Jan
Migration herds: Southern Serengeti
Herds spread across the short-grass plains. Calving begins late in the month.
Wildlife Seasons & Best Travel Times
Explore Tanzania’s safari seasons month by month, with insights into the best times to visit each national park and follow the Great Migration. Discover seasonal wildlife patterns, migration movements and optimal safari periods to help you plan your journey around the most rewarding wildlife experiences.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Feb
Migration herds: Southern Serengeti
Peak calving. Lots of newborns and lots of predators.
Mar
Migration herds: Southern Serengeti
Greenest month. Fewer visitors, the odd afternoon shower.
Apr
Migration herds: Central Serengeti
Long rains. Quietest and cheapest. Some roads are muddy.
May
Migration herds: Central Serengeti
Rains ease and the herds start moving north.
Jun
Migration herds: Western corridor
Herds gather at the Grumeti. Dry season begins.
Good this monthSerengeti, Untamed and UnforgettableNgorongoro’s Wildlife SanctuaryTarangire’s Majestic WildernessManyara Scenic Wilderness
+ 16 more
The Roof of Africa ExpeditionZanzibar Oceanfront RetreatNyerere Nature & Wildlife RetreatRuaha Great WildernessMikumi Ultimate WildlifeArusha Scenic WildernessMkomazi Wilderness EscapeSaadani Beach & Bush ExperienceUdzungwa MountainsRubondo IslandSaanane IslandBurigi-ChatoIbanda-KyerwaRumanyika-KaragweKigosi Wetland WildernessUgalla RiverJul
Migration herds: Northern Serengeti
Herds arrive at the Mara River. Crossings begin.
Good this monthSerengeti, Untamed and UnforgettableNgorongoro’s Wildlife SanctuaryTarangire’s Majestic WildernessThe Roof of Africa Expedition
+ 17 more
Zanzibar Oceanfront RetreatNyerere Nature & Wildlife RetreatRuaha Great WildernessMikumi Ultimate WildlifeGombe Forest & Wildlife ExperienceMahale Mountains Wilderness RetreatArusha Scenic WildernessMkomazi Wilderness EscapeSaadani Beach & Bush ExperienceUdzungwa MountainsRubondo IslandSaanane IslandBurigi-ChatoIbanda-KyerwaRumanyika-KaragweKigosi Wetland WildernessUgalla RiverAug
Migration herds: Northern Serengeti
Peak crossing season. Also peak crowds.
Good this monthSerengeti, Untamed and UnforgettableNgorongoro’s Wildlife SanctuaryTarangire’s Majestic WildernessThe Roof of Africa Expedition
+ 18 more
Zanzibar Oceanfront RetreatNyerere Nature & Wildlife RetreatRuaha Great WildernessMikumi Ultimate WildlifeGombe Forest & Wildlife ExperienceMahale Mountains Wilderness RetreatKatavi Untamed WildernessArusha Scenic WildernessMkomazi Wilderness EscapeSaadani Beach & Bush ExperienceUdzungwa MountainsRubondo IslandSaanane IslandBurigi-ChatoIbanda-KyerwaRumanyika-KaragweKigosi Wetland WildernessUgalla RiverSep
Migration herds: Northern Serengeti
Still excellent for crossings, with fewer vehicles.
Good this monthSerengeti, Untamed and UnforgettableNgorongoro’s Wildlife SanctuaryTarangire’s Majestic WildernessThe Roof of Africa Expedition
+ 17 more
Zanzibar Oceanfront RetreatNyerere Nature & Wildlife RetreatRuaha Great WildernessMikumi Ultimate WildlifeGombe Forest & Wildlife ExperienceMahale Mountains Wilderness RetreatKatavi Untamed WildernessArusha Scenic WildernessMkomazi Wilderness EscapeSaadani Beach & Bush ExperienceUdzungwa MountainsSaanane IslandBurigi-ChatoIbanda-KyerwaRumanyika-KaragweKigosi Wetland WildernessUgalla RiverOct
Migration herds: Northern Serengeti
Crossings continue; the herds start to drift back south.
Good this monthSerengeti, Untamed and UnforgettableNgorongoro’s Wildlife SanctuaryTarangire’s Majestic WildernessThe Roof of Africa Expedition
+ 15 more
Zanzibar Oceanfront RetreatNyerere Nature & Wildlife RetreatRuaha Great WildernessMikumi Ultimate WildlifeGombe Forest & Wildlife ExperienceMahale Mountains Wilderness RetreatKatavi Untamed WildernessArusha Scenic WildernessMkomazi Wilderness EscapeSaadani Beach & Bush ExperienceUdzungwa MountainsSaanane IslandBurigi-ChatoKigosi Wetland WildernessUgalla RiverNov
Migration herds: Moving south
Short rains. Good value, lots of green.
Dec
Migration herds: Southern Serengeti
Herds return to the plains. Warm and dry.
Seasonal wildlife patterns and migration movements may vary each year depending on rainfall and environmental conditions. Use this guide as a general reference and contact our team for the latest updates when planning your safari.