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Benson Safaris Tanzania | Best Time to Visit Serengeti – Month-by-Month Safari Guide 2026

The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is one of the most iconic safari destinations in the world. Known for its vast savannahs, diverse wildlife, and the spectacular wildebeest migration, the Serengeti offers a unique safari experience all year round. However, the best time to visit depends on what you want to see—big cats, newborn wildebeest calves, or the famous river crossings. This month-by-month guide helps you plan your perfect Serengeti safari in 2026.

January – Calving Season in the Southern Serengeti

  • Wildlife Highlights: Thousands of wildebeest calves are born this month, attracting predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
  • Weather: Warm temperatures with occasional short rains.
  • Advantages: Ideal for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts wanting dramatic predator action.

 

Tip: Stay in southern Serengeti lodges to be close to the calving grounds.

February – Peak Calving & Predator Sightings

  • Wildlife Highlights: Predator action continues; zebras and wildebeest are still concentrated in the southern plains.
  • Weather: Dry and hot, making wildlife spotting easier.
  • Advantages: Fewer tourists than peak migration months.

 

Tip: Early morning game drives are perfect for capturing wildlife interactions.

Benson Safaris | Common Wildebeest herd foraging on grass of Mooiplas

March – Short Rains Begin

  • Wildlife Highlights: Wildebeest start moving slowly north; predators are still active.
  • Weather: Short rains, lush green landscapes, and fewer tourists.
  • Advantages: Ideal for nature photography with green landscapes and fewer crowds.

 

Tip: Bring a waterproof jacket and plan drives carefully, as some tracks can be slippery.

April – Wet Season Safari

  • Wildlife Highlights: Best time for birdwatching; many migratory birds arrive. Large herbivores are spread across the park.
  • Weather: Heavy rains in early April; park roads may be muddy.
  • Advantages: Lowest tourist numbers and lower safari costs.

 

Tip: Ideal for budget travelers seeking a quiet safari experience.

Benson Safaris | herd of zebra in the Serengeti

May – End of Wet Season

  • Wildlife Highlights: Predators are more visible in areas where grass is thinner; bird activity is still high.
  • Weather: Rain decreases toward the end of May; roads improve.
  • Advantages: Good balance between wildlife viewing and fewer tourists.

 

Tip: A great time to find green landscapes and vibrant photography opportunities.

June – Start of Dry Season & Migration Movement

  • Wildlife Highlights: Wildebeest start moving toward central Serengeti. Lions, cheetahs, and leopards are active.
  • Weather: Dry, sunny days; excellent for game drives.
  • Advantages: High wildlife concentration and comfortable safari conditions.

 

Tip: Book early for mid-range and luxury lodges, as June marks the beginning of peak season.

Benson Safaris | Leopard in the serengeti national reserve

July – Migration Crossings Begin

  • Wildlife Highlights: Wildebeest and zebras reach northern Serengeti; river crossings start in late July.
  • Weather: Dry season continues; perfect safari conditions.
  • Advantages: Witness the spectacular Mara River crossings, a top safari highlight.

 

Tip: Stay in northern Serengeti lodges for the best crossing views.

August – Peak Migration & Dry Season

  • Wildlife Highlights: Wildebeest and zebra herds dominate the northern Serengeti and Mara River. Predators are highly active.
  • Weather: Dry, sunny, and cooler nights.
  • Advantages: Best time for photography and migration action.

 

Tip: Bring binoculars and cameras with telephoto lenses for river crossing shots.

Benson Safaris | Leader of Pack of Wildebeest Testing Waters

September – Dry Season Safari

  • Wildlife Highlights: Herds continue in northern Serengeti; predator activity remains high.
  • Weather: Dry season peaks; excellent road conditions.
  • Advantages: Great time for game drives and bird photography.

 

Tip: Book early; this is one of the busiest months due to the migration.

October – Late Dry Season

  • Wildlife Highlights: Wildebeest start moving back south; predators follow. Smaller tourist numbers compared to August–September.
  • Weather: Dry, warm, and sunny.
  • Advantages: Fewer tourists; excellent game drives and migration photography.

 

Tip: Combine central and southern Serengeti for diverse wildlife experiences.

benson safaris

November – Start of Short Rains & Quiet Safari

  • Wildlife Highlights: Wildebeest move toward southern Serengeti; predators remain active. Birds are abundant.
  • Weather: Short rains begin; landscapes turn lush green.
  • Advantages: Low tourist season, quiet lodges, and unique wildlife photography.

 

Tip: Roads may be slippery; 4×4 vehicles are essential.

December – Green Season & Calving Preparation

  • Wildlife Highlights: Wildebeest gather in southern Serengeti, preparing for calving season.
  • Weather: Short rains; warm and green landscapes.
  • Advantages: Fewer crowds and scenic landscapes.

 

Tip: Great for photography and seeing predators in action on the lush plains.

Serengeti Ngorongoro Tarangire Tours

Serengeti Safari Month-by-Month Summary Table

Month

Wildlife Highlights

Advantages

Best Area to Stay

Jan

Calving season, predators

Fewer tourists, dramatic wildlife

Southern Serengeti

Feb

Predator action continues

Dry, excellent game drives

Southern Serengeti

Mar

Migration begins, birdwatching

Lush green landscapes

Central Serengeti

Apr

Heavy rains, birds

Budget-friendly safari

Central Serengeti

May

Drying season, predators visible

Low crowds, green scenery

Central Serengeti

Jun

Migration moves north

High wildlife concentration

Central Serengeti

Jul

Mara River crossings

Best for photography

Northern Serengeti

Aug

Peak migration

Predator action, photography

Northern Serengeti

Sep

Northern herds

Excellent road conditions

Northern Serengeti

Oct

Migration returns south

Fewer tourists

Central & Southern Serengeti

Nov

Birdwatching, short rains

Quiet season, lush landscapes

Southern Serengeti

Dec

Calving preparation

Scenic landscapes, low crowds

Southern Serengeti

 

Tips for Visiting Serengeti in 2026

  • Book early: Peak season lodges fill fast (July–September).
  • Choose the right region: Southern, central, or northern Serengeti based on wildlife you want to see.
  • Bring gear: Binoculars, telephoto camera lenses, sun protection, and comfortable clothing.
  • 4×4 vehicle: Essential for dry and wet seasons.
  • Combine parks: Consider Ngorongoro Crater or Tarangire for a complete safari experience.

Why Choose Benson Safaris Tanzania for Serengeti Safaris?

With over 20 years of safari experience, Benson Safaris Tanzania offers:

  • Experienced guides and drivers for safe, memorable safaris
  • Well-maintained 4×4 safari vehicles
  • Budget and midrange lodges in prime Serengeti areas
  • Customized itineraries to match your travel style and wildlife interests

 

Contact Benson Safaris Tanzania today to plan your Serengeti safari in 2026 and experience the magic of East Africa wildlife!

Join Benson Safaris for a 6 day adventure in Tanzania’s Serengeti, witnessing the awe-inspiring Wildebeest Migration with prime viewing spots guaranteed.

Embark on a 5-day Tanzanian adventure in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, choosing tented camp or mid-range lodge accommodations. Cherish the journey.

Explore Tanzania’s diverse landscapes and wildlife on a 7-day adventure. Choose budget-friendly or mid-range lodges for a unique safari experience.

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Based on 141 reviews
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Faris K
23 September 2026
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Amazing Kilimanjaro climb with this team My wife and I went on the Kilimanjaro climb, through the Machame route, and the Benson Safaris team, including the guides and the rest of the crew, were amazing people. We have traveled a lot and have been to many countries, but this team were the best. We felt very welcomed and supported throughout the multi-day hike. We had a great summit experience and a great celebration from the team after that. We will definitely go on the safari adventure with them. Genuinely great people.
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River H
22 September 2026
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responsible, responsive will remember our safari forever! Carlos was such a nice, responsible, and experienced guide. We had a pleasant 7 days with him. Fortune was very responsive and helpful when we were first looking into the itenerary. Overall good experience.
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Martha A.
17 September 2026
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Once in a lifetime safari We had a great time during our safari with Benson Safaris. From the very beginning Fortune was helpful and attentive, helping us to design our itinerary and adjust it to our budget and preferences. We did a cross country safari and had two guides, Edmund in Kenya and Carlos in Tanzania. They both were kind, knowledgeable and always willing to go the extra mile to make our trip memorable. They have different personalities, naturally, but share the same sense of commitment and love for their work. I will always remember this experience and will be grateful to them for it.
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tom w
29 August 2026
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four day safari across the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater As a trip of a lifetime for the family, this safari had to be extra special and Benson Safaris ensured that every step of the way we were given one of the most amazing experiences we will ever have. From shaping the right trip for us, to pre-planning check lists to the most wonderfully warm and experienced staff, I cannot speak highly enough of the service we had. We deliberately chose a local operator, not only to support local businesses but to also have a more personal touch. Dolphine was always on hand to answer any queries while our guide Liberatus was so friendly and immensely experienced (he's been driving safaris for more than 15 years) - giving us confidence that we would have the best wildlife sightings timed to avoid the larger crowds. He even managed to find us two sightings of leopards, which are notoriously hard to spot! The children gave up the count of the number of different species we saw at 30 plus but the incredible images and memories of four days on the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater will stay with us forever.
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ashrique F
21 August 2026
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Ashrique & Krishna We travelled with Benson Safaris for our Kenya and Tanzania trip, and honestly, it was one of the best travel experiences we’ve had. From the start, the whole trip was very well planned. We crossed the Kenya–Tanzania border and then came back into Kenya, and all the immigration and border formalities were surprisingly smooth. The team was always there to guide us and help whenever needed, which made a big difference. The accommodations were another highlight. We stayed at some really beautiful places, but Olerai Lodge, Friends Camp and Khumbu Khumbu Luxury Resorts deserve a special mention. Each one had its own charm, and the food throughout the trip was genuinely excellent. After spending hours out on safari, coming back to a good meal and a comfortable place to stay was something we really appreciated. Our guides, Martin and Zab, were a huge part of what made the trip special. Martin was very knowledgeable and patient, and you could tell that he genuinely enjoyed what he was doing. And then there was Zab — the Mayor of Serengeti! Honestly, I’m not sure how the trip would have been without him. He talked constantly, cracked jokes, knew everyone we came across, and somehow always seemed to know where the animals were. But beyond being a great guide, he became a friend during the trip. Some of our best memories are simply from sitting in the jeep listening to Zab talk about life, the Serengeti and pretty much everything else. He has this wonderful way of looking at life — simple, positive and full of humour. By the end, it felt less like we had hired a guide and more like we were travelling around with a friend who happened to know the Serengeti incredibly well. The actual safari experience was unbelievable. The Great Migration, the river crossings, lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, zebras, wildebeests, hippos and all the smaller animals in between — there was something new every single day. What I really liked was that the guides didn’t just point out animals; they helped us understand what was happening around us and how the whole ecosystem fits together. We did this trip to celebrate our first wedding anniversary, so it was already going to be a special trip for us. But Benson Safaris and the team made it much more memorable than we expected. A big thank you to everyone at Benson Safaris, to Martin, and especially to Zab, the Mayor of Serengeti, for making this such an incredible experience. We would happily travel with Benson Safaris again. And if we do make it back to the Serengeti someday, I really hope the Mayor is still around to show us around.
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Mobile732604
16 August 2026
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Absolute Dream Safari! Flawless Logistics, Upgrades and the Best Guide Wow, what an absolutely mind-blowing experience with Benson’s Safari! From the very first email to our final goodbye, they were spectacular every single step of the way. Fortune was our superstar booking agent. She custom-crafted multiple incredible options for us and pulled off absolute magic by scoring us last-minute upgrades at three of our hotels! Our guide, Zablone, was a true legend. He drove us from Arusha all the way to the Northern Serengeti with so much pride and enthusiasm. He went completely above and beyond, working tirelessly to ensure we witnessed a breathtaking river crossing. It was unforgettable! We felt completely taken care of because Benson's had a dedicated representative with us at every single transition. We never had to stress about a single logistical detail. Do not hesitate for a second to book with them—they are the absolute best!
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Kane
9 August 2026
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GREAT!!! HAKUNA MATATA! We had an extraordinarily valuable experience on this trip. Grace was highly responsible and responded promptly to all our inquiries. Mr. Benson was humorous and engaging, and our guide, Carlos, was a true professional with exceptional expertise. On top of that, their quote was completely transparent with no hidden fees. I highly recommend them!
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Suzanne D
4 August 2026
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The Safari of a Lifetime - thanks to Benson We would highly recommend Benson! At first, we were a little hesitant about booking locally and paying the full amount in advance. However, from the very first moment, all our concerns disappeared. The communication was excellent, friendly, and professional. Our itinerary was completely tailored to our wishes and exceeded our expectations. Our first meeting with our guide, Zablon, immediately gave us confidence. He is incredibly experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate about wildlife and nature. Thanks to him, we enjoyed an unforgettable 9-day safari. The picnic lunches were perfectly arranged every day, and all of the accommodations were excellent. Everything was well organized and taken care of down to the smallest detail. Thanks to Benson and Zablon, we had the trip of a lifetime. If you're looking for a reliable company that creates a personalized safari experience with outstanding service, we can wholeheartedly recommend Benson.
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Christine K
3 August 2026
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Tanzania Safari Wonderful Safari. Guides were amazing. Knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. Sites were just beautiful. We were able to get to see all the animals and stayed at many wonderful lodges
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DN
31 July 2026
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Fijne en betrouwbare reisadviseur Benson is een serieuze en betrouwbare adviseur. Zeer goede ervaring met reisadviseur Fortune Hyasinti (Tour Consultant /Planner). Flexibel, meedenkend, prettig contact, reageert snel, professioneel. Aanrader!