The Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania is one of the most iconic safari destinations in the world. Known for its vast plains, diverse wildlife, and the legendary Great Migration, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers remarkable safari experiences year-round. But if you are planning your trip, the question often arises: What is the Best Time to Visit Serengeti? The answer depends on what you want to see and experience.
Best Time to Visit Serengeti: An Overview
The Serengeti has two main safari seasons:
- Dry Season (June to October): The most popular time for safaris, with clear skies, fewer mosquitoes, and excellent game viewing.
- Wet Season (November to May): Lush landscapes, birdwatching, and calving season with fewer crowds.
While the Serengeti offers unforgettable wildlife sightings throughout the year, the Best Time to Visit Serengeti varies depending on whether you want to witness the Great Migration, see predators in action, or enjoy fewer tourists.
Month-by-Month Guide
January to March: Calving Season in the Southern Serengeti
This is when hundreds of thousands of wildebeest gather in the short-grass plains of Ndutu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Between late January and February, around half a million calves are born within a few weeks.
- Highlights: Witness the miracle of life and predator action as lions, leopards, and cheetahs take advantage of vulnerable newborns.
- Best for: Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
April to May: Green Season
The long rains transform the Serengeti into a lush green paradise. Though travel can be challenging due to muddy roads, this is an excellent time for solitude.
- Highlights: Migratory birds, fewer crowds, lower lodge prices.
- Best for: Budget travelers and birdwatchers.
June to July: Grumeti River Crossings
As the rains fade, wildebeest start moving northwest towards the Grumeti River. While not as dramatic as the Mara River crossings, this period is still spectacular.
- Highlights: Crocodile-filled river crossings in the Western Corridor.
- Best for: Adventurers wanting to avoid peak-season crowds.
August to October: Mara River Crossings in Northern Serengeti
Perhaps the most dramatic time to be in the Serengeti. Huge herds attempt to cross the crocodile-infested Mara River, one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
- Highlights: Dramatic crossings and predator-prey interactions.
- Best for: Once-in-a-lifetime safari experiences.
November to December: Short Rains and Migration Return
The wildebeest herds move back south towards Ndutu. Afternoon showers refresh the plains, but wildlife remains easy to spot.
- Highlights: Migrating herds return, pleasant weather.
- Best for: Those seeking a balance of good game viewing and fewer tourists.
Where to Go in Serengeti During Different Seasons
- Southern Serengeti (Ndutu): Best from January to March during calving season.
- Western Corridor (Grumeti): Best from June to July for river crossings.
- Northern Serengeti (Mara River): Best from August to October for dramatic crossings.
- Central Serengeti (Seronera): Great year-round for resident wildlife and big cats.
Final Thoughts on the Best Time to Visit Serengeti
The Best Time to Visit Serengeti ultimately depends on your interests. If you dream of seeing the Great Migration river crossings, plan for August to October. If witnessing newborn wildebeest is on your list, travel between January and March. For fewer crowds and beautiful green scenery, the wet season is rewarding.
No matter when you go, the Serengeti promises one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on Earth.
