Best Time to Visit
Tanzania for Safari
However, there is plenty to experience outside of these months, and the best time to visit will depend on the activities you are interested in and the wildlife you'd like to spot. Tanzania's seasons and wildlife numbers are governed by the rains, so your experience will vary depending on when you choose to travel.
Located just south of the Equator, Tanzania has generally dry, warm weather. The exception is from mid-April to mid-June, when the main rains arrive. Tanzania also sees some rain for part of November. These November “short rains” don’t really interfere with your safari. The coast and Zanzibar receive more rainfall and are hotter and more humid than the inland safari regions.
Below we share a month-by-month seasonal guide and respond to your most popular Tanzania safari questions.
From The Team
“Tanzania is a place that’s brimming full with opportunities, and to get the most out of what’s on offer, it pays to know how to dovetail them together. It’s a country where tailor-made itineraries make all the difference because we can make sure you’re in the right locations at the right time. Blending luxury with authentic adventure, Tanzania is a joy to discover.”
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JANUARY - Gathering for the Great Migration in Tanzania’s Serengeti
At this stage, the largest numbers are to be found between the southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. There are also large numbers of animals to see in the Nyerere National Park, in particular giraffe, zebra, and buffalo.
Just after the short rains, the landscape is green and lush, and visitor numbers are relatively low.
FEBRUARY - Calving Season in the Serengeti & Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale
February is an ideal time to see the wildebeest birthing in the Ngorongoro Crater before tracking chimpanzee through the Mahale Mountains. This incredible combination of experiences is easy to enjoy in February.
MARCH - Travel with the Great Migration & Safari Off the Beaten Path
For a quieter alternative, Nyerere National Park offers a peaceful, away-from-the-crowds experience, with superb birding in March and gentle boat safaris along the Rufiji River — a tranquil counterpoint to the drama of the Serengeti plains. Round off your journey with barefoot relaxation on Zanzibar's white-sand beaches.
APRIL & MAY - Green Season Safaris & Dramatic River Crossings
JUNE - Western Serengeti Migration & Big Game in Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is likely still to be at its green best, so it’s ideal to add on as an additional highlight. Indeed, the crater is excellent in any month and has 25,000 animals to keep you busy!
JULY - Northern Serengeti Migration & Off-the-Grid Walking Safaris
This is also a month when we recommend alternatives such as an adventurous walking safari with Andrew Moinaro in Ruaha or sleeping out beneath the stars in Nyerere National Park. From July, all the way through to October, time spent on Tanzania’s coast at places such as Zanzibar will always be rewarded with warm, dry weather.
AUGUST - Family Safaris in the Northern Serengeti & Elephant Watching in Tarangire
If there’s a way to improve this even further, it could be to spend a few days at Oliver’s Camp in Tarangire, where you can witness the elephant migration.
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER - Prime Wildlife Viewing & Kilimanjaro Climbs
NOVEMBER - Spectacular Storms & Predators on the Move
The migrating herds begin moving south in search of fresh pastures after the short rains. The new growth attracts a variety of antelope species, which in turn draw predators like cheetah, often seen stalking and hunting in the open grasslands. November also marks the arrival of the first migratory bird species, signalling the start of Tanzania’s peak birding season.
DECEMBER - A Wild Christmas in the Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar
Meanwhile, the nearby island of Zanzibar enjoys dry weather and crystal-clear waters, perfect for diving enthusiasts and snorkelers eager to spot majestic whale sharks. With calm seas and excellent visibility, it’s an ideal time to explore vibrant coral reefs or simply relax on pristine white-sand beaches after your safari adventure.
Tanzania is located just south of the Equator and has generally dry, warm weather. The exception is from mid-April to mid-June when the main rains arrive. Tanzania also sees some rain for part of November. These November “short rains” don’t really interfere with your safari. The coast and Zanzibar receive more rainfall and are hotter and more humid than the inland safari regions.Tanzania is located just south of the Equator and has generally dry, warm weather. The exception is from mid-April to mid-June when the main rains arrive. Tanzania also sees some rain for part of November. These November “short rains” don’t really interfere with your safari. The coast and Zanzibar receive more rainfall and are hotter and more humid than the inland safari regions.
Safaris are taken first thing in the morning and late afternoon when temperatures are lower. Another factor to bear in mind is altitude. Much of the Serengeti is at between 3,000 and 5,000 feet above sea level and the Ngorongoro Crater floor is at 6,000 feet. So it can be quite chilly at the start of a morning game drive. By mid-morning the weather gets warmer and outside the rainy season, humidity levels away from the coast are low. November to March is generally the warmest time of year.
Christmas and the main summer holidays are ideal times to visit Tanzania. The weather is usually warm and dry and these are excellent times to be on safari. If Easter falls in March, that is also a good time to travel, though rains can fall from about the second week in April. The Great Migration can be seen at any time of year in Tanzania, though a large part of it crosses into Kenya from June to October.
The coast and Zanzibar are low lying, so are hotter and more humid than the safari regions. November to March are the warmest months, with temperatures in the low to mid 30s. June to October is pleasantly warm with temperatures in the high 20s and you can expect a steady ocean breeze. In April and May, rainfall is heavy and in November the weather is prone to thunder showers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The dry season from June to October is ideal for classic big game viewing, with wildlife gathering around water sources. During July to October, the action moves north as the herds cross the Mara River – one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles. In November, the short rains return, bringing spectacular skies of thunder and lightning that set a striking backdrop for photography, while the Great Migration begins its journey south and migratory birds arrive, marking the start of excellent birding months.
By December, the wildebeest and zebra herds return to the lush southern Serengeti, feasting on fresh grass. Christmas and the festive season are a particularly special time to visit, with warm days, clear skies, and exceptional wildlife encounters.
The Serengeti is also a wonderful choice for families, with key school holiday periods – including February half-term, spring break, Easter, the summer holidays, and the October break – aligning beautifully with some of the year’s most rewarding safari moments.
Even on the main island of Unguja (commonly known as Zanzibar), there are beaches with different characters. For example, Kendwa isn’t tidal, so you can enjoy swimming and snorkelling all day. While many travellers combine Zanzibar with a safari, it also stands beautifully on its own as a luxury beach destination.
We recommend visiting between June and October, or during the shorter dry season in January and February, when the weather is warm, dry, and the sea is wonderfully calm.
This is also a quieter time for travel, with fewer visitors and excellent value at many camps and lodges. If you're a keen photographer, birder, or simply prefer a more peaceful safari experience surrounded by dramatic skies and green plains, the Green Season can be a wonderfully rewarding time to visit.
What some consider the “off-season” is actually a hidden gem for others. During the Green Season, birdwatchers and photographers revel in the vivid landscapes, dramatic skies, and the arrival of migratory species. You’ll also find fewer visitors, greater privacy, and excellent value at many of Tanzania’s finest lodges and camps.
The best thing to do is speak with one of our Journeysmiths. We’ll tailor a journey that fits your travel window—ensuring the best possible experiences, wherever and whenever you go.
Why Travel with Journeysmiths
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made safaris to the timeless savannahs of Africa. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made safaris to the timeless savannahs of Africa. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.
100% Happy With Every Part
"We had a perfect safari holiday which was down to Ross with all the hard planning of our itinerary. I would recommend anyone who wants to go to Africa to book with Journeysmiths because the all round expertise, knowledge of the country, and leaving nothing to chance is exceptional. 100% happy with every part of our holiday, thank you Ross for giving us the relaxation and confidence to just enjoy our holiday."
Looking for Inspiration?
The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are truly spectacular settings filled with great herds and big cats. We take you far from the crowds and minibuses with your own private guide, staying in exclusive accommodation. Families with older teenagers will love the wildly remote Selous, Ruaha and Mahale, where you can walk, canoe and even track chimpanzees. Round it off on exotic Zanzibar.
We’ve collated a list of our ten favourite Tanzanian experiences to show you what’s possible in this incredible country.
At Journeysmiths we take you out into the wilds to enjoy all kinds of activities with expert, personable guides. Read our top ten Tanzania family safari experiences.
The best time to visit Tanzania will depend on the activities you are interested in and the wildlife you'd like to spot. Read our month-by-month seasonal guide, and responses to your most popular Tanzania safari questions
Spanning a huge array of diverse environments, Tanzania offers an unmatched range of African safari experiences. It’s renowned for the Great Migration of the Serengeti, but that’s just the start of the unforgettable possibilities. Whether you are planning a family safari, seeking seclusion and exclusivity as a couple, or options suited to an individual, Tanzania has locations and seasons perfect for everyone. Luxury safaris in Tanzania, with guaranteed amazing spectacles for all, are more than just feasible: they are a reality.