The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Safari in Tanzania
Planning a Tanzanian safari can be a daunting prospect at first glance.
Figuring out when to visit, which parks to include, where to stay, and how long to spend in each location can be a stressful task, but we’re here to help!
This guide to planning your safari in Tanzania should give you plenty of inspiration for planning your dream trip, and you can always contact one of our safari experts to help make your plans a reality.
When to Plan a Tanzania Safari
Deciding which time of year to visit Tanzania can have a huge impact on not only which parks you should visit and what you will see on safari, but also on pricing.
Calving Season – December to March
Named for the calving season of the annual Wildebeest Migration, calving season extends from December through until March and is most notable for the presence of the Wildebeest Migration in the Ndutu region of the Serengeti.
At this time of year, tens of thousands of baby Wildebeest take their first steps and the herd remains in Ndutu to feed until it is time to head north.
While hotels can be hard to find over Christmas and New Year’s, calving season is nonetheless a fantastic time to visit Tanzania.
Green Season – April and May
The rainy season might not seem like a great time to go on a Tanzanian safari, but the lower crowds mean you’ll have access to luxury lodges at a greatly reduced rate.
While tented camps and camping are not ideal in the wet conditions, luxury lodges such as Serena, Sopa, and the Four Seasons are all much more affordable in the rainy season.
Peak Season – June to September
Without a doubt the most popular time of year to visit Tanzania, June through September is characterised by the movements of the Wildebeest Migration from the Southern Serengeti to the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
For those wanting to see the herd in motion and have the chance to witness a river crossing at Grumeti or the Mara River, this is the best time to visit.
Of course, peak season also means higher prices and more crowds to contend with – but many find that the extra cost and crowds are worth it for the chance to see a Mara River crossing.
Shoulder Season – October and November
Sometimes known as the short rainy season, October and November are another quiet time of year in Tanzania.
With the Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara at this time of year, your chances of seeing the herd are slim.
While lodges aren’t as cheap as they are in the rainy season, there are less crowds in the parks.
The weather is also better than in the long rainy season, making it a good time to avoid the crowds without having to deal with the rain.
