Lately, you’ve been having some fantasies about wide-open wilderness and a good ol’ digital detox. Well then, the Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania, East Africa, is most definitely on the holiday menu. And we’ve got your agenda on when the best time to visit the Serengeti is to have the most fabulous time.
Imagine being here right now, Image Credit: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Why Timing Matters When Visiting the Serengeti
The Serengeti National Park is probably best known for being one of the host countries of the annual Great Wildebeest Migration. This is when around two million wildebeest mission across the vast savannah for fresh grass to munch on.
The Great Migration in full display in the Serengeti National Park
The Great Migration happens across two countries, namely Kenya and Tanzania, and since this is a moving spectacle, it’s important to know where and when to be to get the best viewpoint of the wildlife. So, here’s where they go and what to look forward to throughout the year to plan your safari accordingly.
However, don’t worry too much about timelines. Our Travel Experts are pros at recommending the very best combos the country has to offer, and they’ve experienced everything first-hand. You really can’t beat those kind of insights!
The kind of unreal Serengeti sunsets that make you feel a bit like you’re hallucinating
When to Visit the Serengeti: Different Seasons to Expect
Now, let’s get down to the different seasons and when to visit the Serengeti. Personally, we love visiting the Serengeti at any time of year, but each season does bring its own special highlights.
January to February, aka The Short Dry Season
During this time, the Serengeti savannah is as pretty as a picture, with short green grass after the short bursts of rains throughout the previous two months. Ready to be feasted upon, the Great Migration wildlife gather in the southern Serengeti to feed but also calve.
Safari Highlights
Our favourite part of visiting the Serengeti during this time is seeing the adorable little babies waddling about, still awkward on their legs. You might even see a birth!
The new inhabitants of the area also lure predators for some easy pickings, so hunting activity is at a high.
What to Expect from the Weather
From a weather perspective, it might be the dry season, but you could experience rainy spells. However, the weather is also quite hot and humid, so the rain helps to cool things off and it also means there are not as many other visitors around.
Just look at these little lion cubs, Image Credit: Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp
March to May, aka The Longer Rainy Season
You might think the rainy season is the worst time to go, but it actually surprises you with some great sightings. During this time, the wildebeest and their entourage of other wildlife start moving west and northwards as their little ones start finding their feet. The flat savannah here offers prime game drive opportunities, although it might be a bit more adventurous due to the ever-changing conditions.
However, it’s important to note that some mobile safari camps close during the rainy season, which means there are fewer options to choose from. However, this also makes the experience more exclusive! Yes, please!
Safari Highlights
This is an excellent time for birding as the migratory birds are in town, showing off their plumage, serenade calls, and unique behaviours to visitors.
At the same time, the rutting season commences, so it’s a showy affair of species trying to prove who’s best in the hood.
What to Expect from the Weather
From late March onwards, things get a bit stormy! Daily thunderstorms light up the sky in a spectacular display. The temperature starts dropping, but it’s still quite hot and humid.
Serene Serengeti safari scenes, Image Credit: Serengeti Under Canvas
June to October, aka The Dry Season
Oh, hello there, prime safari time! The long, dry winter season is famous for its excellent game viewing opportunities, so this is widely considered the best time to visit the Serengeti.
The Great Migration is now en route to the northern corridor, where they’ll have to wade through the risky Grumeti and Mara Rivers, packed with hungry predators looking for a fast meal! From September to October, all the surviving wildlife move into Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Safari Highlights
Around June, the rainfall has dried up, and there’s excellent visibility to spot all kinds of fabulous creatures. Plus, with limited watering holes where they can quench their thirst, they all gather around for some splendid safari scenes!
Not only are the safari conditions excellent, and you can look forward to seeing a whole mélange of species in one spot, but it’s also the best time to visit the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. But why stop there? The sunny shores of Zanzibar call your name for sunning and strutting your stuff.
What to Expect from the Weather
It might not be raining, but this means you can expect cool although temperate conditions and fewer mosquitoes. Wrap up warm on early morning game drives, as it can get very cold!
Thrilling, risky river crossings in the Serengeti during the Great Migration
November to December, aka The Brief Rainy Season
The Great Migration wildlife now moves along the Serengeti’s eastern boundary, and their grazing grounds are like a feasting paradise with lush landscapes all around. You can also witness the iconic thunderstorms adding to the drama of your safari experience! Their goal from here is to return in time for their next baby season in the southern plains, where it all started.
Safari Highlights
This is also considered one of the best times to visit the Serengeti, as game viewing is fantastic! Conditions are perfect when the thunderstorms clear up as the ultimate photography lighting rolls in to treat your eyes (and camera lens!) to mind-boggling beauty all around.
What to Expect from the Weather
Hot, humid weather with many short-lived downpours, but this is usually at night, so won’t mess up your game drive plans much.
You’ll look just as good in the perfect outdoor safari lighting
Okay, But Now When is THE Best Time to Visit the Serengeti?
Yes, honey, we get it. It can’t all be safari fun in the sun! Surely, there must be ONE best time to visit the Serengeti? Well, the short answer is that the best time for YOU really depends on why you’re coming to the Serengeti National Park.
Want to see the Great Migration? Then, you should prioritise the end of the dry season (June to October) to see one of the action-packed river crossings.
However, if you want a general safari paired with some Great Migration sightings, then we would recommend visiting between January and February.
Africa is your oyster
Pack Your Bags and Let’s Go to the Serengeti, Dah-ling!
But don’t you frown and try to figure it out all on your own! Keep your cool, and let us do it for you! Our Travel Experts will listen to all your heart’s desires, no-nos, yes-pleases, and maybes to craft the ultimate Great Migration safari.
Alright, it’s time… Contact our Travel Experts today, and let’s start planning!
Featured Image Credit: Serengeti Kati Kati
