There is no single “best time” to visit Tanzania there are several perfect times depending on what you want to see and how much you want to spend. After 15+ years of guiding safaris, here is our definitive.
Month-by-month breakdown for 2025 and 2026, updated with the latest migration patterns and pricing trends.
June – October ( Famous & Crowded time)
This is the classic safari season everyone imagines. Rivers dry up, animals concentrate around waterholes, and visibility is excellent. July to early October is when the wildebeest attempt the dramatic Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti. If seeing thousands of wildebeest leaping into crocodile-filled rivers is on your bucket list, this is your window.
- Weather: 20–28°C, almost no rain
- Crowds: Very high (book 12–18 months ahead for prime camps)
- Price level: Highest (luxury camps $1,200–$2,000/night)
- Best for: First-time visitors, photographers, river crossings
January – March: Calving Season in Southern Serengeti
Over 500,000 wildebeest give birth in the southern plains. The grass is short, predators are everywhere, and you’ll see more baby animals in three days than most people see in a lifetime.
- Weather: Warm days, occasional short rains
- Crowds: Moderate
- Price: 20–30% lower than peak season
- Best for: Predator action, newborn calves, fewer vehicles
April – May: The Long Rains & Green Season
This is when Tanzania turns emerald green, the landscapes are breathtaking, and many luxury camps offer 40–50% discounts. Most roads remain open, and the game viewing is still excellent animals are spread out, but you’ll often have lion prides or cheetah families all to yourself.
- Weather: Daily afternoon showers
- Crowds: Very low
- Price: Lowest of the year
- Best for: Budget travelers, photographers who love dramatic skies, birding (migrant species arrive)
November & Early December: Short Rains & Shoulder Season
Short afternoon showers refresh the bush. The first herds start returning to the southern Serengeti, and prices are still reasonable. This is the best time for a tanzania safari tour for families and couple who want total silence and wild action.
Our Recommendation by Traveler Type
- First-time visitors → July–September
- Returning visitors who want something different → February (calving) or May (green season)
- Photographers → May or November (golden light + storm clouds)
- Budget travelers → April, May, or November
- Families with kids → January–March (milder weather + baby animals)
No matter which month you choose, Tanzania will exceed your expectations. The only “wrong” time is when you wait too long and your dream camp is fully booked.
Ready to pick your perfect dates? Send us your preferred month and budget we’ll tell you exactly what you’ll see and how much it will cost in 2026.