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Best Time to Visit Tanzania Serengeti: Month-by-Month Guide

The Serengeti is one of the most famous safari destinations in the world. It is home to the Great Migration, beautiful landscapes, and amazing wildlife.
If you are planning a trip, you might ask: When is the best time to visit Tanzania Serengeti?
In this guide, we will help you choose the perfect time based on what you want to see and do.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Travel Time

Before booking your Serengeti safari, it’s important to think about a few things:

Weather: Some months are dry and sunny, others are rainy and muddy.
Wildlife: Animals move around depending on the season.
Crowds: Some months are very busy with tourists, others are quieter.
Budget: Prices for lodges and tours can go up or down depending on the season.
Activities: Certain activities like river crossings, calving season, or bird watching are seasonal.

Now, let’s break it down month by month so you can plan your dream Serengeti safari with Seko Tours!

What Are the Best Months for Serengeti?

The best months to visit the Serengeti are June to October.
This is the dry season. The weather is sunny, and animals are easy to spot because they gather around rivers and waterholes.
You will also have the chance to see the exciting river crossings during the Great Migration.

Here’s a Quick Look at the Seasons:

Season	Months	Highlights
Dry Season	June – October	Best wildlife viewing, river crossings
Short Rains	November – December	Green scenery, some migration movements
Green Season	January – March	Calving season, fewer tourists
Long Rains	April – May	Heavy rain, fewer visitors, lower prices

Month-by-Month Guide to Serengeti Safari

January to March: Calving Season

Weather: Warm with occasional showers.
Wildlife: Thousands of wildebeest are born in the southern Serengeti.
Highlights:
- See baby animals taking their first steps.
- Big cats like lions and cheetahs are very active, hunting newborns.
- Green landscapes, beautiful for photography.

👉 Tip: This is a great time if you want fewer crowds and amazing action scenes.

April to May: Long Rains (Low Season)

Weather: Heavy rain, muddy roads.
Wildlife: Still plenty of animals, but harder to see.
Highlights:
- Lush, green landscapes.
- Great discounts on lodges and safaris.
- Very few tourists—peaceful experience.

👉 Tip: Only for adventurous travelers who don’t mind rain!

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June to July: River Crossings Begin

Weather: Dry, cool mornings and evenings.
Wildlife: Huge herds start moving north.
Highlights:
- Witness thrilling Mara River crossings.
- Clear skies and beautiful sunsets.
- Easy to spot animals around water sources.

👉 Tip: Book early—this is a very popular time!

August to October: Peak Safari Season

Weather: Perfect—dry and sunny.
Wildlife: Big migration herds in northern Serengeti.
Highlights:
- Best chance to see river crossings.
- Lots of predators like lions and crocodiles in action.
- Great for first-time safari travelers.

👉 Tip: It’s busy, but the wildlife action is unbeatable!

November to December: Short Rains and Green Season

Weather: Light rains start, fresh grass grows.
Wildlife: Migration herds start moving back south.
Highlights:
- Beautiful green plains.
- Many baby animals are born.
- Birdwatching is fantastic!

👉 Tip: A nice balance between good wildlife, beautiful scenery, and fewer tourists.

What Month Is the Serengeti Migration?

The Serengeti Migration moves in a circle throughout the year:

January to March: Calving season in the south (Ndutu area).
April to May: Herds spread out and start moving northwest.
June to July: Crossings at Grumeti and Mara Rivers.
August to October: Herds are in the north (near Mara River).
November to December: Moving back south toward Ndutu.

👉 Remember: Nature doesn’t have a set calendar. Timing can change a little every year.

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When Not to Visit Serengeti?

Many experts say the worst time to visit Serengeti is during the heavy rains in April and May.
Why?

Roads can get very muddy and hard to drive.
Some lodges and camps close for maintenance.
Animal spotting can be more difficult because of the thick bush.

👉 But if you are looking for the lowest prices and green scenery, it can still be magical!

Which is Better, Masai Mara or Serengeti?

Many travelers ask us: Masai Mara or Serengeti—which is better?
Here’s a simple answer:

Feature	Serengeti	Masai Mara
Size	Very big, endless plains	Smaller, easier to explore
Wildlife	Home to the full Migration	Part of Migration in July-Oct
Crowds	Fewer crowds, more wilderness	Can get crowded, especially in peak season
Cost	More options, from budget to luxury	Can be more expensive

👉 If you want a true African wilderness feeling and more space to explore, choose Serengeti!

Extra Tips to Make Your Serengeti Safari Perfect

Book Early: Especially for June to October, lodges and camps fill up fast.
Pack Light: Light clothing for daytime, a warm jacket for early mornings.
Choose the Right Camp: Mobile camps move with the Migration; they are perfect for seeing action.
Bring Binoculars: To enjoy birdlife and spot far animals.
Plan for Both Northern and Southern Serengeti: Depending on the season.

Best Time to Visit Tanzania Serengeti: Summary Table

Month	Best For
January	Calving, newborn animals
February	Calving, predator action
March	Baby animals, green landscapes
April	Green season, low prices
May	Green season, peaceful safaris
June	Start of Migration, dry weather
July	River crossings, peak wildlife action
August	River crossings, best game viewing
September	Good migration sightings, fewer crowds
October	Last good month before rains
November	Green season begins, birdwatching
December	Migration moves south, festive safaris

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it worth visiting Serengeti in November?

Yes! November brings beautiful green scenery, migrating herds, and fewer tourists. Perfect if you like peace and lower prices.

How many days are enough for Serengeti Safari?

We recommend at least 3 to 5 days to fully enjoy the wildlife and landscapes.

Can I see the Big Five in Serengeti?

Yes! Serengeti is home to all the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos.

Where is the best place to stay in Serengeti?

It depends on the season. Southern Serengeti (Ndutu) is best from January to March. Northern Serengeti is best from July to October.

Plan Your Dream Safari with Seko Tours Adventures

At Seko Tours Adventures, we know the Serengeti like the back of our hands.
We can help you pick the perfect time, best lodges, and amazing safari routes for your unforgettable journey.
👉 Contact us today to start planning your Tanzania safari of a lifetime!