Planning a safari in Tanzania but wondering when is the best time to visit? The answer depends on what you want to experience. Whether you’re dreaming of witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration, spotting the Big Five, relaxing on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, or enjoying a quieter safari away from the crowds, Tanzania offers unforgettable experiences throughout the year.
Our month-by-month guide will help you choose the perfect time to travel based on wildlife viewing, weather conditions, seasonal highlights, and the best destinations to visit. From the dramatic wildebeest calving season in the southern Serengeti to the thrilling Mara River crossings in the north, every month offers unique opportunities for adventure.
Whether you’re planning a luxury safari, family holiday, honeymoon, photographic expedition, or beach escape, this guide provides expert advice on where to go in Tanzania and what to see each month, making it easier to plan the trip of a lifetime.
Discover the best national parks, wildlife experiences, and seasonal attractions, and find out why Tanzania remains one of Africa’s premier safari destinations all year round.
January
Overview
January is one of the best months to visit Tanzania. The landscapes are lush after the short rains, wildlife is abundant, and the southern Serengeti begins to fill with wildebeest preparing for the calving season.
Weather
- Warm days (25–30°C)
- Mostly sunny
- Occasional short showers
- Excellent road conditions
Best Destinations
- Ndutu
- Serengeti National Park (Southern Plains)
- Tarangire National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Zanzibar
What to See
- Wildebeest gathering on the southern Serengeti plains
- Thousands of zebras
- Lions following migrating herds
- Large elephant families
- Flamingos in seasonal lakes
- Beautiful green landscapes
Perfect For
- Luxury Safaris
- Family Safaris
- Photography
- Honeymoon Safaris
February
Overview
February is arguably the most spectacular wildlife month in Tanzania as hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves are born.
Best Destinations
- Ndutu
- Southern Serengeti
- Ngorongoro Crater
What to See
- Over 500,000 wildebeest calves born
- Lions hunting newborn calves
- Cheetahs hunting on open plains
- Hyenas
- Jackals
- Excellent predator activity
Best For
- Wildlife Photography
- Great Migration
- First-time Safari
March
Best Destinations
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Arusha National Park
- Southern Serengeti
What to See
- End of calving season
- Green landscapes
- Fewer tourists
- Migratory birds
- Excellent photography
April
Best Destinations
- Central Serengeti
- Ruaha National Park
- Mahale Mountains National Park
What to See
- Beautiful green scenery
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Fewer visitors
- Great value safaris
May
Best Destinations
- Western Corridor
- Ruaha National Park
- Katavi National Park
What to See
- Wildebeest moving northwest
- Massive elephant herds
- Quiet parks
- River wildlife
June
Best Destinations
- Western Corridor
- Tarangire National Park
- Central Serengeti
What to See
- Grumeti River crossings
- Dry season begins
- Excellent game viewing
- Large elephant herds
July
Best Destinations
- Northern Serengeti
- Tarangire National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
What to See
- Mara River crossings begin
- Crocodiles
- Lions
- Leopards
- Massive elephant herds
August
Best Destinations
- Northern Serengeti
- Ruaha National Park
- Zanzibar
What to See
- Peak Mara River crossings
- Dry season wildlife
- Big cats
- Beach holidays
September
Best Destinations
- Northern Serengeti
- Nyerere National Park
- Tarangire National Park
What to See
- River crossings continue
- Boat safaris
- Elephant herds
- Hippos and crocodiles
October
Best Destinations
- Central Serengeti
- Ruaha National Park
- Zanzibar
What to See
- Excellent predator sightings
- Dry landscapes
- Beach holidays
- Walking safaris
November
Best Destinations
- Central Serengeti
- Tarangire National Park
- Lake Manyara National Park
What to See
- Short rains
- Migratory birds
- Fresh green landscapes
- Excellent photography
December
Best Destinations
- Ndutu
- Southern Serengeti
- Zanzibar
What to See
- Wildebeest return to the south
- Herds gathering before calving
- Warm beach weather
- Festive holiday safaris
