Best Time to Visit Tanzania for Safaris – A Complete Guide by Annest Kenya Safaris
Introduction – Step Into Tanzania’s Wild Beauty
When you think of Tanzania safaris, do you see vast golden plains dotted with elephants, the mighty Serengeti echoing with wildebeest herds, or the Ngorongoro Crater alive with predators? The truth is, every season in Tanzania offers a unique safari experience.
At Annest Kenya Safaris, we’ve guided families, honeymooners, photographers, and adventure seekers on unforgettable journeys across Tanzania and Kenya. Choosing the best time to visit Tanzania is the first step in planning your dream safari — and we’re here to make it simple.
Whether you’re chasing the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti, spotting flamingos in Lake Manyara, or pairing a Tanzania safari with a Kenya–Tanzania cross-border adventure, this guide helps you decide when to go.



Tanzania Safari Seasons at a Glance
Dry Season (June – October) – Classic Big Game Viewing
- Best for: First-time visitors, Big Five sightings, luxury safaris.
- Wildlife gathers around rivers and waterholes → easy to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and cheetahs.
- July to September → Serengeti river crossings during the Great Migration.
- Cool mornings, warm days, and perfect safari weather.
Explore our Tanzania Safari Packages for the best dry season adventures.
Green Season (November – May) – Calving, Birds & Photography
- Best for: Families, photographers, budget-friendly safaris.
- January to March → Wildebeest calving in Southern Serengeti → thousands of newborn calves and predator drama.
- Spectacular birdwatching safaris in Tanzania.
- Lower rates on lodges → excellent for affordable family safaris.
- Lush scenery → dramatic landscapes for photography.
Looking for savings? Our Kenya & Tanzania Safaris make the green season even more rewarding.
The Great Wildebeest Migration: Tanzania’s Showstopper
The Great Migration safari in Tanzania is nature’s most thrilling spectacle:
- Dec–March: Calving in Southern Serengeti.
- June–July: Grumeti River crossings.
- Aug–Sept: Mara River crossings near Kenya.
- Oct–Nov: Herds move back south.
Picture over 1.5 million wildebeest with zebras and gazelles, followed closely by lions, leopards, and crocodiles.
Combine Serengeti migration with Masai Mara on our Kenya–Tanzania Safari Tours.
When NOT to Visit Tanzania for Safaris
- April & May: Heavy rains may close lodges and make roads muddy.
- Late November: Short rains bring lush greenery but wildlife is harder to spot.
But with Annest Kenya Safaris, we design itineraries that adapt — pairing Tanzania with Kenya safaris or Zanzibar beach escapes for a seamless experience.
Let Annest Kenya Safaris Plan Your Perfect Tanzania Adventure
There’s no single “best” time — just the best time for you. Whether you dream of:
- Big Five safaris in the dry season,
- Calving season with predator action, or
- A cross-border Kenya–Tanzania safari with a Zanzibar beach ending,
Annest Kenya Safaris will craft a journey designed for your family, your style, and your budget.
Start planning today — let’s design your unforgettable Kenya & Tanzania safari experience.
FAQs: Best Time to Visit Tanzania Safaris
June–October for classic Big Five safaris and July–September for migration river crossings.
Yes! It’s calving season in the Serengeti — perfect for photographers and families.
April–May and November → great for affordable safaris with fewer crowds.
Both! The migration moves between them. That’s why our Kenya–Tanzania safari packages are so popular.
Absolutely — many of our guests end their safari with Zanzibar’s beaches or Kenya’s Diani coast.