When and Where Should You Go in Tanzania?

Tanzania is vast, diverse, and rich with wildlife, landscapes, and culture. From the sweeping savannas of the Serengeti to the remote jungles of the Mahale Mountains, every region offers a different safari experience. But when is the best time to visit, and how do you choose where to go?

If you’re wondering when and where to go in Tanzania, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we break down the best seasons to visit and the top safari regions—so you can plan the perfect journey based on your travel style and interests.

Best Time to Visit Tanzania

Tanzania is a year-round destination, but different seasons offer unique advantages depending on what you want to see and do.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

-  June to October: Dry Season (Peak Wildlife Viewing)
This is the best time for classic game drives. With sparse vegetation and limited water, animals gather around rivers and waterholes, making them easier to spot. It’s also the ideal time to see the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti (especially July to September) and explore southern and western Tanzania’s remote parks.

-  December to March: Calving Season
Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains give birth, attracting predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. The action is intense, and the landscapes are green and photogenic.

-  March to May: Green Season
This period sees heavier rains, especially in April and May, but it’s still a great time to visit if you’re after solitude, lush landscapes, and excellent value. Lodges offer significant discounts, and birdwatching is spectacular.

Pro Tip: If you want fewer crowds and dramatic scenery, travel at the edge of peak seasons (early June or late October). Our team can help you plan around the migration or find secret wildlife hotspots.

Where to Go in Tanzania: Safari Regions Explained

Tanzania is divided into three major safari circuits, each with its own flavor. Your route depends on how much time you have and what kind of experience you’re after.—

1. Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit

Best for: First-time visitors, Great Migration, Big Five, family safaris, honeymooners

- Serengeti National Park – Home to the Great Wildebeest Migration, endless plains, and top predator sightings. Ideal year-round, with specific timing for migration river crossings or calving season.

- Ngorongoro Crater – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to spot the Big Five in one day. Great for short trips and jaw-dropping views.

- Tarangire National Park – Known for its huge elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Especially good in the dry season (June–October).

- Lake Manyara – A compact park famous for tree-climbing lions and flamingos. Great for a gentle start to a safari.

- Mkomazi National Park – Lesser-known but perfect for rare species like wild dogs and black rhino, with views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

- Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest peak. Even if you’re not climbing it, the surrounding region is beautiful for day hikes or cultural experiences.

Northern Tanzania is perfect if you want to combine famous parks, good infrastructure, and dramatic landscapes.

2. Southern Tanzania Safari Circuit

Best for: Off-the-beaten-path travel, big cats, walking safaris, birdwatchers

- Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous) – Africa’s largest protected area, ideal for boat safaris, walking safaris, and spotting hippos, lions, and wild dogs.

- Ruaha National Park – A rugged gem with massive lion prides and few vehicles. Excellent for dry-season game viewing.

- Mikumi National Park – Easily accessible from Dar es Salaam, great for short safaris and beginner wildlife experiences.

- Udzungwa Mountains – A haven for hiking, waterfalls, and endemic primates. Not a traditional safari, but a great cultural and active stop.

- Saadani National Park – The only park where the bush meets the beach. A unique mix of coastal scenery and wildlife.

Southern Tanzania is ideal for travelers who want to avoid crowds, explore wild landscapes, and experience traditional safaris in raw form.

3. Western Tanzania Safari Circuit

Best for: Adventurous travelers, chimpanzee trekking, remote lodges, fly-in safaris

- Katavi National Park – Wild, untouched, and packed with buffalo, hippos, and lions. Only a handful of visitors each year. Ideal from June to October.

- Mahale Mountains National Park – One of the best places in the world to track wild chimpanzees. Located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika with white-sand beaches and forested slopes.

- Gombe Stream National Park – Famous from Jane Goodall’s pioneering research. Intimate chimpanzee tracking and scenic boat rides.

- Ugalla River Game Reserve – Rarely visited and incredibly wild. Great for walking safaris, birding, and total solitude.

Western Tanzania requires more effort to reach (usually by charter flight), but rewards you with unmatched wilderness, cultural depth, and one-of-a-kind primate encounters.

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Can’t Decide? We’ll Match You With the Right Safari

With so many amazing parks and travel seasons, it can be hard to know where to begin. But that’s exactly what we’re here for.

At Calabash Adventures, we specialize in custom safari itineraries—built around your travel dates, interests, and comfort level. Whether you want to see the Big Five, experience the Great Migration, or track chimpanzees in the rainforest, we help you get there.

You tell us what you’re dreaming of—we’ll do the rest.