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

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During the Great Migration

Serengeti National Park provides exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing throughout the year – the key is knowing when and where to go to witness one of nature’s grandest displays: the Great Migration. For instance, winter is ideal for observing the herds in the Southern Serengeti, while the Western Corridor and Northern Serengeti are prime locations to spot wildlife during the summer and autumn months. One of the most dramatic events during the Great Migration is the river crossings at the Mara River, which occur from July to October. It’s important to remember that nature can be unpredictable, even in this part of the world. Therefore, luck plays a significant role in witnessing the dramatic river crossings, where millions of animals brave the rapids and crocodiles. Nonetheless, by selecting the right region of the Serengeti at the appropriate time, large herds are typically visible, and there’s a good chance of witnessing a breathtaking migratory event. Learn more about the Great Migration.

After the Great Migration

While most travelers are eager to witness the wildebeest’s incredible journey, Serengeti National Parkoffers much more. Picture golden-maned lions basking on rocks, elusive leopards lounging on acacia branches, and cheetahs sprinting across the endless sunlit plains – just a few of the Serengeti’s enchanting creatures.

During the months of November and December, the Serengeti becomes a haven for migratory birds, adding another layer of excitement to your wildlife viewing experience.

There are compelling reasons to avoid the Great Migration. Firstly, areas where the migration is visible can become crowded with fellow travelers, potentially affecting your Serengeti safari experience. Secondly, most predators (as well as other wildlife species, except zebras and wildebeest) are territorial and remain within their home ranges, so there’s no need to follow the crowds. Additionally, many Serengeti safari camps and lodges offer significantly lower rates (often called ‘green season’ rates) in April and May. Finally, outside the peak periods of breeding season, the Serengeti, along with other national parks like the Ngorongoro Crater Area, is much less crowded, while wildlife viewing remains excellent.

Avoiding the Crowds

Spectacular events like the Great Trek can draw a large audience, and you might find the heart of the migration somewhat crowded – with human visitors, that is. Travelers who only explore the Seronera area may find the Serengeti crowded, sometimes uncomfortably so. A wildlife sighting involving a big cat, whether a leopard, cheetah, or lion pride, quickly attracts numerous safari vehicles. Many visitors, along with their guides, are fixated on big cats (and the Big Five), feeling they would miss out by not joining a sighting. Within minutes of a big cat sighting being broadcasted over the radio, vehicles converge on that one spot. The reason is clear: Seronera hosts many safari lodges and campsites and is the most accessible part of Serengeti National Park. As a result, within a 10-kilometer radius of Seronera, the road network is bustling with safari vehicles. In essence, being in the wrong place at the wrong time can lead to the misconception that the Serengeti is too crowded. It’s not – you simply need to venture further to avoid such situations.

To experience Serengeti National Park as it should be, we suggest dividing your safari itinerary into two parts: one segment in the heart of the migration action (where you’ll encounter more vehicle traffic) and another in a remote, off-season location. Options for the latter include the Western Corridorfrom August to October or the Mara Serengeti area from November to June. You’ll find significantly fewer visitors in these areas, while the quality of wildlife viewing is nearly as good central serengeti as in the Seronera area. It’s entirely possible to spend time in the Serengeti (even during peak season) without encountering many other visitors.

Visiting during the rainy season offers unique opportunities such as lush landscapes and fewer crowds, although it comes with challenges like muddy roads and unpredictable weather patterns.

If you prefer to have the Serengeti to yourself, traveling during the low season is your best choice. Periods with high season, low visitor numbers and reduced camp rates include mid-March to mid-May (long rains), early November to mid-December (short rains), and the last two weeks in January.

Seasonal Serengeti

Most travelers opt for the dry season (late June to October) for a safari in Serengeti National Park. During this time, animals gather around rivers and waterholes to quench their thirst. The Great Migration reaches its peak, and your chances of see baby animals or witnessing an iconic river crossing are highest. Most lodgesremain open during the quieter ‘wet season,’ when rains transform the dry landscape into a lush, green paradise, and the birthing season begins.

The rainy seasons, occurring from April to May and October to November, bring fewer crowds and budget-friendly options, although some bird species and wildlife viewing opportunities may be affected by the heavy rains.

Discover more about Serengeti weather & climate on this page. Here are some pros and cons for the wet and dry seasons.

June to October – Dry Season

Pros:

• The dense vegetation thins out, making wildlife easier to spot.

• Animals congregate around rivers and waterholes.

• Expect sunny days with afternoon temperatures around 25°C / 77°F.

• Reduced risk of malaria due to fewer mosquitoes.

• Easier to witness the Great Migration, including iconic river crossings if you’re fortunate.

• Best time for hot air balloon rides to witness Mara river crossings in Serengeti plains

Cons:

• The park becomes crowded, especially around the Seronera area.

• Nights and early mornings can be relatively cold, with minimum temperatures around 14°C / 57°F.

• Occasional cold fronts may occur, with temperatures nearing freezing.

November to May – Wet Season

Pros:

• Late January to February is the time to witness calving season in the Southern Serengeti – an excellent opportunity for predator action.

• The landscape becomes lush and green, making it the ideal time to visit the lush green plains for wildebeest migration

• Fewer tourists and lower rates, especially in April and May, and best time for Ngorongoro conservation area visit

• Birdwatching reaches its peak.

• From November to February, rains are mostly brief afternoon showers and rarely disrupt your trip.

Cons:

• March to May marks the peak of the wet season; it tends to rain most days, although rarely all day. It often remains cloudy.

• January to March can be crowded around the Seronera area.