Wildlife safaris Tanzania in January.

January is a spectacular time for a Tanzania safari, especially in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains, where the wildebeest herds gather for the start of the calving season. Over 200,000 calves are born within weeks, attracting predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas in thrilling hunting displays. The landscapes are lush and green after the short rains, offering dramatic photography opportunities and abundant birdlife. While the coastal regions can be hot and humid, the wildlife action in the Serengeti more than makes up for it, making January a rewarding month for game drives, cultural visits, and unique safari experiences.

Wildlife safaris Tanzania in February.

February is considered one of the very best months to visit Tanzania for a safari, thanks to the peak of the wildebeest calving season in the Serengeti’s southern plains. Thousands of newborn calves take their first steps on the open grasslands, creating incredible opportunities for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Predators are everywhere, making this the ultimate time to see the circle of life play out in real time. The weather is generally warm and clear, with only occasional showers that keep the scenery green and vibrant. Beyond the Serengeti, February is also an excellent month for birdwatching, cultural tours, and relaxing at lodges that see fewer crowds compared to the dry-season peak.

Wildlife safaris Tanzania in March.

March brings the last weeks of the calving season in the Serengeti, with many young calves still attracting predators, but the atmosphere is quieter as crowds begin to thin. The landscapes remain green and lush, ideal for birdwatching and photography, while prices at lodges and camps are generally lower. By late March, the long rains begin, which can make travel trickier, but those who visit during this time are rewarded with a more intimate safari experience and fewer vehicles at major sightings. For travelers seeking solitude and dramatic scenery, March offers a perfect balance of wildlife encounters and peaceful game drives away from peak-season hustle.

Wildlife safaris Tanzania in April.

April is the heart of the long rains in Tanzania, transforming the plains into lush green landscapes filled with wildflowers, dramatic skies, and vibrant birdlife. While heavy rains can make some roads muddy and certain safari camps close, this is the quietest time of year to visit, offering unbeatable seclusion and discounted lodge rates. For photographers, the mix of stormy skies, fresh greenery, and dramatic sunsets creates magical conditions. Though wildlife can be harder to spot as animals disperse, game drives in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are still rewarding for those who enjoy off-the-beaten-path safaris.

Wildlife safaris Tanzania in May.

May continues the long rains, but the wilderness is at its most beautiful—green, quiet, and full of life. This is when the wildebeest herds begin their journey northward, moving slowly from the southern plains into the central and western Serengeti. With far fewer safari vehicles on the roads, visitors can enjoy exclusive wildlife encounters at lower prices. Although rain showers are common, they are often followed by clear skies, making May an underrated gem for adventurous safari travelers who prefer solitude and dramatic scenery.

Wildlife safaris Tanzania in June.

June marks the start of the long dry season and is a transitional month with fantastic safari opportunities. The wildebeest herds gather in the western Serengeti, preparing for the first of their river crossings at the Grumeti River, where giant crocodiles lie in wait. The weather is cool and dry, perfect for game drives and walking safaris. Tourist numbers start to rise, but the crowds are still manageable compared to peak months. This is also a great time to visit Tarangire and Ngorongoro, where wildlife begins to concentrate around permanent water sources.

Wildlife safaris Tanzania in July.

July is one of the most famous safari months in Tanzania, with the Great Migration reaching the northern Serengeti. This is when the dramatic Mara River crossings begin, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras brave crocodile-infested waters. The dry season is now in full swing, with clear skies, cool mornings, and excellent wildlife visibility as animals gather near water. It is peak safari season, so lodges fill quickly, but the sheer spectacle of the migration makes July one of the best times to be on safari in Tanzania.

Wildlife safaris Tanzania in August.

August offers some of the most dramatic safari experiences in Tanzania, with Mara River crossings continuing and predator activity at its peak. The weather is dry and sunny, perfect for long days of game drives and wildlife photography. The landscapes are dusty, but this only helps concentrate animals at rivers and waterholes. It is one of the busiest safari months, but the action is so rewarding that it remains a top choice for travelers seeking the ultimate Tanzania safari adventure.

Wildlife safaris Tanzania in September.

September is another exceptional month for safaris in Tanzania, as the migration remains in the northern Serengeti with ongoing river crossings. The weather is still dry, making game viewing superb, while predators remain highly active. Although it is still part of peak season, September offers slightly fewer crowds than July and August, making it a favorite for those who want to see the migration without the heaviest tourist traffic. Tarangire is also excellent in September, as elephants gather in large herds around the Tarangire River.

Wildlife safaris Tanzania in October.

October is the final month of the long dry season, with wildlife heavily concentrated around permanent water sources. Predator sightings remain excellent, and while the wildebeest migration begins to move toward Kenya, plenty of herds are still in the northern Serengeti. The weather can be hot and dusty, but the thinner tourist crowds compared to July–September make October a more relaxed time to travel. This is also a great month for walking safaris and cultural visits before the short rains arrive in November.

Wildlife safaris Tanzania in November.

November ushers in the short rains, transforming Tanzania’s landscapes into a fresh, green paradise. While the rains are usually brief afternoon showers, they bring migratory birds in large numbers, making this one of the best birdwatching months. The wildebeest herds start moving south again toward the Serengeti plains, restarting the Great Migration cycle. Safari prices drop, lodges are quieter, and photography is superb with dramatic skies and greenery. November is an underrated time for travelers who want excellent value and fewer crowds.

Wildlife safaris Tanzania in December.

December is a wonderful month to combine safari with festive-season travel, as the wildebeest herds return to the southern Serengeti for the start of calving season. The landscapes are lush, and wildlife is abundant, especially in the Ndutu region where predator-prey interactions are intense. Birdwatching is also superb, with resident and migratory species in full display. While holiday demand increases prices toward the end of the month, December remains one of the most exciting times for a Tanzania safari, offering a mix of wildlife spectacles and festive atmosphere.