Have you ever thought about what time of year you would be able to see the Serengeti at its most wild, glorious self? Whether you are hoping to see the Great Migration or just hoping to soak in some sun during an exhilarating game drive, the timing of your trip is essential. Just like you would prefer to spend time at the beach during the sunny days, your Serengeti Safari would be breathtaking if done during the right season.
In this guide, I will break down the Serengeti weather by month, provide the Serengeti migration season, and outline one calendar year of wildlife activity in the Serengeti so you maximize your trip. Consider it your own compass towards an unforgettable safari.
Overview of the Serengeti
The Serengeti Wildlife Reserve is a unique destination to travel to, especially if you have a passion for wildlife. The Serengeti is situated in the northern region of Tanzania, covering an area of about thirty thousand square kilometres. If Samburu, Maasai Mara, or other wildlife attractions in Kenya fascinate you, then the Serengeti is perhaps the most extraordinary. It’s world renowned for its astonishing geography, especially the vast open plain of the Serengeti, which is characterised by its rolling grasslands. Serengeti National Park is famed for the “Great Migration” that offers astonishing scenes of nature and wildlife. Certainly the park not only guarantees unparalleled views of the two hundred species of animals that include the Big Five, but also offers “over two million” other animals, especially zebras and wildebeests, migrating for stunning landscapes and breathtaking views.
Reconnaissance of Serengeti Safari Timing
Coordinating for a Serengeti safari goes beyond just selecting dates; it is essential to align it with safari goals. Are you interested in seamless wildlife spotting with clear weather, or do you want to witness the dramatic river crossings as well as the action of predators? While safari opportunities abound year-round in Serengeti, knowing when to visit in relation to the weather, migration, and wildlife activity can significantly enhance the experience. In terms of optimising your trip, timing safari dates appropriately can prove invaluable.
Monthly Weather Patterns for the Serengeti
The Serengeti has a specific tropical climate. It has two clearly defined seasons: the dry season and the wet season.
- From January to March, there are warm to hot days and short periods of rain. This time is green, which is good for taking photographs and for calving the young animals.
- In the months of April and May, wildlife can still be seen, although some lodges close due to heavy rainfall.
- June and July are marked by the dry season, which comes with cooler mornings. This is also a very dry period, and during this time the migration starts to move towards the western corridor.
- From August to October, hot and dry weather is perfect for wildlife viewing. This is also the time when the river crossings are most common.
- Finally, by the end of the year, wildlife remains active, although short rains in November to December bring a halt to this.
Dry Season vs Wet Season: Expecting Changes
Wildlife viewing is best conducted during the months of June to October. Animals are more easily found during this period as they tend to gather around water sources. Additionally, the weather is good, roads are more accessible, and skies are clear. As this is the best period to travel, more tourists are also expected, meaning prices are at their highest.
The wet season, which is from November to May, has its own attractions such as expectant mothers, lush and vibrant vegetation, migratory birds, and newborn animals. Unlike the dry season, this period is less crowded and more affordable for travellers. However, limited mobility and increased rainfall in the region discourage travel. Other downsides to this region are the increased number of mosquitoes.
Serengeti Migration Season: The Great Migration Explained
The Great Migration is the Serengeti’s most spectacular natural event. This circular journey involves over 2 million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, as they move in search of fresh grazing. The migration is driven by rainfall patterns and can be seen in different parts of the Serengeti throughout the year.
- January to March: Calving season in the southern Serengeti.
- April to May: Herds move towards the western corridor.
- June to July: Grumeti River crossings.
- August to September: Mara River crossings in the north.
- October to December: Return to the southern plains.
Monthly Updates on Migration Patterns
January – February: In the southern region of Serengeti and Ndutu, the herd is prevalent. This is the calving period, and during this time, there are thousands of births. Guests will enjoy the presence of the predators that are very active during this period.
March: Calving is still in progress as the herd starts its movement towards the northwest.
April – May: The herd migrates towards the Grumeti River due to the long rains. Copark is less busy and is perfect for those who love quiet and peace.
June – July: Herds face extremely dangerous Grumeti River crossings as there are hordes of crocodiles and other predators.
August – September: The stunning viewing that is offered as the wildebeest have crossed the Mara River and are in the northern Serengeti.
October: The herd begins their southern journey.
November – December: The journey is completed and the herd is in the southern plains.
Serengeti Wildlife Calendar: When to See What
Different Seasons Come With Different Opportunities
- Lions and big cats viewable year round with driest months providing higher visibility and ease of access
- Elephants and buffalo are viewable year round.
- Wildebeest calving occurs January to March.
- Crocodilian and predatory activity is highest during river crossings in June to September.
- Birdwatching is best from November to April with returning migratory species arriving.
Optimal Periods for Observing the Big Five
The Big Five, which include the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, are all found in the Serengeti throughout the year, although spatial and temporal sighting patterns are better during the dry months, from June to October, when the animals concentrate around limited water resources. The southern Serengeti from January to March is another optimal region and period due to the plains which provide better visibility and ease of spotting. While the rhinos are the rarest, they can occasionally be sighted around Moru Kopjes.
Cultural Experiences and Special Events
Apart from wildlife watching, the Serengeti boasts abundant cultural experiences. Tourists may interact with the Maasai to understand their culture and lifestyle. For example, balloon safaris offer a remarkable view of the plains, particularly when animals are migrating. For additional cultural immersion, look for regional festivals in neighbouring cities such as Arusha.
Budget Travel vs Luxury: How Seasonal Patterns Influence Pricing
The Serengeti experiences seasonal variations in pricing. During high season (June−October and December), both lodge rates and park entry fees are at their maximum. In the off-peak season (April−May), there is a marked reduction in lodge pricing and park entry fees alongside a drop in tourist numbers. Luxury travellers tend to visit in the shoulder seasons and maintain high occupancy in high-end lodges year-round, while budget travellers gain the most from the shoulder seasons.
Seasonal Considerations for Photography
The Serengeti’s climatic conditions impact photography in different ways throughout the year.
Dry Season: This season features striking golden hues alongside unobstructed skies, perfect for presenting wildlife in dramatic portraits.
Wet Season: This season bursts with greenery while the skies remain stunning. These conditions make for great landscape images, especially wide-angle shots, as well as avian photography. Birdwatchers should come prepared with protective filters due to the possibility of sudden downpours, as well as a cleaning kit in case of dust or mud.
Family-Oriented Safari Schedule
Families are encouraged to plan safaris during the dry season from June to October, when conditions are more predictable, and roads are navigable. Another possible period for safaris is January to March, owing to the large number of newborn animals. Selected lodges offer programmes tailored for the whole family, including guides trained to actively involve children in the safari experience.
Ideal Period for Honeymooners and Romantic Travel
From June to September, couples looking for a romantic getaway will appreciate the stunning landscape of the Serengeti, which is not only tranquil but also radiantly lit, creating a perfect atmosphere for intimate firesides—ideal for cosiness during the cool evenings. The January to March period is also exceptional, as it offers privacy paired with dramatic scenery, minus the crowds. To enhance this getaway, consider private lodges, bush breakfasts, and hot air balloon rides, which add to the romance.
Additional Considerations for Planning Your Serengeti Safari
- Be sure to book well in advance for migration season and peak season.
- Do not forget to pack for every weather condition, including multiple waterproof layers and sunscreen.
- Make sure to check visa and vaccination requirements for Tanzania.
- Always travel with a reputable tour operator for safety and guidance.
For many, a Serengeti safari remains a tantalising dream, with sensible planning, however, it can become a truly adventurous safari odyssey.
Conclusion
When is the best time for a visit to the Serengeti? It certainly depends on individual preferences and objectives. Unlike many parks, the Serengeti is breathtaking at all times, the park hosts stunning events throughout the year, ranging from glorious river crossings in July to the calving of wildebeest in January. By utilising weather patterns, the migration calendar, and the Serengeti wildlife calendar, you now stand a chance to plan a safari unlike any other.
As a closing statement, every different visit offers a unique story to be told, and the Serengeti is always there, waiting to be the backdrop.
