The best time to visit Tanzania.
Every month is good somewhere. Pick your month to see which parks are at their best — or find the right month for the place you most want to see.
Where to go, month by month.
Seasons are a guide: rainfall and wildlife movements change a little every year.
Tanzania in July
- Paje & JambianiSteady trade winds for kitesurfing and sunny days.
- Serengeti National ParkDry or calving season: herds concentrated, predators active and easy driving.
- Ngorongoro CraterDry or calving months: clear views, short grass and easy wildlife viewing.
- ZanzibarDry and sunny, with calm seas and great beach days.
- Stone TownDry, comfortable weather for walking the lanes.
- Nungwi & KendwaSunny, dry days and calm seas for boat trips.
- Arusha National ParkClear mornings with views of Meru and often Kilimanjaro.
- Mount KilimanjaroThe driest, clearest months for the summit.
- Tarangire National ParkDry season: the Tarangire River is the only water for miles and elephants gather in hundreds.
- Lake Manyara National ParkDry season: game concentrates around the springs and lakeshore.
- Nyerere / Selous National ParkDry season: wildlife gathers at the river and lakes.
- Ruaha National ParkDry season: animals gather along the Great Ruaha River.
- Mikumi National ParkDry season: wildlife concentrates on the floodplain.
- Central SerengetiDry months: animals stay close to the Seronera River and big-cat sightings are excellent.
- Northern SerengetiMigration season: herds gather on both banks of the Mara and cross back and forth.
- Western SerengetiHerds moving north
- Mafia IslandGood diving; some lodges close for part of the year.
- Arusha CityMild days and cool evenings — a comfortable start or end to a safari.
- Ndutu / Southern SerengetiDry season: the herds have moved north and the plains are quiet.
Every destination, every month
Best Good Rainy / low season
Tanzania’s year in four parts
June to October — the long dry season
Clear skies, short grass and animals gathering at rivers make game viewing easiest. It is also the busiest and priciest time, especially July and August, and the Mara River crossings happen in the north.
November to mid-December — the short rains
Brief afternoon showers turn the plains green. Herds start moving south, birdlife peaks and lodges are quieter.
Mid-December to March — calving and green season
The migration settles on the southern Serengeti plains to give birth, with predators close behind. Days are warm with occasional showers, and Zanzibar is sunny.
April and May — the long rains
The wettest months. Some camps close and roads can be muddy, but the parks are lush and you may have sightings to yourself at the lowest prices of the year.
When to go: common questions
What is the best month to go on safari in Tanzania?
For most parks, the dry months from late June to October are the easiest for game viewing. February is excellent in the southern Serengeti for the calving season, and July to September is the classic time for Mara River crossings in the north.
Is it worth going on safari in the rainy season?
Yes, especially in November and from January to March, when short rains turn the parks green and prices are lower. April and May bring the long rains: some camps close and roads can be muddy, but the parks are quiet.
When can I see the Great Migration?
The herds are in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu from about December to March (calving peaks in February), move through the central and western Serengeti from April to June, and reach the Mara River in the north from July to October.
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
January to early March and June to October are the driest, clearest months for the summit.
When is the best time for Zanzibar?
June to October and December to February bring sunny, dry weather. April and May are the wettest months, when some hotels close.
A few details.
A good beginning.
Tell us who is coming and what you would love to find here. We’ll send back a route you can read, question and make your own.
- Planned around your dates and interests
- Midrange or luxury, at your pace
- A personal conversation with our local team