Jackson Mugisha May 1, 2025Wildlife Tours

Choosing the best time for a safari in Kenya and Tanzania can make a significant difference in your wildlife experience. Both countries offer incredible year-round safari opportunities, but the best months depend on the specific parks and the type of wildlife interactions you want to experience. The dry season, spanning from June to October, is widely regarded as the best time for safari in both countries, offering optimal game viewing and the chance to witness the iconic Great Migration. However, there are also unique experiences during the wet season, especially for bird watchers and travelers seeking lush landscapes with fewer crowds. Here is a detailed breakdown of the best months for safaris in Kenya and Tanzania.

Dry Season (June to October)

The dry season is the most popular time for safaris in both Kenya and Tanzania. During this period, wildlife is easier to spot as animals congregate around water sources, the vegetation is less dense, and the skies are clear.

June to August:
These months mark the start of the dry season and are ideal for general wildlife viewing across both countries. In Tanzania, parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater offer spectacular opportunities to see predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards stalking their prey in the open grasslands. Similarly, Kenya’s Maasai Mara sees the arrival of the Great Migration herds from Tanzania during this time, making it one of the most thrilling wildlife spectacles on Earth.

September to October:
The highlight of these months is the dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara and the northern Serengeti. Millions of wildebeests and zebras brave crocodile-infested rivers as they migrate in search of greener pastures. This is also an excellent time for game drives in Amboseli National Park in Kenya, where large elephant herds roam against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Calving Season (January to March)

The months from January to March are particularly special in Tanzania, as this is the calving season for the wildebeests. The southern Serengeti, specifically the Ndutu region, becomes the epicenter of activity as millions of wildebeest give birth to their young. The lush green plains provide ample food for the herbivores, and the abundance of vulnerable calves attracts predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, creating dramatic wildlife scenes.

In Kenya, this period offers a quieter safari experience with fewer tourists, making it a great time to visit Amboseli National Park or Samburu National Reserve for intimate wildlife encounters and incredible birdwatching opportunities.