Best Time for Safari

One of the most important parts of planning a safari is choosing the right time to travel. Kenya and Tanzania offer incredible wildlife all year round, but the best experience depends on what you want to see, your budget, and the kind of weather you prefer.

This guide will help you understand the best months to visit Kenya and Tanzania, the difference between dry season and green season, and the best timing for the Great Migration in the Masai Mara and Serengeti.

Best Months to Visit Kenya

Kenya has excellent safari conditions most of the year, but some months are especially popular for first-time travellers.

June to October (Best Overall Safari Season)

This is the most recommended time for Kenya safaris because:

• Weather is mostly dry and sunny

• Roads are easier to navigate

• Wildlife gathers near rivers and water points

• Grass is shorter, making animals easier to spot

This period is ideal for safaris in:

• Masai Mara

• Amboseli

• Lake Nakuru

• Tsavo East and Tsavo West

December to February (Great Weather and Wildlife)

This is another excellent safari season in Kenya:

• Warm temperatures

• Clear skies

• Great wildlife viewing

It is a good time for travellers who prefer a drier climate but want to avoid the busiest migration months in the Masai Mara.

Best Months to Visit Tanzania

Tanzania is also a year-round safari destination, but different regions shine at different times.

June to October (Best for Classic Safari Experience)

This is one of the best times to visit Tanzania for:

• Dry weather and easy game viewing

• Excellent wildlife in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

• Comfortable travel conditions across the northern safari circuit

This season is perfect if you want high wildlife density and the most reliable safari conditions.

January to March (Best for Calving Season in Serengeti)

This is an incredible time in Tanzania because:

• Wildebeest calving happens in the southern Serengeti

• Predator activity increases (lions, cheetahs, hyenas)

• Landscapes are green and beautiful

This is one of the most exciting wildlife seasons, especially for travellers who love photography and big cat sightings.

Dry Season vs Green Season: Which Is Better?

Both seasons have advantages. The best choice depends on whether you want easy wildlife sightings or fewer crowds and better prices.

Dry Season (June to October)

Best for: first-time safari travellers and wildlife viewing

What to expect:

• Less rain and more predictable weather

• Animals gather around water sources

• Better road conditions

• Easier to spot wildlife due to shorter grass

• Higher demand and often higher prices

This is the best time for travellers who want the most reliable safari experience and the best chance of seeing the Big Five.

Green Season (November to May)

Best for: fewer crowds, great scenery, and better value

What to expect:

• Landscapes are greener and more scenic

• Baby animals are often seen

• Birdlife is excellent

• Fewer vehicles in many parks

• Better lodge deals (depending on travel dates)

• Some rain showers, usually short and refreshing

The green season is ideal if you want a quieter safari and don’t mind occasional rain. Wildlife is still present, and game drives can still be excellent.

Great Migration Timing: Masai Mara vs Serengeti

The Great Migration is one of the biggest wildlife events on Earth, with over a million wildebeest and thousands of zebras moving in search of fresh grazing.

The migration is not in one fixed place all year. It moves between the Serengeti (Tanzania) and the Masai Mara (Kenya), depending on rainfall and grass growth.

Great Migration in Tanzania (Serengeti)

The migration can be seen in Tanzania for most of the year, but the location changes:

January to March:

• Southern Serengeti (calving season)

• Many newborns and strong predator activity

April to June:

• Herds begin moving north and west

• The Serengeti becomes greener after rains

June to July:

• The herds continue their journey north

• River crossings may start in some areas

August to October:

• Herds may be in the northern Serengeti near Kenya

• River crossings are possible depending on conditions

Great Migration in Kenya (Masai Mara)

The Masai Mara is most famous for the migration when herds cross into Kenya.

July to October:
This is considered the best time for:

• Large herds in the Masai Mara

• High wildlife concentrations

• Possible dramatic river crossings

• Excellent predator sightings

Because this is peak season, it is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit the Masai Mara.

Quick Guide: Best Time to Go Based on Your Goals

For the best overall safari weather:

• June to October (Kenya and Tanzania)

For the Great Migration river crossings:

• July to October (Masai Mara and northern Serengeti)

For baby animals and predator action:

• January to March (southern Serengeti)

For fewer crowds and better value:

• November or May (shoulder green season)

For first-time travellers who want reliable game viewing:

• June to October is the safest choice