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Some argue the best time to visit the Serengeti National Park is between June and October. But in fact, you can visit the Serengeti year-round to enjoy an exceptional safari. Not only is it Tanzania’s oldest park, but it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by six huge reserves that allow the wildebeest migration to continue today. Having been protected since 1951, the wildlife numbers and diversity are incredible. Consequently, on a safari, you can see a wide array of wildlife, including the Big 5. Staying in world-class accommodation will complete your dream safari.
Tanzania has a tropical climate devoid of winter or summer, with pleasant year-round temperatures. However, the dry season, from June to October, is considered the best time to visit the Serengeti National Park to see the wildlife. The vegetation is sparse, and all life congregates near water sources, making it easy to spot the game. The famous river-crossings of the Great Wildebeest Migration also occurs during the dry season.
When is the high season in the Serengeti National Park?
The high season in the Serengeti National Park is from June to October and mid-December to February, during which peak season prices are charged. There is a short break in November, which is considered to be the low season.
The long dry season
From June to October, the dry season occurs, and it is the best time for wildlife viewing in the Serengeti National Park. It is also the peak of the wildebeest migration when the river-crossings; mega-herds can be observed in several places in the park. As a result, sections of the park can get busy during these months. In September and October, the great herds move into Kenya.
The short dry season
Another dry period occurs in January and February in Tanzania, coinciding with the wildebeest calving season. During this time, around 500,000 calves are born in a matter of weeks, which attracts a high concentration of predators. It is truly a magnificent sight to behold, and with fewer visitors in the park, the experience is even more intimate.
The high season is also the best time for trekking Mount Kilimanjaro and visiting some of the best tropical beaches in the Zanzibar archipelago.
When is the low season in the Serengeti National Park?
From November and mid-December, the short rains arrive, providing relief to the dry landscapes after a five months long dry period. They signal the start of the Green Season in the Serengeti. While afternoon thunderstorms are possible, wildlife viewing is still great, and the savannahs are lush and thriving. At this time, the wildebeests in Kenya migrate southward and return to Tanzania. November is considered low or shoulder season. However due to the festivities around the holidays, the weeks from mid-December are considered high season.
The low season in Tanzania lasts from March until May, coinciding with the long rains. Heavy rainfall occurs daily during this period and often arrives in dramatic passing thunderstorms, creating exceptional landscape photography conditions.
Although the park is still open, game spotting is challenging due to dense vegetation, and the wildlife scatters into the vast plains without needing their dry-season water sources. Still, exploring the park with our skilled guides in the rainy season will allow you to see a range of wildlife even in the rainy season; and with a bit of luck, you might even spot the Big 5.
However, if you hope to see as much wildlife as possible on your first safari, avoid visiting during the low season. However, for people who enjoy being in nature, it is an excellent time as there are fewer visitors, low-season prices, and the possibility to book at the last minute. Additionally, witnessing the expansive green landscapes creates a sense of new beginnings in the plains of Tanzania, making it a beautiful place to be.
Two of our favourite safaris to the Serengeti:
Impressive Tanzania
Places Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
from 2,040 USD per person sharing
Big Migration
Places Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
from 2,490 USD (based on 7 persons)
How to plan a safari to the Serengeti National Park
Deciding when to visit the Serengeti National Park can be overwhelming with so much online information available. However, we are here to help.
The ideal way to determine the best time for a Serengeti Safari is by speaking with one of our country experts for a no-obligation consultation. They will be pleased to share their passion for Tanzania with you, and within a short conversation, you will receive all the information you need. Alternatively, you can read our month-by-month guide below.
The best time to visit the Serengeti: a month-by-month guide
The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is world-renowned, home to the Big 5, the wildebeest migration, and so much more. When the best time for a safari in the Serengeti is, will also depend on your personal preferences. This is our guide, month by month.
January in the Serengeti: the short dry season & high season
The short rains of November and December breathe new life into the grasslands of the Serengeti, triggering the wildebeest in Kenya to journey southward. By January, the Ndutu and Kusini plains of the southern Serengeti are alive with countless wildebeest gathering on the lush, mineral-rich grasses nourished by fertile volcanic soils. The plains become a wildebeest nursery dotted with thousands of expecting mothers. Witnessing these mega-herds in such a beautiful ecosystem is an unforgettable sight.
February in the Serengeti: the short dry season & high season
In February, the plains of the southern Serengeti transform into a birthing ground where approximately half a million wildebeest calves are born within a few weeks. This attracts large numbers of big cats to the area as they prey on the vulnerable young calves. As you witness the struggle for survival unfold, you gain a first-hand experience of the power of nature and the resilience of life on the beautiful grasslands.
March, April and May in the Serengeti: the long rains & low season
The rainy season typically starts in March, when the moist air from the southeast trade wind moves inland. The rainfall usually occurs during afternoon or nighttime thunderstorms, and March and April receive the most rain. Despite the frequent precipitation, the high temperatures during this time are pleasant, ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 27°C (80°F).
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During March, the herds of wildebeest roam across the vast plains of Ndutu and Kusini. In April, they start to migrate northwards in long columns and can be spotted in Moru Kopjes and the Seronera region. By May, they reach the Western Corridor, and the wildebeest rut or mating season commences, a unique and fascinating part of the wildebeest migration. Towards the end of May, the wildebeests continue congregating in Western Serengeti, and the river crossing at Grumeti River becomes more inevitable.
June in the Serengeti: the dry season & high season
June is an exciting month at Serengeti National Park for two reasons. Firstly, it marks the start of the dry season in East Africa. Secondly, it is an exhilarating time in the annual cycle of the wildebeest migration. By June, vast herds of wildebeest gather in the western corridor of the Serengeti, where they face their first significant challenge – crossing the east-to-west flowing river that blocks their path to the abundant grasslands on the northern bank, the Grumeti River. Driven by hunger and the search for fresh grass, the herds must cross the river, home to large and hungry Nile crocodiles. It is an event in nature that you will remember forever. June is considered by some to be the best time to visit the Serengeti: Visitor numbers are lower than in July and August, but conditions for wildlife safaris are great.
July in the Serengeti: the dry season & high season
The Grumeti River crossing, where large Nile crocodiles eagerly await their prey, is remarkable. However, an even more fantastic spectacle awaits further north, and the best time to experience it is in July.
By July, the wildebeests move into the northern Serengeti, where they will reach the famous Mara River, which is bigger, deeper and more treacherous than the Grumeti River. From mid-July, the famous river crossings take place, which is a heart-stopping event to witness. If you wish to see the Mara River crossing, booking at least one year in advance is essential.
It is important to note that the Serengeti can get very busy during this time of year. There will be higher numbers of safari vehicles and tourists between July and September, especially at the river crossings. If seeing a river crossing is not a priority, and you’d prefer to experience a safari with fewer other tourists around, we recommend choosing a different time of year as best time to visit the Serengeti.
August in the Serengeti: the dry season & high season
August is an excellent month to witness the wildebeest migration in the Ikorongo region, in the far north of Serengeti National Park. This is also the best time to see the ongoing Mara River crossings before the mega herds enter Kenya. Due to the progression of the dry season, the landscapes continue to dry out, causing the resident wildlife to congregate near rivers and permanent water sources. This provides an ideal opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife. August is a popular time to visit the Serengeti, and it can be busy.
September in the Serengeti: the dry season & high season
September marks the third consecutive month without any rainfall on the great plains of the Serengeti National Park. Consequently, the wildlife is now gathering around the remaining water sources, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. During September, the mega-herds migrate into Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. But don’t let that discourage you. We have a sister-company based in Kenya. Therefore, with Tanzania Experience, you can cross the border and continue following this incredible journey into the stunning Masai Mara. With world-class wildlife, it is an excellent way to conclude a safari to the Serengeti National Park.
October in the Serengeti: the dry season & high season
A safari in Serengeti National Park during October is an incredible opportunity to witness the last month of the dry season. After five months of no rainfall, the landscapes are at their driest, and the water sources are depleting, making it one of the most challenging times of the year for wildlife. However, this also means visitors can observe vast numbers of animals and birds near the remaining water. During October, the wildebeest can be found in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.
November in the Serengeti: the short rains & the low season
The arrival of the short rains in November is often unpredictable, leading to a sudden growth of new grass in the Serengeti National Park. This causes the wildebeests in Kenya to migrate south and cross the Mara River for the second time. The park typically receives fewer visitors during this period. Although it can rain heavily, it usually occurs in the afternoon or at night, making early morning game drives just as enjoyable. Additionally, migratory birds start returning in November, which adds an extra element of excitement to the park.
December in the Serengeti: the short rains & the low season
In December, the wildebeests arrive in the Southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Areas. The short rains have turned the plains green, and afternoon showers are still expected. The rains also clear the air of dust, making it a beautiful time to be in the park, especially for wildlife and landscape photography enthusiasts. Although November and December see fewer visitors in the park, there is an influx of visitors during Christmas and New Year, which is understandable. Spending Christmas with your family in the heart of nature, disconnected from the world, is an experience unlike any other. Booking early is essential.
Plan your Serengeti safari with our Tanzania travel experts – they will advise on the best time to visit the Serengeti depending on the type of experience you’re looking for, your budget as well as the time of booking. Get in touch!
Author: Colin Javens
