Serengeti National Park

Serengeti in January – Dry Season

By mid-January, the short rains come to an end, giving way to clear skies and warm temperatures. The lush green grass attracts grazers like giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, and other herbivores, while predators can often be found resting beneath the shade of acacia trees. In the south-eastern plains of the Serengeti, the Great Migration enters a new phase, as massive groups of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles head south in search of fresh grazing grounds. This is a peak time for safari tourism, so visitors can expect the park to be quite busy.

Serengeti in February – Dry Season

February marks the peak of heat and dryness in Tanzania. The skies remain mostly cloudless, and the grasses of the savanna turn brittle under the sun. This makes it easier to spot smaller creatures like mongooses, serval cats, and tiny antelopes such as dik-diks from the comfort of a safari vehicle. Larger animals—including elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes—are often seen lingering near water sources like rivers.

During this time, the vast herds of the Great Migration settle across the southern Serengeti plains. It’s the calving season for wildebeests and zebras, with as many as 8,000 newborns arriving daily.

While the park remains popular with tourists, the number of safari vehicles starts to taper off as the month draws to a close.

Serengeti in March – Shoulder Season

March brings a shift in seasons, marking the transition from the dry months to the onset of rains. Temperatures remain warm, and from mid-March onward, the number of safari vehicles begins to drop noticeably. Many lodges in the Serengeti take this opportunity to introduce special seasonal rates, making it a great time for those seeking a quieter, more intimate safari experience.

You’ll still have excellent chances to spot iconic wildlife—elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and various antelope species—often relaxing near water sources or even strolling right beside the road. The animals are familiar with the presence of safari vehicles and are typically unbothered, allowing for close and memorable encounters.

Serengeti in April – Rainy Season

April ushers in the long rains, though it’s not unusual to have stretches of dry, sunny weather between showers. Wildlife remains widespread throughout the Serengeti, as the rains fill up seasonal waterholes, freeing animals from the need to stay near permanent rivers. The parched golden plains turn a vibrant green as fresh grass sprouts, creating a vivid backdrop that makes animals like giraffes, lions, and leopards appear especially striking.

However, the taller, thicker grass makes it trickier to spot elusive smaller cats such as servals and caracals—these species are more commonly seen during the drier months of January through March and July through September when the vegetation is less dense.

In search of new grazing areas, large groups of zebras and antelopes begin migrating from the southern plains toward the western Serengeti.

April is the quietest month for tourism in the park, with very few visitors and lodges offering some of the best seasonal discounts of the year.

Serengeti in May – Rainy Season

May sees the continuation of the long rains across the Serengeti, turning the savanna into a lush, green landscape. With abundant vegetation and water, large herbivores such as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and gazelles are widely scattered throughout the park. Predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards also roam freely and can be spotted in various regions of the Serengeti.

During this time, massive herds of wildebeest and zebras are concentrated in the western corridor of the park, moving steadily toward the Grumeti River. Just beyond the park’s western boundary lies Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, only a few dozen kilometers away.

While May can offer dry, sunny intervals, rain remains a possibility, so it’s wise to pack appropriately—windproof jackets and waterproof gear are recommended.

As in April, visitor numbers remain low, creating a peaceful safari atmosphere. Many accommodations continue to offer appealing off-season rates.

Serengeti in June – Shoulder Season

By mid-June, the dry season returns to the Serengeti. The rains taper off, and the Southern Hemisphere enters its cooler equatorial winter. Temperatures become more moderate compared to the hotter months of January and February, making for pleasantly mild safari conditions. The park is still relatively uncrowded, and early in the month, travelers may still benefit from off-season accommodation deals—making June an excellent time for a safari adventure.

Iconic wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, and other big cats roam throughout the park and are often seen up close, sometimes wandering right next to safari vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Great Migration is in full swing. Enormous herds of wildebeest and zebras begin their dramatic crossings of the Mbalageti and Grumeti rivers. These perilous journeys often draw the attention of predators—lions, leopards, hyenas, and crocodiles—creating one of the most thrilling and unforgettable spectacles in the Serengeti.

Serengeti in August – Dry Season

August marks the height of the dry season in Serengeti National Park. Rain is rare during this time, leaving skies clear and the air crisp. Nights can feel quite cool, with temperatures sometimes dipping to 14–15°C (57–59°F). This month is also one of the busiest for tourism, as travelers from around the world flock to experience the Serengeti at its best.

Wildlife is widespread and easy to spot, making for exceptional game viewing. From your safari vehicle, you’re likely to encounter lions, elephants, giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, warthogs, mongooses, and more. The dry, short grass also increases the chances of seeing elusive species like servals, caracals, and mongooses, which are harder to spot during the rainy months.

In the north, the Great Migration reaches one of its most dramatic moments—the crossing of the Mara River. Massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and other grazers brave the swift waters while crocodiles and other predators lie in wait. July and August are widely regarded as the prime months to witness this awe-inspiring natural event.

Serengeti in September – Dry Season

September brings warm, sunny days to Serengeti National Park, with consistently clear skies and ideal conditions for wildlife viewing. It remains a popular month for safaris, so visitors can expect to share the park with many fellow travelers.

By this time of year, the savanna has become quite dry, prompting animals to gather near remaining water sources. These areas are perfect for spotting large herbivores such as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and various antelopes. Not far behind are their predators—lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas—often seen resting nearby or stalking the herds.

A safari in September offers a classic African wildlife experience, with the chance to see all the iconic species framed by the sweeping golden plains of the Serengeti.

Serengeti in October – Dry Season

October marks the final month of the dry season before the rains begin, making it a prime time to explore Serengeti National Park. The weather remains mostly dry and comfortably warm, and with fewer visitors than in peak months like August and September, the park offers a more relaxed safari experience.

Wildlife sightings are abundant across the park. This is a great time to spot Africa’s iconic predators—lions, leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs—roaming throughout the region. You’ll also encounter all the classic herbivores: elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of antelopes. Keep an eye out for more elusive creatures as well, such as servals, caracals, Thomson’s gazelles, and playful monkeys.

Meanwhile, the Great Migration continues as large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and other grazers return from Kenya, crossing the Mara River once more in the northern Serengeti—a spectacular wildlife event that adds even more excitement to an October safari.

Serengeti in November – Rainy Season

November marks the start of Tanzania’s short rainy season, bringing a quieter atmosphere to Serengeti National Park. With fewer tourists around, and many lodges offering discounted rates, it’s a great time for travelers seeking a more peaceful and intimate safari experience.

As the rains begin, the plains undergo a striking transformation—from dusty yellow to a lush, vibrant green. Temporary waterholes form across the landscape, encouraging animals to disperse more widely throughout the park. While smaller creatures like dik-diks, servals, and mongooses may become harder to spot in the taller grass, larger animals such as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and zebras remain easy to find. Rivers and lakes are home to hippos and crocodiles, offering excellent viewing opportunities.

Meanwhile, the Great Migration returns to the western corridor, where fresh grazing grounds await the wildebeest, zebras, and other ungulates.

Serengeti in December – Shoulder Season

By mid-December, the short rainy season draws to a close, and the Serengeti begins to welcome a growing number of visitors eager to experience a holiday safari. This marks the beginning of the winter safari season, with dry, sunny days and warmer temperatures compared to the cooler months of July through September.

Wildlife viewing is excellent across the park. Visitors are likely to encounter the Serengeti’s most iconic animals—elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and hyenas. The drier grasslands also make it easier to spot smaller species such as servals, caracals, warthogs, and Thomson’s gazelles. Water sources remain active with crocodiles and hippos.

In the western Serengeti, massive herds of wildebeest and zebras gather once more, closing the loop of the Great Migration and offering a grand finale to the year’s breathtaking wildlife spectacles.