WHEN IS THE BEST TO VISIT TANZANIA?
Many travelers ask themselves, ‘when is the best time to visit Tanzania?’ The best time to visit Tanzania depends on the wildlife you want to spot. The rain dictates the country’s seasons and wildlife numbers, so you’ll have a slightly different experience depending on when you choose to visit.
Tanzania’s headline attraction is the Great Migration, which occurs year-round across the Serengeti. Many people flock here between July and October for a chance to witness huge herds of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River — panic ensues as they try to avoid the jaws of crocodiles and other predators waiting to pounce. However, you’ll see many vehicles in the park at this time of year.
Tanzania’s ‘green season’ is much quieter between November and mid-June. While there’s a chance of rain showers, especially in March and April, it’s a fantastic time for birdwatching as migratory species arrive in their thousands. You’ll also see Great Migration herds with their newly born calves.
Herd of the Great Migration in the Serengeti
The mass movement of wildebeest in Tanzania each year, culminating in the Mara River crossings between July and October to mid-November.
In their search for fresh grazing, herds that can number thousands of animals risk the crocodile-infested river and the awaiting leopard on the far bank in many hazardous river crossings.
November’s short rains bring new life to the grasslands of the southern Serengeti-Ndutu. They also bring the wildebeest, who can detect rain from more than 50 kilometers away.
The herds converge on the Serengeti’s short grass plains to give birth to their young from January to February.
From March, the herd starts moving in search of new pasture through the Western and Eastern Corridor of Serengeti, which brings them to the Mara River around the Last week of June.