Last updated on June 29th, 2025 at 09:50 am
The Tanzania Safari Season is generally divided into two seasons: High Safari Season runs between May and October. Low Safari Season runs from November to April.
However, Tanzania is a year-round safari destination that offers unexpected safari experiences at any time of the year.
Still, the common question of every traveller is: When is the Best Time to visit Tanzania?
We hope with this breakdown of the seasons in Safaris In Tanzania, you will find your answers related to different Safari Seasons in Tanzania and when you can visit the safari destination to get the best possible safari experience.
Differentiate between the High & Low season Tanzania safaris
In Tanzania, timing is everything from the perspective of a safari. The dilemma of choosing the perfect time of the year for your Tanzania Safari has come to an end with this breakdown of the seasons.
| Facts | High/peak Season | Low/Green Season |
| Time | Runs from May to October | Runs from November to April |
| Weather/Climate | The weather remains Cool & Dry | The weather remains Hot and occasionally wet |
| Wildlife views | Easy to spot animals | A little hard to spot animals |
| Newborn animals | Not many baby animals can be found | Lots of baby animals are found around |
| Bird watching | Not many migrant birds can be seen | The best time for bird watching |
| Wildebeest Migration | The epic Serengeti-Masai Mara River crossing | Calving Season in Serengeti, Tanzania |
| Crowds | National parks and game reserves are found to be the most crowded | National parks and game reserves are less crowded |
| Accommodations | Less availability of accommodations because of more visitors | Easy availability of accommodations because of fewer visitors |
| Landscape and Nature | Dry & cracked landscape with no natural beauty | Everywhere looks green and alive with full of natural beauty |
| Safari Cost | The highest safari cost | Lowest safari cost |
| Safari Bookings | Need to book in advance | Need to book too far in advance |
Accommodation (High vs Low Season)
- During the high safari season in Tanzania, many tourists from all over the world come for a safari experience. That’s why the national parks and other game reserves are crowded in the high season.
It causes less the availability of lodges and camps. Especially the accommodations inside the park fill up quickly. This time, many accommodations charge more.
- But in the low season, fewer tourists are visiting Tanzania. The rain starts, and it demotivates the travellers from planning a trip in this wet season. Because of the lower crowd, lodges and camps are not fully booked and are available.
You can find luxurious accommodation options at a very affordable price. Many lodges and hotels provide offers and discounts in this low season.
Tanzania Safari Cost (High vs Low Season)
When setting out on a Tanzania Safari Tour, budgeting is the prime task. And there are several ways to calculate the Tanzania Safari Cost. The tourism season is one of them that affects the safari budget highly.
- However, Tanzania Safari is more lavish in the high season if you book from May to October. Due to a large number of tourist visits, some national parks, accommodations, and tourist operators raise their prices.
For example, the entrance fee of national parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro is around $70 in the high season, while reduced to $60/$50 in the low season.
- On the other hand, you can visit Tanzania on a Budget-Friendly Safari Tour.The low season is the best for a budget safari, and the experience is no less than the high safari season.
Weather & Climate (High vs Low Season)
- The high-season weather is generally dry and sunny, making it the Best Time To Visit Tanzania. Generally, the mornings and the evenings are cold while the afternoons remain warm.
This is perfect for various Tanzania safari activities within the national parks such as nature walks, game drives, Hot Air Balloon Safaris, and so on.
- The low season is also considered the wet season. The weather remains hot and sometimes rainy. Generally, clouds build up during the day and break down in the afternoon with thunderstorms. This makes wildlife hard to spot. You can see wildlife at this time, but not as good as in the dry months.
What to pack (High vs Low Season)
- In the high safari season, the mornings and evenings are quite cold. So, you should pack a fleece jacket, gloves, a scarf, long trousers, and closed shoes.
You can dress up in layers for a morning and afternoon game drive. Because you may feel the cold breeze while game viewing.
- The sun is at its highest intensity, and it may be harmful to you while moving in the open plains. So don’t ever forget to bring sunscreen and a sun hat. Apart from that, 2-3 pairs of shorts and t-shirts, one pair of trousers and long-sleeved shirts are also highly suggested to pack.
The Great Wildebeest Migration (High vs Low Season)
The great migration is a year-round cycle of vast animal movement. Still, according to your choice, you can choose the specific time of the year for Tanzania Safari Tours.
- The high season is best known as the River Crossing season. During this time between June and August, tourists can enjoy the dramatic Mara River Crossing. This is the most spectacular view as the wildebeests and the zebras cross the dangerous Mara River, followed by the predators.
- If you love baby animals, the low season is the best for you. Because between December and May, the calving season starts in the southern Serengeti. Many wildebeests give birth to their babies. Between late January and March, around 8,000 calves are born in a day.
Pros and Cons of High Season and Low Season
Every month of the safari year in Tanzania has advantages along with some disadvantages. The high and low seasons are the two main parts of the year for Tanzania Safari Tours. So, tourists must also know their pros and cons before their trip.
An overview-High Season or Low Season?
Traditionally, the high season is considered the best time for wildlife games because they’re easier to spot with less vegetation and water around.
But it’s important to note that the same number of animals are found during the low season. At this time, they just have more options to drink and eat, so they may wander more widely.
If you are like to go on a Safari in Tanzania with less crowded parks, consider visiting during the wet/low season. You may feel like you are on a private safari, and the entire hotel is your own!
If you aim to witness a river crossing of Serengeti’s Great Wildebeest Migration and the great wildlife game, choose the dates between June and October (the high season).
Plan a Tanzania Safari according to your standpoint!
Tanzania’s wildlife is always evergreen! Every month is the best time to experience the wonders of Tanzania.
The flora of the national parks continually moves rhythmically with life. So, choose a time that best suits you for your Tanzania Safari, whether it is high or low season. Then get ready to experience the wonders of the natural beauty and thrilling wildlife of this beautiful country.
We, being true experts, collectively work 365 days on safari to ensure you will enjoy the trip of a lifetime. We go above and beyond by designing your dream Safaris to Tanzania, by providing valuable advice.
