The best time to visit Tanzania is mostly determined by which wildlife experience you are wanting, because wildlife movements and seasons in Tanzania are dictated by the rains. For most people, the best months to travel and tour to Tanzania are from July to September, because this is when the thousands of wildebeests and zebra travel through the Serengeti on their annual Great Migration from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara River, commonly referred to as Mara river crossings. Huge massive herds of wildebeests and zebra stampeding through the waters across the crocodile-infested river, plus various species of predators (both terrestrial and aquatic), are one of the most recognised wildlife experiences in the world. July to September is also the peak period in parks, with many safari vehicles on active game routes.
For a quieter experience, the best season to visit Tanzania for birdwatching and seeing newborn wildebeest calves is the ‘green season’ from November to March, when migratory birds arrive in great numbers. There may be rain showers for a short time, but wildlife viewing remains excellent all year. The only time we usually recommend not to travel is in the months of April and May, due to the heavy rains making certain areas inaccessible and hindering your animal game viewing experience.
With warmer temperatures, rising humidity, and a chance of rain, this period still offers excellent safaris at lower rates. It’s often regarded as the best time to visit Tanzania for the calving season, when migration herds crowd the southeast Serengeti, filling the Ndutu Plains with an incredible concentration of wildlife.
Green Season (November to March) is often considered the best season to visit Tanzania for birdwatching, as migratory species arrive in their thousands, creating spectacular sightings across the country.
As migrating herds leave Ndutu and move west toward Grumeti, this low season before the heavy rains brings rising humidity but excellent rates. Often considered the best month to visit Tanzania for birdwatching, the Green Season (November to March) sees thousands of migratory birds fill the skies, making it a rewarding time for wildlife lovers.
This is the green season, when lush grasses and dense bush can make spotting game trickier, yet it remains a fantastic time for birdwatchers as parks, especially in the south, are filled with migratory species. For those wondering when to visit Tanzania, this period also offers the chance to see the migration in the Grumeti area of the Serengeti as herds begin their journey north.
The peak season is an ideal choice for anyone considering when to go to Tanzania. The migration moves through the northern Serengeti towards Kenya, and elephants congregate in Tarangire. Dry conditions make wildlife viewing easier, and temperatures in the high 20°s to early 30°s with low humidity make for perfect safari conditions.
Peak season is often considered the best time to visit Tanzania, with the migration still in the north and wildlife becoming more predictable as the land dries out. In Ruaha, the dense bush thins, making game spotting much easier and offering excellent safari opportunities.
Peak season is often considered the best month to visit Tanzania, with the end of the migration still in the north, herds spread across both the Kenya and Tanzania borders, and large numbers of elephants in Tarangire. While the northern circuit can be crowded, the southern parks offer a quieter alternative for those seeking a more secluded safari experience.
Peak season is often regarded as the best season to visit Tanzania, with the migration having moved into Kenya but excellent game viewing still available in the central Serengeti. The southern parks are especially rewarding during this time, offering rich wildlife encounters and fewer crowds.
During the short rains, this is still a popular period for when to visit Tanzania, offering the chance to enjoy low-season rates. While showers often fall overnight, there’s a possibility of daytime rain. Migrating herds begin their journey south from Kenya, and river crossings can still be witnessed in the northern Serengeti.
We might see some rain, most often overnight, as temperatures and humidity start rising. Safari conditions are still great, with the migrating herds in the north heading south toward Ndutu. It's a busy time of year, and the festive season is popular, so for anyone who is thinking about when to go to Tanzania – it is always best to plan ahead to guarantee availability.
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