Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park in Tanzania for a Safari

Ready to Experience the Magic of the Serengeti?

This guide is just the beginning of your journey toward an unforgettable African adventure! If you’re dreaming of witnessing the Great Migration, spotting the Big Five, or soaking in the endless beauty of the Serengeti, now is the perfect time to start planning.

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Witness the Wonders of the Wildebeest Migration

The Serengeti National Park is home to one of Earth’s most mesmerizing wildlife events—the Great Migration. Year-round, this spectacle unfolds in different parts of the park, but the key is knowing when to go where. During the winter months, the Southern Serengeti is the ideal spot to catch the herds, while the Western Corridor and the park’s northern region offer unforgettable encounters in the summer and autumn.

Still, nature rarely follows a script. While planning can boost your odds, witnessing the famous river crossing—where nearly two million wildebeest battle raging waters and lurking crocodiles—relies heavily on timing and a bit of luck. Nonetheless, by selecting the right season and location, you’ll likely encounter massive herds and may even experience this dramatic moment of survival.

More Than Just the Migration

Although many visitors are drawn to the park to follow the wildebeest trail, the Serengeti’s appeal runs much deeper. Think sun-drenched lions lounging on rocky outcrops, stealthy leopards draped across acacia branches, or sleek cheetahs in hot pursuit of gazelles on the golden plains.

There are compelling reasons to avoid the migration’s epicenter. For one, these popular areas often draw large crowds, which can take away from the intimate safari feel. Secondly, most predators—and many other species besides zebra and wildebeest—are territorial and remain in specific regions year-round. This means you can still enjoy incredible wildlife encounters without following the migration route. On top of that, travel costs are often significantly reduced in April and May during the so-called ‘green season,’ and the parks, including Ngorongoro Crater, are far less crowded.

Escaping the Crowds

While the Great Migration is truly awe-inspiring, it also attracts a flood of visitors, especially in the Seronera region—the park’s central hub. Due to its accessibility and the number of lodges nearby, this area sees heavy vehicle traffic. A big cat sighting—be it lion, leopard, or cheetah—can draw a swarm of safari jeeps in mere minutes after being reported on the radio.

However, this doesn’t mean the Serengeti is overrun. With a bit of strategic planning, you can enjoy solitude and serenity. The key is to explore beyond the high-traffic zones. We suggest dividing your itinerary: spend part of your journey near the migration to witness the action, and another part in a less-visited, more tranquil area.

Great options for quieter game viewing include the Western Corridor from August to October, or the Mara region between November and June. These places see fewer visitors yet still offer top-tier wildlife sightings. Even during the peak season, you can find pockets of peace if you venture just a little further.

For the ultimate solitude, opt for low-season travel. Periods like mid-March to mid-May (during the long rains), early November to mid-December (short rains), and late January often see fewer tourists and more affordable lodge rates.

Seasonal Guide to the Serengeti

Most safari-goers choose to visit during the dry season, from late June to October. Wildlife tends to gather around limited water sources, and this is prime time to witness the Great Migration, particularly the river crossings. That said, the wet season also brings its own magic—lush greenery, new life, and vibrant birdlife.

Dry Season: June to October

Pros:

• Easier to spot animals as vegetation becomes sparse.

• Wildlife congregates around rivers and waterholes.

• Pleasant sunny days with average afternoon temperatures around 25°C (77°F).

• Fewer mosquitoes, thus lower malaria risk.

• Higher chances of seeing river crossings and migration herds.

Cons:

• Crowds, especially in central areas like Seronera.

• Mornings and nights can be chilly, with lows around 14°C (57°F).

• Occasionally, cold fronts may push temperatures even lower.

Wet Season: November to May

Pros:

• Calving season occurs from late January to February in the Southern Serengeti—great for predator action.

• Verdant landscapes and dramatic skies.

• Fewer tourists and reduced accommodation rates, particularly in April and May.

• Excellent birdwatching opportunities.

• Rains from November to February are generally brief and unlikely to ruin your plans.

Cons:

• March to May marks the peak of the rainy season—frequent showers and overcast days.

• Despite fewer people, January to March can still be busy in Seronera.