Best Time to Visit Tanzania

Best Time to Visit Tanzania depends on the experiences you’re seeking, as the country offers remarkable wildlife and landscapes throughout the year. The dry season, from June to October, is widely regarded as the ideal time for game viewing, with wildlife gathering around water sources and the Great Migration crossing the Serengeti. The green season, from November to May, brings lush scenery, fewer visitors, and excellent birdlife, along with the calving season in the southern Serengeti. Each period offers its own unique perspective, making Tanzania a rewarding destination year-round.

Tanzania has two distinct seasons — dry and wet — but the “best” time depends entirely on what you want to see and do. The dry season brings exceptional game viewing and the Serengeti’s famous predator action. The green season offers fewer crowds, lower prices, and a Tanzania that feels truly alive.

Peak Season

Dry Season

June — October

The classic safari season. Thin vegetation, concentrated wildlife at water sources, excellent photography light. Higher lodge prices but unrivalled game viewing. The Serengeti’s wildebeest herds peak in July–August.

Green Season

Wet Season

November — May

Tanzania at its most lush and beautiful. Fewer tourists, significantly lower rates, dramatic skies for photography, and excellent birding. The short rains (Nov–Dec) are brief and rarely disruptive. Calving season (Jan–Feb) in the Serengeti is spectacular.

Month by Month

When to go for what you love

Scan across your travel months to instantly see which experiences are at their best. Green is outstanding — use it to plan.

Experience	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Wildlife Viewing	✓	✓	~	–	~	★	★	★	★	✓	✓	✓
Great Migration	Calving	★	~	~	Moving	★	★	★	✓	~	~	✓
Kilimanjaro	✓	✓	~	–	–	★	★	★	★	✓	✓	✓
Zanzibar	★	★	✓	–	–	✓	★	★	★	✓	~	★
Birding	★	★	★	✓	✓	~	~	~	✓	★	★	★
Value / Rates	✓	✓	★	★	★	~	–	–	~	~	✓	✓

★ Best

✓ Good

~ Fair

– Avoid

What Our Guests Have Said

    
 
 
         
   Amani T 
 
 
 
 Verified Our Incredible Safari Experience with Sarafu Travel.
My family and I had the opportunity to experience an adventure with Sarafu Travel. From start to finish, the whole experience was professionally executed and packed with excitement. When we arrived for our trip, the Sarafu team made sure we were well-prepared, providing all the necessary gear and safety instructions in a friendly, approachable way. Our guide Moses was incredibly respectful of the animals’ space and knew exactly where to take us for the best chances of spotting wildlife. We explored Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, and we were impressed with how well-organized the entire trip was. Truly a memorable experience with Sarafu Travel!
  
 
        
   Esha H 
 
 
 
 Verified The Best Experience Ever!
The experience was awesome! The service was great with a top-notch treatment and the prices were fair. Throughout the trip, I felt safe and at ease, and the accommodations were quite nice and everything was well taken care of. I kindly thank the team that made the trip an unforgettable experience!
  
 
        
   Marie D 
 
 
 
 Verified A travel agency that won't let you down
Sarafu Travel is a really good travel agency. They always give great service. When we first talked, they gave good advice and fair prices. They are quick to respond and keep their promises. Manager Joseph is nice and even picks you up and drops you off at the airport. He gives clear instructions to stay safe. The guide, Vitalis, is awesome with 27 years of Safari experience. He knows where animals will be, understands their habits, and makes the Safari fun and interesting. Vitalis loves his job and it shows, making the Safari unforgettable. Sarafu Travel is the best choice for Tanzania trips, giving great value for money. I recommend them to all my friends for travel advice.
  
 
        
   Explorer67117673678 
 
 
 
 Verified Best experience ever!
It was awesome! We can’t really describe it. We definitely recommend Sarafu Travel. We would particularly like to emphasise our guide Vitalis and our chief Damian! Vitalis is very nice, patient and our safety was always his priority! Also he has eyes like an eagle because he saw every animal although the distance was that high. We felt pretty comfortable all the time! Damians cooking was always fresh and so delicious despite the special circumstances! We were fascinated all the time! Thank you kindly to both of them for this unforgetable experince and time!
  
 
        
   Marko P 
 
 
 
 Verified Excellent 6-day safari trip (The Great Migration Tour)
We had an absolutely amazing trip with Vitalis our driver and guide from Sarafu Travel. We saw so many different habitats and countless animals. Vitalis was always very patient with us taking pictures. Accommodations were all good and the food lovely throughout the trip. We can highly recommend Sarafu Travel!
  
 
        
   Christoph R 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing Safari Tour with an Awesome Guide
We had an amazing time during our safari adventure in Tanzania, where we explored several national parks: Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Serengeti. Our guide was not only friendly but also an excellent driver with a knack for spotting animals even from a distance. The tour office provided exceptional assistance, accommodating our last-minute trip changes. We want to express our heartfelt thanks for this fantastic vacation!
  
 
        
   A.D.F. 
 
 
 
 Verified A.D.F - Arusha,Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Natinal Park
Erleben auch Sie ein außergewöhnliches Abenteuer verbunden mit Eindrücken aus dem Stadtleben und den spektakulären Ereignissen aus beiden Naturparks. Ein großes Lob an unseren Fahrer Gichero, der uns während der gesamten Safaritour immer sicher an das nächste eindrucksvolle Geschehen gefahren hat. Die überwältigende Natur, Dschungel und Savanne, die Tierwelt und Gicheros "Riecher" immer zur richtigen Zeit am richtigen Ort zu sein, haben wir vertraut, um die beeindruckende Landschaft und die Tierwelt zu genießen. Schließen die Augen und verhalten Sie sich ruhig:"Jetzt lassen Sie das, was Sie sehen auf sich wirken ... spüren Sie die Natur?" Eine Stille, verbunden mit einer Elefantenmutter, die ihr Baby vorsorglich führt, eine Löwenherde beim Fressen, die einen Wasserbüffel gerissen hat, Flusspferde, die im Wasser faulenzen, ... traumhaft! Sachkundige Informationen gibt es noch obendrauf. Eine besondere Tour, die jeden Tag gemeinschaftlich mit dem Abendessen und den Erzählungen in der Lodge endet. Gerne wieder!
  
 
  
 
  
 
   Tripadvisor rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 9 reviews