and hyenas taking advantage of this vulnerable time. It’s a peak season for wildlife viewing.
February (Peak Season)
February is one of the best months for wildlife viewing in Tanzania safari parks. The calving season peaks, attracting numerous predators. Witness baby wildebeest and the dramatic interactions with lions and cheetahs. The lush landscape makes for stunning photography. This month is still part of peak season, offering incredible wildlife experiences.
March (Shoulder Season)
In March, the rains continue, but wildlife viewing remains rewarding in Tanzania safari parks. Many herds migrate in search of fresh grazing. The Serengeti is vibrant and green, attracting various bird species. It’s a good time for bird watching, with migratory birds present. March is considered a shoulder season, with fewer tourists.
April (Low Season)
April is the peak of the rainy season in Tanzania safari parks, leading to lush landscapes. Wildlife can be harder to spot as animals seek shelter from the rain. However, this month offers excellent bird watching opportunities, with many migratory species nesting. It’s a low season for tourism, making for a quieter experience in the parks.
May (Transitional Season)
May sees the end of the rainy season, and wildlife begins to emerge more frequently in Tanzania safari parks. The landscape is green and vibrant, perfect for photography. Early in the month, you can still see migratory birds. Wildlife activity increases as animals search for food. May is a transitional month with fewer visitors.
June (Peak Season)
June marks the beginning of the dry season, making it an excellent time for wildlife viewing in Tanzania safari parks. Animals congregate around water sources, and the landscape is dry. The Great Migration starts to pick up as wildebeest head toward the Serengeti. This is the start of peak season for wildlife enthusiasts.
July (Peak Season)
July is a prime month for visiting Tanzania safari parks. The Great Migration is in full swing, with massive herds of wildebeest crossing rivers. Wildlife viewing is fantastic, as animals are easily spotted near water. Expect thrilling predator-prey interactions. July is a peak month, attracting many tourists eager to witness this spectacular event.
August (Peak Season)
August continues the excitement of the Great Migration in Tanzania safari parks. Witness dramatic river crossings where wildebeest face crocodiles and other dangers. Wildlife viewing remains exceptional, with predators like lions and leopards actively hunting. This month is part of the peak season, making it one of the busiest times to visit.
September (Peak Season)
September is another peak month for wildlife viewing in Tanzania safari parks. The Great Migration is still ongoing, with herds moving through the Serengeti. This is an ideal time to see both wildlife and stunning landscapes. Expect to see plenty of predators taking advantage of the migration. Tourist numbers remain high during this month.
October (Peak Season)
October is the last month of the dry season and a great time for wildlife viewing in Tanzania safari parks. The Great Migration begins to disperse, but herds are still present. Water sources are limited, making animals easier to spot. This month is part of the peak season, providing excellent opportunities for photographers and safari-goers.
November (Shoulder Season)
November marks the beginning of the short rains in Tanzania safari parks. Wildlife viewing remains good, especially as animals return to lush grazing areas. is exceptional, with migratory species arriving. The landscape transforms into vibrant green, ideal for photography. November is considered a shoulder season, with fewer tourists compared to the peak months.
December (Transitional Season)
December is a transitional month as the short rains begin to fall in Tanzania safari parks. Wildlife is active, and the landscape becomes lush and green. This month is excellent for bird watching, as migratory birds return. The number of tourists starts to increase, marking the beginning of the peak season for wildlife experiences.
Best Tanzania safari parks to visit
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is a premier destination for Tanzania safari lovers, famous for its vast savannahs and diverse wildlife. Spanning over 5,700 square miles, it is home to the Great Migration, where around 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras traverse the plains annually. Visitors can witness predator-prey interactions, with lions, leopards, and cheetahs frequently spotted. The park is located about 335 kilometers (208 miles) from Arusha, making it accessible by road or a short flight. With more than 500 bird species, the Serengeti offers varied ecosystems, ensuring a rich wildlife experience year-round.
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another must-visit on a Tanzania safari. This volcanic caldera is about 2,000 feet deep and 12 miles wide, housing a diverse range of wildlife in its enclosed environment. The crater supports approximately 25,000 large animals, including the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos. Located about 190 kilometers (118 miles) from Arusha, it is often visited as part of a safari circuit. The area is also home to flamingos and other bird species, making Ngorongoro a highlight for wildlife viewing.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, providing a unique landscape for Tanzania safari visitors. Covering around 1,100 square miles, the park hosts approximately 3,500 elephants, especially during the dry season when they gather around the Tarangire River. It is located about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Arusha, making it easily accessible. In addition to elephants, visitors can spot lions, giraffes, and various antelope species. With over 550 bird species recorded, Tarangire offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife encounters. Covering about 127 square miles, the park features a mix of freshwater lake, forests, and grasslands. It is known for its large population of tree-climbing lions and is home to over 400 bird species, including flamingos that flock to the lake during certain seasons. Located approximately 130 kilometers (81 miles) from Arusha, it is a popular stop for safari-goers. The park’s varied habitats provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is Tanzania's largest national park, covering over 7,800 square miles. It is known for its rich biodiversity and is less crowded than other parks, offering a more secluded safari experience. Ruaha is home to significant populations of elephants, lions, and leopards, along with diverse bird species, including the endangered African wild dog. Situated about 500 kilometers (310 miles) from Arusha, it can be reached by road or a domestic flight. The park’s varied landscapes, from river valleys to open savannahs, support a wide range of wildlife and provide excellent game viewing opportunities.
What are the accommodation options on a Tanzania safari?
Accommodation options on a Tanzania safari include lodges, tented camps, and mobile camps. Booking in advance is crucial, especially during peak seasons like the wildebeest migration, typically occurring from June to September in the Serengeti. For a unique experience, consider tented camps for immersive wildlife encounters or comfortable lodges for relaxation. Additionally, if climbing Kilimanjaro, ensure you reserve spots in advance, and enjoy beautiful lodges or tents along the trek route.
Booking a Tanzania safari with Roads of Adventure Safaris
Booking a Tanzania safari with Roads of Adventure Safaris requires planning, especially for peak times like the wildebeest migration. It's best to book at least six months in advance to secure desired accommodations and itinerary options. Our experienced team will tailor your safari to include iconic parks, comfortable lodges, and unique tented camps. If adding a Zanzibar extension, we can help arrange beach resorts, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience.
