Best Time to Visit Tanzania for Different Safari Experiences

Wondering when Time to Visit Tanzania? Discover the best months for wildlife viewing, the Great Migration, birdwatching, and green season adventures.

Timing Is Everything on Safari

One of the most common questions we hear is: “When is the best time to visit Tanzania for safari?” The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer — because Tanzania is a year-round safari destination, and each season brings its own magic.

Whether you’re chasing the Great Migration, birdwatching, or looking for quieter parks and lower prices, here’s a guide to help you pick the perfect time based on your safari goals.

Benson Safaris | Male lion (Panthera leo), Ndutu, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti, Tanzania — January - March: Ndutu, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti, Tanzania

Giraffe - Tarangire National Park. Tanzania, Africa — April - May: Green Season

Benson Safaris | Tourist taking pictures of zebras in ngorongoro crater, tanzania, africa — June: Start of Dry Season

Benson Safaris | Chaotic blue wildebeest antelopes crossing the river — July - October: Great Migration & River Crossing

Benson Safaris | Grey crowned crane — November: Short Rains & Birding Season

Benson Safaris | Leopard rests in a tree after meal — December: Lush & Festive

Dry Season (June to October)

Best For: Wildlife Viewing, Big Cats, Great Migration Crossings

This is Tanzania’s most popular safari season — and for good reason. It’s dry, cool, and animals gather around rivers and waterholes, making them easy to spot.

Highlights:

Best chance to see the Big Five

Great Migration river crossings in the Northern Serengeti (July–October)

Few mosquitoes and pleasant weather Ideal for first-time safari-goers and families

Highlights:

Best chance to see the Big Five

Great Migration river crossings in the Northern Serengeti (July–October)

Few mosquitoes and pleasant weather Ideal for first-time safari-goers and families

Top parks: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Ruaha

Tip: Book well in advance — especially July to September — as lodges fill up fast.

Green Season (November to March)

Best For: Birdwatching, Photography, Calving Season

This period marks the arrival of short rains, bringing lush landscapes and fewer tourists. It’s a favorite for photographers and bird lovers.

Highlights:

Thousands of migratory birds arrive

Wildebeest calving in the Southern Serengeti (Jan–March) — a predator’s paradise

Beautiful green backdrops and dramatic skies Lower prices and fewer crowds

Highlights:

Thousands of migratory birds arrive

Wildebeest calving in the Southern Serengeti (Jan–March) — a predator’s paradise

Beautiful green backdrops and dramatic skies Lower prices and fewer crowds

Best areas: Ndutu (for calving), Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Selous

Tip: The rains are usually short and come in bursts — safaris still run daily.

Long Rains (April & May)

Best For: Budget Travelers, Exclusive Experiences

This is considered the off-season, with the heaviest rainfall — but it’s also underrated. Parks are quiet, prices drop significantly, and everything is green and blooming.

Highlights:

Massive discounts at lodges and camps Dramatic clouds and vibrant greenery for photographers

A true feeling of having the wilderness to yourself

Great time to explore less-visited southern and western parks

Highlights:

Consider: Ruaha, Selous (Nyerere NP), Mahale Mountains, Katavi

Note: Some camps close temporarily due to road conditions — check availability first.

Month-by-Month Safari Overview

Month	Safari Highlights
January – March	Calving season in Ndutu, lush landscapes, excellent for predators
April – May	Green season, fewer crowds, budget-friendly, some camps closed
June	Start of dry season, great game viewing begins
July – October	Peak safari season, Great Migration river crossings, dry and cool
November	Start of short rains, green returns, good for birding
December	Lush and festive, great wildlife viewing before rains intensify

Other Considerations When Planning

Birdwatching:
Best from November to April, when migratory birds arrive from Europe and Asia.

Chimpanzee Trekking:
Best in dry season (June to October) in Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream.

Beach Extensions (Zanzibar, Mafia):
Year-round destination, but best months are June to March (dry and sunny).

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro:
Ideal in January–March or June–October for clearer skies.

Final Thoughts: Your Safari, Your Season

Whether you want action-packed wildlife chases, peaceful birdwatching, or great value for your money, Tanzania offers it all — just at different times of year.

Ready to match your travel dates with the perfect safari experience? Let us help you build a tailor-made itinerary based on your interests, schedule, and the season’s highlights.

Our Latest posts

Benson Safaris | Wildebeest on yearly migration launching across Mara River, Southern Kenya

Blog

Send Us A Message

Social Media

Read Our Reviews on TripAdvisor

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 141 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Faris K 
 23 September 2026
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   River H 
 22 September 2026
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Martha A. 
 17 September 2026
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   tom w 
 29 August 2026
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   ashrique F 
 21 August 2026
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Mobile732604 
 16 August 2026
 
 
 Verified 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!
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Kane 
 9 August 2026
 
 
 Verified 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!
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Suzanne D 
 4 August 2026
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Christine K 
 3 August 2026
 
 
 Verified 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
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   DN 
 31 July 2026
 
 
 Verified 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!