What to Expect on a Safari in Tanzania (Jan - Dec)

  • Weather: Warm, dry conditions, perfect for wildlife viewing.

  • Wildlife: Calving season in the Serengeti. Expect to see newborns and predators hunting.

  • Highlights: This is one of the best times to witness the start of the Great Migration in southern Serengeti, where wildebeests and zebras give birth.

  • Expect: Active predators, including lions and cheetahs, and a chance to see herds of wildebeests and zebras with their young. Great for photographers.

  • Weather: Rainy season, with lush green landscapes.

  • Wildlife: This is a quieter time, but the migration starts moving northward. The calving season is still ongoing, so predator sightings are good.

  • Highlights: Fewer tourists, lower rates, and great birdwatching.

  • Expect: Short rains and a quieter safari experience. It’s ideal for nature lovers.

  • Weather: Dry season with warm temperatures.

  • Wildlife: The Great Migration reaches the northern Serengeti, with dramatic river crossings at the Mara River.

  • Highlights: This is the time for the most spectacular wildlife sightings. You’ll witness the famous Mara River crossings, as wildebeests and zebras face predators and crocodiles.

  • Expect: Large crowds, but incredible wildlife experiences, including predator-prey interactions. Perfect for photographers.

  • Weather: Short rains, cooler temperatures.

  • Wildlife: The migration heads back south, and the parks are quieter with good wildlife sightings.

  • Highlights: The short rains bring lush landscapes, making the parks more beautiful and peaceful.

  • Expect: More affordable rates, fewer crowds, and an abundance of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and leopards.

  • Weather: Warm, with occasional rain showers.

  • Wildlife: Great wildlife sightings across all parks. Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are excellent during this period.

  • Highlights: Ideal for family safaris and holiday getaways. Busy period with a festive atmosphere.

  • Expect: Crowds due to the holiday season, but still fantastic wildlife viewing, especially in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.