Best Time to Visit Serengeti
The Serengeti is rewarding all year, but the best time depends on what you most want to see. Here is how the seasons work.
It depends on what you want to see
The Serengeti has wildlife every month of the year, so there is no single “best” time. The right choice depends on whether you most want predators, calving herds, river crossings or fewer vehicles.
January to March: calving season
The herds gather on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area, where tens of thousands of calves are born in a short period. This attracts lions, cheetahs and hyenas, so predator action is common. Temperatures are warm and the landscape is green.
April and May: long rains
This is the wettest period. Roads can be slow and some camps close, but the scenery is lush, rates are lower and there are far fewer vehicles. It is a good time for photographers who like dramatic skies.
June to October: the dry season
Grass dries, animals concentrate near water and visibility improves. Resident wildlife is easy to find in the central Serengeti, and the northern river crossings usually happen between roughly July and October. This is the busiest period, so book early.
November and December: short rains
Light rains refresh the landscape and the herds begin moving south again. It is a quieter time with good birdwatching and green scenery.
Our advice
If you want a high chance of seeing the herds, aim for January to March or July to October, and let us know your priorities. We will recommend where to stay for your dates. Migration movements follow the rains, so they cannot be guaranteed on any specific day.
