The Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations, offers an unparalleled safari experience. With its vast plains, diverse wildlife, and the world-famous Great Migration, Serengeti attracts visitors year-round. However, the best time to visit Serengeti depends on your priorities. Whether it’s witnessing the great migration, predator action, enjoying fewer crowds, or experiencing the best game viewing conditions, this article will guide you through the best times and places to visit in the Serengeti based on different seasons and interests.
Understanding Serengeti’s Seasons
January – March
January is when the rolling plains of the Serengeti are a lush shade of emerald. There is hardly any dust, and the game viewing is excellent. The Ndutu Plains area is very popular during this period. The landscape is greener than other parts, with year-round resident wildlife such as elephant, giraffe, and various antelope species.
It’s the wildebeest calving season during February which makes this the best time to go to on a Serengeti safari to witness the many herds giving birth to their young. The wildebeest, zebra and gazelles making their annual migration through the Serengeti National Park can be viewed in their thousands.
March marks the end of the green season as the ‘long rains’ begin. The Serengeti enters a low season period when there are less safari crowds, and the migratory herds begin to leave the Ndutu region in the south and head west. The humidity rises during March, but this is the best time to go to the Serengeti for great rates on accommodation.
Highlights:
- The long rains create adventurous conditions with few tourists and very competitive rates.
- Excellent birding to be enjoyed in the wetter conditions.
- Photographic opportunities as the herds gather in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu region to give birth through February and March
- Best month for calving season safaris; expect predator kills; sensitive travellers should be prepared for harsh predator-prey scenes.
April – June
The Serengeti starts to see fewer visitors around April, which is mostly due to the humidity and wet weather during the month. It’s not generally considered the best time to visit the Serengeti, but it can be an ideal time to get off the beaten track and explore the remote corners of the park.
There is very heavy rainfall throughout May and the camps and lodges in the Serengeti are relatively quiet. This is not the best time to visit the Serengeti for a safari unless you make your way to the central and western regions of the park to follow the Great Migration.
June is the start of the popular dry season and is the best time to go to the Serengeti just before the peak safari season. This is when the Great Migration starts moving north. The dry conditions prevail across the land, and there is a slim chance of occasional afternoon thundershowers.
Highlights:
- Wildebeest begin migration northwards through the Western Corridor; crocodiles gather at the Grumeti River in anticipation of crossings.
- Photographic opportunities as the migration herds gather in western Serengeti crossing the grumeti river in the Western Corridor.
- Crowds increasing on June as the start of the high season, but still quieter than July–August.
July – September
July marks the start of peak season throughout most of the Serengeti, with game viewing conditions at their best. The herds of the Great Migration are usually at the Mara River by mid-July. Additionally, river crossings happen almost daily for the next few months. Confused wildebeest cross back-and-forth through crocodile infested waters, waiting to pounce attempt to snatch them as they make their way across. There are more safari vehicles in the Serengeti National Park during this period than any time of the year.
August is peak season and generally considered the best time to witness the dramatic river crossings from the northern Serengeti into the Masai Mara. This is the best time to visit the Serengeti for prolific wildlife encounters as the herds are easier to spot. There are many predators around, so you’ll see some of Africa’s big cats on the hunt!
September is still very busy with visitors in the Serengeti National Park, especially on the Kenyan and Tanzania borders as the herds of animals travel over the Mara River in smaller batches. The southern parts of the park are quieter during September.
Highlights:
- Days are dry, mild, and sunny, offering perfect safari conditions.
- Northern Serengeti (August – October): Watch the migration cross the Mara River into Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.
- Wildlife: Animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. The shorter grass also enhances visibility. Moreover educational walking safaris can be enjoyed.
- Photographic opportunities abound.
October – December
October is the last month of the dry season, and is still considered a peak tourist season. This is despite the chance of afternoon showers towards the end of the month. It is an excellent month for walking safaris as the bush is at its driest. The last of the river crossings are taking place in the northern Serengeti as the herds of the migration move southwards.
November is the beginning of the ‘short rains’ offering some relief to the dry conditions in the Serengeti National Park and is a quieter, low season. The rains bring fresh grasslands for grazing in the southern areas and it’s a good time to take advantage of lower rates. The short afternoon showers create perfect photography conditions, dampening the dust and with moody skies as the backdrop. The wildebeest herds can be quite stretched out at this time, enjoying the abundance of grazing as they make their way south where they will once again mass together into a mega-herd in December. The migrating herds make their way to the southern plains of the Ndutu region where they prepare for the breeding season. The temperatures and the humidity begin to rise for the wet summer months. The festive season can be very busy, so it’s advisable to book your accommodation well in advance.
Highlights:
- The best safari conditions at the end of the dry season.
- Enjoy lower rates and fewer tourists, alongside excellent game viewing.
- Calving season begins in the southern Serengeti, bringing plenty of predator action.
- Central Serengeti (November and December) – Abundant wildlife and fewer tourists.
Parts of the Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is divided into different regions, each offering a unique safari experience.
Northern Serengeti National Park
The Northern Serengeti is famous for the dramatic Mara River crossings, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras brave crocodile-infested waters as they migrate into Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. This region is best visited between August and October when the crossings are at their peak. Due to its remote location, the Northern Serengeti sees fewer crowds. Thus, making it an excellent destination for an exclusive safari experience.
Central Serengeti
The Central Serengeti, also known as the Seronera Valley, is a prime game-viewing area throughout the year. This region is home to an abundance of resident wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and large herds of herbivores.
The Seronera River provides a reliable water source, ensuring consistent wildlife activity regardless of the season. If you want a classic Serengeti safari experience, this is one of the best places to visit.
Western Corridor
The Western Corridor stretches along the Grumeti River and is well-known for its dramatic river crossings. These occur between June and July. The river is home to large Nile crocodiles that prey on migrating wildebeest as they attempt to cross. This region also boasts diverse landscapes, including savannahs, woodlands, and swampy areas. These provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and rare black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Southern Serengeti & Ndutu
The Southern Serengeti, particularly the Ndutu region, is the best place to witness the calving season between December and March. During this period, thousands of wildebeest give birth, attracting numerous predators such as lions, hyenas, and cheetahs. The open plains provide excellent visibility, making it an ideal destination for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Eastern Serengeti
The Eastern Serengeti is a less-explored region that offers an off-the-beaten-path safari experience. It is known for its high concentration of predators, including cheetahs, which thrive in the open grasslands. Unlike the more tourist-heavy areas, the Eastern Serengeti provides a more private and intimate wildlife experience, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
Special Considerations
Best Time for Affordable Serengeti Safaris
For budget-conscious travelers, the green season (March to May & November) offers lower prices on lodges and fewer tourists. You can still see plenty of wildlife without the high costs of peak season.
- In off-peak months, there are usually discounted safaris and lower accommodation prices on offer. Safari lodges and camps often run fantastic safari specials during the low season that can save you a lot of money. Or you may be able to stay at camps that would otherwise be unaffordable on your travel budget.
- Safari specials and deals are often also available during the shoulder seasons – just before and after peak safari season (June & September) in Serengeti National Park.
Best Time to Visit Serengeti for Photographers
Photographers may prefer the wet season (November to May) due to dramatic skies, lush landscapes, and excellent lighting conditions.
Best Time to Visit Serengeti for Birdwatchers
The wet season (November to April) is the best time for birdwatching, as migratory birds arrive and resident species display vibrant breeding plumage. Serengeti’s bird count to over 500 recorded species. However, the Serengeti ecosystem offers excellent birding year-round
- In November, many of the migratory bird species fly in, and the bird populations swell. The scenery is also very lush and beautiful at this time of year.
- Keep in mind that April and May are the wettest months of the year in Serengeti National Park.
Best Time to Visit Serengeti to Avoid the Crowds
The best time for a Serengeti safari without the crowds is in the rainy seasons, from late March to April or May, and from November to December. These months offer quieter parks, lower prices, and dramatic skies, which are ideal for photographers.
- There may be little to no rainfall during your Tanzania safari, even in the rainy season! The weather is unpredictable, so there can be dry spells at any time of year. Even in the wet months, rainfall is often limited to scattered afternoon showers that won’t ruin your game viewing. What’s more, you get to witness dramatic stormy cloudscapes, which make for fantastic photographs!
- Shoulder Seasons: You’ll still catch the great migration in action, but escape the crowds of peak season if you travel in late June to early September.
Start Planning Your Serengeti Safari Today
If you are prepared to immerse yourself in the authentic and opulent essence of Serengeti Safari, the moment to begin your planning is now.
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