Best Time to Visit the Serengeti: Your Month-by-Month Guide

The Serengeti National Park, renowned for its abundant wildlife and the awe-inspiring Great Migration, offers an unforgettable African safari experience year-round. Choosing the right time to visit Tanzania ensures you enjoy the perfect combination of wildlife viewing, cultural encounters, and luxury safari experiences with Ultimate Africa Journeys. As a 100% locally owned and operated company, we specialize in tailor-made, sustainable safari adventures.

We offer a variety of safari tours and packages, ranging from luxury safaris to budget-friendly options, ensuring the best fit for every traveler.

Understanding the Serengeti’s Seasons

The Serengeti experiences two main seasons: dry and wet. Each season offers unique wildlife opportunities and safari experiences.

Dry Season (June to October) – Peak Safari Period

The dry season is the most popular time for safari in Tanzania. Wildlife congregates around the few remaining water sources, making sightings easier and more dramatic.

June to July:

• The dry season begins, and vegetation thins, improving visibility.

• The Great Migration gathers in the Western Corridor, preparing for the Grumeti River crossings.

• Visitor numbers are lower in June, offering a balance between abundant wildlife and fewer crowds.

August to September:

• Peak of the dry season, ideal for witnessing the iconic Mara River crossings.

• Millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other antelopes cross crocodile-infested waters.

• Predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs are highly active, creating unforgettable viewing opportunities.

October:

• The dry season ends, but wildlife remains concentrated around waterholes.

• Last river crossings occur in the northern Serengeti before the herds move south.

Wet Season (November to May) – Green Season Advantages

The wet season, also called the Green Season, offers lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and competitive safari rates.

November to December (Short Rains):

• Brief, afternoon showers turn the plains vibrant and green.

• The Great Migration begins moving south toward the Ndutu Plains.

January to February (Calving Season):

• Thousands of wildebeest calves are born in Ndutu, attracting predators.

• Exceptional wildlife action and birdwatching make this ideal for family safaris.

March to May (Long Rains):

• Heavy rainfall occurs, especially in April and May.

• Some safari lodges may close, and certain routes become challenging.

• Fewer tourists ensure a more private experience and excellent photographic opportunities.

The Great Migration: A Year-Round Spectacle

The Great Migration is a continuous movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. Timing varies based on rainfall, but here’s a general guide:

• December to March: Southern Serengeti (Ndutu Plains) for calving season.

• April to May: Western Corridor, as herds move north.

• June to July: Western Corridor and Grumeti River crossings.

• August to October: Northern Serengeti and Mara River crossings into Kenya.

• November: Southward migration through northern and central Serengeti.

Choosing Your Best Time to Visit

Consider your priorities when planning a Serengeti safari:

• For River Crossings: June to October, especially July to September.

• For Calving Season & Predator Action: January to February.

• For Fewer Crowds & Lower Prices: November to May.

• For Overall Wildlife Viewing: Dry season (June to October).

Add a hot air balloon safari for a unique aerial perspective of the migration and Serengeti plains.

Plan Your Ultimate Africa Journeys Safari

Ultimate Africa Journeys provides exceptional, tailor-made safari experiences:

• Expert local guides with intimate knowledge of the Serengeti.

• Comfortable safari vehicles and sustainable travel practices.

• Packages that combine Serengeti with Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar, or even Mount Kilimanjaro climbs.

Ready to explore the Serengeti? Enquire today or get a free safari quote to start planning your adventure