SunUp Safari

Tanzania is a year-round destination with some of the most spectacular wildlife experiences on the planet. From the Great Migration crossing crocodile-infested rivers to baby animals taking their first steps on the savannah, each month offers something unique. But when is your best time to visit?

At SunUp Safari, we help travelers pick the perfect time based on what they want to see and experience. Here’s a detailed month-by-month safari guide to help you plan your dream trip.

January – The Calving Season Begins

January marks the start of the calving season in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu region. Thousands of wildebeest and zebras give birth to their young on the fertile plains.

Expect dramatic predator action—lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are on the prowl, taking advantage of the newborns. It’s an intense and beautiful time to witness the circle of life in full motion.

Pros: Fewer crowds, great photography, predator-prey interactions.
Weather: Warm, with occasional short rains.

February – Prime Calving Season

February is peak calving season, making it one of the most action-packed months for wildlife lovers. Over 8,000 baby wildebeest are born every day, creating an incredible spectacle.

This is an ideal time for photographers and families looking to avoid high-season crowds while still enjoying prime wildlife experiences. SunUp Safari offers custom tours focused on calving season drama.

Pros: Calving herds, predator sightings, lush landscapes.
Weather: Mostly dry and green—perfect for scenic game drives.

March – Transition Time

March is a bit of a wild card. The rains start to increase, but the parks are still green and full of life. It’s a great time for birdwatching, as migratory species are abundant.

While wildlife is still plentiful, roads in some regions (like Selous or Katavi) may start becoming muddy. That said, if you’re okay with a little unpredictability, March can offer amazing sightings with very few tourists around.

Pros: Excellent birding, peaceful parks, discounted rates.
Weather: Start of the long rains. Bring a rain jacket!

April – Green Season & Dramatic Skies

April is part of the long rainy season, and many lodges in remote areas close temporarily. However, the parks that remain open—like Serengeti and Ngorongoro—are incredibly lush and beautiful.

Photographers love this time for dramatic skies, rich green colors, and dust-free landscapes. SunUp Safari offers special “green season” deals for intrepid travelers who want to experience the wild in solitude.

Pros: Gorgeous scenery, fewer tourists, reduced rates.
Cons: Rain can affect travel in remote areas.

May – Lush and Quiet

Rain continues into early May but begins to taper off. The landscapes are at their greenest, and animal movements start to shift again.

This is also when the Great Migration begins moving north from the southern Serengeti. You might catch the herds on the move, which is exciting to witness.

Pros: Spectacular scenery, discounted safaris, peaceful game drives.
Weather: Intermittent rain, but manageable for most travelers.

June – Dry Season Begins

June is the start of the dry season—and the safari scene starts heating up. Vegetation begins to thin, making wildlife easier to spot. Water sources start drying, concentrating animals around rivers and watering holes.

This is also when the Great Migration reaches the western corridor of the Serengeti. With luck, you could witness the dramatic Grumeti River crossing.

Pros: Better wildlife visibility, pleasant weather, fewer bugs.
Weather: Cooler mornings and evenings, mostly dry.

July – Peak Season Begins

July is one of the most popular safari months, and for good reason. Wildlife is concentrated and active, and the Great Migration reaches the northern Serengeti.

It’s also an excellent time to visit Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, and Tarangire National Park. SunUp Safari recommends booking early—lodges and camps fill fast.

Pros: Prime wildlife viewing, river crossings, dry roads.
Cons: Higher prices and more crowds.

August – The Migration Crosses the Mara River

August is spectacle season. This is when the wildebeest begin dramatic Mara River crossings in northern Serengeti—one of the most thrilling sights in the safari world.

Huge herds gather on riverbanks, waiting to cross while crocodiles lurk below. If you’ve ever seen National Geographic footage of the Great Migration, this is it—live.

Pros: Iconic river crossings, big cats on the hunt, peak safari vibes.
Cons: High demand—book well in advance with SunUp Safari.

September – Migration Continues North

The migration is still in full swing across the northern Serengeti, and the weather remains dry and clear. Predator sightings are excellent, and park conditions are ideal for driving and walking safaris.

It’s also a great time to combine safari with a Zanzibar beach holiday, as the coast is sunny and calm.

Pros: Excellent wildlife and beach combo, perfect weather.
Weather: Warm days, cool nights, very little rain.

October – Shoulder Season Value

October is a transition month, with fewer crowds but continued great wildlife sightings. Some of the migration remains in the north, while other herds begin drifting south again.

This is also a great time to visit less-crowded parks like Ruaha and Selous (Nyerere National Park).

Pros: Lower prices, solid game viewing, fewer tourists.
Cons: Migration locations can be unpredictable.

November – Short Rains & Unique Opportunities

November ushers in the short rainy season, refreshing the landscape and kicking off a new cycle of life. Parks are greener, animals are active, and migratory birds return in full force.

It’s a good time to travel if you want a balance between decent weather, lower costs, and smaller crowds. SunUp Safari offers excellent value packages during this time.

Pros: Scenic beauty, fewer travelers, great birding.
Cons: Some rain, but usually short showers.

December – Festive Safaris

December is a festive and exciting time in Tanzania. As the rains fade, the wildlife gears up for the next calving season. Many travelers come for a Christmas or New Year safari, especially families on holiday.

Game viewing is good, especially in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, and lodges often host special holiday meals and events.

Pros: Beautiful weather, festive atmosphere, wildlife picking up again.
Cons: Peak pricing over Christmas—book early.

Final Tips from SunUp Safari

• Book early for July–October: These are peak safari months, and the best camps fill fast.

• Travel smart during the green season: If you want privacy and savings, consider January–March or November.

• Combine safari and beach: Zanzibar is great all year and pairs beautifully with your wildlife adventure.

• Let us guide you: At SunUp Safari, we help you match your travel dates to the best locations and events—whether you’re chasing the Great Migration or seeking an off-the-beaten-path cultural escape.

So, When Should You Go?

The truth is, there’s no bad time to visit Tanzania. It all depends on what you want to see, how you like to travel, and your ideal level of comfort, crowd, and cost.

Whenever you choose to visit, SunUp Safari will make sure your experience is unforgettable—from sunrise game drives to starlit dinners in the bush. Ready to start planning your perfect safari?

Let’s turn your dream into a departure.