January – Green Season & Calving in the South

• Weather: Warm days, occasional rain; green and beautiful

• Wildlife Highlights:

  • Wildebeest calving begins in the Southern Serengeti/Ndutu Plains

  • Intense predator activity (lions, cheetahs, hyenas)

  • Elephants and flamingos in Ngorongoro

Best Places: Southern Serengeti (Ndutu), Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara
Why Go: Fewer tourists, dramatic predator-prey scenes, lush landscapes

February – Peak of Calving Season

• Weather: Mild rains, green pastures

• Wildlife Highlights:

  • Peak of wildebeest births — up to 8,000 calves per day

  • Excellent predator sightings and big cat hunts

  • Migratory birds in full color

Best Places: Ndutu Plains, Ngorongoro, Tarangire (quiet but rewarding)
Why Go: Perfect for photographers and serious wildlife enthusiasts

 March – End of Calving Season

• Weather: Increasing rain, but still good conditions

• Wildlife Highlights:

  • Herds begin moving northward slowly

  • Babies learning to survive; predators still active

  • Excellent birdlife

Best Places: Southern Serengeti, Ngorongoro
Why Go: Beautiful, green safari landscapes and great value

 April – Long Rains Begin (Green Season)

• Weather: Wettest month; afternoon rains common

• Wildlife Highlights:

  • Fewer tourists = peaceful parks

  • Migration continues moving northwest

  • Big herds in Central Serengeti

Best Places: Central Serengeti, Western Corridor, private game reserves
Why Go: Low prices, rich photography, solitude — ideal for adventurers

 May – Secret Season

• Weather: Rains start to taper off; fresh greenery everywhere

• Wildlife Highlights:

  • Great sightings with lush backgrounds

  • Herds begin to cluster near Grumeti River

  • Elephants and buffalo in Tarangire

Best Places: Central & Western Serengeti, Selous (Nyerere)
Why Go: Shoulder season pricing with stunning views and fewer crowds

June – Dry Season Begins

• Weather: Cooler, drier, sunny skies

• Wildlife Highlights:

  • Start of river crossings (Grumeti)

  • Predator activity intensifies

  • Best game-viewing begins as vegetation thins

Best Places: Western Serengeti, Grumeti, Tarangire, Ruaha
Why Go: Ideal weather, start of peak safari season

 

July – Peak Safari Season & Migration Action

• Weather: Cool mornings, dry and clear

• Wildlife Highlights:

  • Wildebeest gathering near Mara River

  • Grumeti & early Mara River crossings begin

  • All parks have excellent visibility

Best Places: Northern Serengeti, Mara River, Tarangire, Ngorongoro
Why Go: One of the best months to see the migration and BIG FIVE

August – Iconic River Crossings & Big Cats

• Weather: Sunny, dry, peak visibility

• Wildlife Highlights:

  • Mara River crossings at their most dramatic

  • Predators stalking the herds

  • Elephants and lions in Tarangire

Best Places: Northern Serengeti (Kogatende), Ruaha, Katavi
Why Go: Perfect for witnessing the most famous migration scenes

September – Migration & Wilderness

• Weather: Warm, dry, fewer tourists post-August

• Wildlife Highlights:

  • Migration herds still in Northern Serengeti

  • Great game drives and river sightings

  • Fantastic predator encounters

Best Places: Northern Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Mahale Mountains (chimp trekking)
Why Go: Mix migration with remote experiences like chimp safaris

October – End of Dry Season

• Weather: Hotter, dry, some dust

• Wildlife Highlights:

  • Last of the Mara crossings

  • Animals gather around waterholes

  • Chimpanzee trekking peaks in Mahale

Best Places: Northern Serengeti, Tarangire, Selous (Nyerere), Mahale
Why Go: Amazing for wildlife photography and primate lovers

November – Short Rains Begin

• Weather: Start of green season, afternoon showers

• Wildlife Highlights:

  • Migration herds move south again

  • Babies born to impalas, warthogs, and birds

  • Landscapes begin to green again

Best Places: Central Serengeti, Eastern Corridor, Tarangire
Why Go: Fewer tourists, beautiful backdrops, good deals

December – Green Season Returns

• Weather: Warm, short rains, green and alive

• Wildlife Highlights:

  • Migration herds return to Ndutu for calving

  • Excellent for birdwatchers and photographers

  • Baby boom for many species

Best Places: Southern Serengeti (Ndutu), Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara
Why Go: Combine safari with a Christmas or New Year escape