There’s no single “best” time to visit Tanzania. The wildlife is here all year — what changes is where the big herds are, how green the parks look, and how busy they feel. Here’s how we help guests choose.
The dry season: June to October
This is the classic safari season. Grass is short, animals gather near rivers and waterholes, and game viewing is at its easiest. Days are sunny and early mornings can be cool, especially in the Ngorongoro Highlands.
- Best for: first safaris, the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire’s elephant herds and Kilimanjaro climbs.
- The migration: the herds move west and then north, with river crossings in the northern Serengeti from about July to October.
- Good to know: July and August are the busiest months — book well ahead for the best lodges.
Calving season: December to March
The herds return to the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti and Ndutu, where hundreds of thousands of calves are born — usually peaking in February. Predators are never far away, which makes for some of the most dramatic sightings of the year.
It’s also a lovely time for a safari and beach combination: the parks are green and Zanzibar is warm and mostly dry from December to February.
If you could only choose one month for the migration, choose based on what you want to see: newborn calves in February, or river crossings from July.
The green season: April and May
The long rains bring lush landscapes, dramatic skies and very few other vehicles. Some camps close, but those that stay open often offer lower rates. Rain usually comes in heavy afternoon showers rather than all day.
- Best for: photographers, return visitors and travellers on a budget.
- Good to know: Zanzibar is at its wettest in April and May, and Kilimanjaro climbs are harder in the rain.
The short rains: November
Brief showers return and the herds stream back south. Parks are quieter than in the peak months, and the scenery turns green again quickly.
Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar
The best months to climb Kilimanjaro are the drier ones: January to March and June to October. For Zanzibar, June to October and December to February are the most reliable for sunshine.
How to choose
Start with your dates, then what you’d most love to see. Tell us both, and we’ll suggest the parks and lodges that fit — it’s exactly what our team in Arusha does every day.
Request a free, tailor-made quote or read our planning guide for visas, health and packing.