Tanzania Safari Holidays

This period is generally dry and warm before the rains come at the end of March, and is great for wildlife viewing with animals easier to spot in the short grass. The migration herds remain settled on the southern plains of the Serengeti around Ndutu. February is calving season so there will be plenty of young around.

The ’long rains’ bring daily downpours and increased humidity. Tracks can be trickier to negotiate but the main parks will be lush and green with fewer vehicles, good game viewing and lower prices. The migration herds head northwest towards the western corridor through the central Serengeti.

The most popular time to visit, the dry season brings clear skies, cool temperatures and excellent game viewing. The sparse vegetation and arid climate means animals congregate around waterholes. The migratory herds spread out as they move from the western Serengeti to the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara.

The northward thrust of the migration continues and in a typical year you can expect the migration to have reached the Masai Mara by early August. River crossings often reach their climax during this month, much to the delight of the waiting crocs and lions.

In September, the focus of the migration should now be firmly in the Masai Mara, with wildebeest slowly moving eastwards. In October, the long trek south begins with purpose, gradually spilling from the Masai Mara into the northeast Serengeti and the Lolindo Game Controlled Area.

The ‘short rains’ arrive meaning sporadic light showers which should not affect your wildlife viewing. By now most of the wildebeest and zebra masses are heading south through the Lobo area of the central Serengeti towards Ndutu and the southern plains, making this a wonderful time to visit.