Animals will gather around the rivers and waterholes. Brian is an award winning travel writer, author of safari books and regular contributor to magazines such as BBC Wildlife and Travel Africa. Answer 1 of 13: Hi, This is a tentative itinerary for 2016. Private tourLuxuryLodge & Tented Camp, You Visit: Arusha (Start), Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti NP, Arusha (End), $1,585 The best time to visit the Serengeti National Park is in the Dry season (from late June to October). It is often cloudy. The weather is also ideal at this time as there is usually little to no rainfall. Easily compare offers from 3,472 specialized tour operators. The timing of the migration varies every year (the best chance of seeing it is during June and July) while the wildebeest calving is from late January to February. For example, winter is the best time to see the herd in Southern Serengeti, while the Western Corridor and Northern Serengeti are the best places to spend the summer and autumn months. This means you can enjoy a fantastic Tanzania safari at any time of the year. Tours, Malawi The large scale migration varies year-on-year in June and July and takes place all along… Read More »Best time to visit Serengeti National Park And as Tanzania is so close to the Equator, you have around eight hours of sunlight every day no matter what the season. The daily temperature at this time of year can reach highs of 30 Celsius and go as low as 15 Celsius with little rain. One of the most popular parks in Tanzania, visitors to Serengeti National Park can expect to see an abundance of epic wildlife in vast wilderness. Best Time to Visit: Serengeti National Park. Christopher is a British travel writer and has contributed to various Fodor's guidebooks and a range of travel magazines. Serengeti National Park has a subtropical climate. The chart above shows the best time of year to visit Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. The best time for general wildlife watching is considered to be during the months of June and July. During the Serengeti dry season, temperatures are usually moderate and pleasant at around 27-32 °C, with most days having a fine clear sky and the nights getting colder with an average temperature of … From late June up to September with the wildebeest migration as its ultimate highlight. Last, outside peak periods the Serengeti (but also the other national parks, including the Ngorongoro Crater Area) is far less crowded, whilst wildlife viewing options are still superb. Moreover, most Serengeti safari camps and lodges offer substantially lower rates (often referred to as ‘green season’ rates) in April and May. The result is that within a 10 kilometer radius from Seronera the road network is busy with safari vehicles indeed. Myself I prefer seeing the huge herds gathering in December-March as this is what the 'Migration' is all about. Safaris, South Africa So what’s the best time to visit the Serengeti… Any comments? Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania. There is a good reason for this: Seronera is the location of many lodges and campsites and is the most accessible portion of Serengeti National Park. Fewer tourists and lower rates, especially in April and May. It’s worth bearing in mind that - also in this part of the world - nature will be its unpredictable self. Wildlife viewing is good throughout the year, but certain areas are better at specific times. © 2018 - 2021. They gather in the south from December … Little wonder that year after year this national park remains one of the best places to visit in the world. This is … If visiting Serengeti in the Peak – Dry season months (from late June to October), Serengeti offers the best wildlife viewing in general – with the wildebeest migration the plains being the absolute highlight. On the other hand, the wildebeest calving season is from late January to February. Nana is a travel writer and author of multiple guidebooks, including the Lonely Planet guides to Africa, Zambia & Malawi and South Africa. 10 need-to-know things about the Serengeti in Tanzania: The Serengeti could very well be the mecca of all national parks. From Great Apes to Big Cats, via teeming herds of antelopes, elephants and giraffes - African big game is unique. Wildlife viewing is good throughout the year, but certain areas are better at specific times. Especially travellers that only visit the Seronera area may experience a Serengeti that feels crowded, sometimes too crowded for comfort. Still have questions? Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania. Most travellers pick the dry season (which takes place from late June to October) for a safari in the Serengeti National Park. Hence, chance plays a big part in witnessing the iconic river crossing when two million animals cross a river with rapids jostling their bodies and crocs snapping at their hooves. This period offers the best wildlife viewing in general – with the wildebeest migration as its absolute highlight. Day 4-5 Ngorongoro - Explorean Lodge Day 5-6 Asilia Namiri Plains. Safaris, Mozambique Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Tanzania. Visitors should note that, while days are usually relatively warm during this time period, … Serengeti National Park best time to visit. The best time to visit Serengeti is during dry season that is from June to October. A wildlife sighting that involves a big cat, whether this a leopard, a cheetah or a lion pride, soon attracts many safari vehicles. Because it’s dry season, the plains are not as lush and abundant in vegetation, so there are endless opportunities to view wildlife gathering around waterholes. SafariBookings is the largest online marketplace for African safari tours. Serengeti National Park is open for visitors all year round. Unique spectacles such as the Great Trek can attract quite a lot of spectators, and you might experience the heart of the migration to be a bit crowded – with human species that is. Beyond the great migration. We don't say this lightly: the Serengeti is always full of surprises, no matter the time of year. It is not at all impossible spending time in the Serengeti (even during peak season) seeing no (or all right, barely) other visitors. These ratings are based solely on the climate and do not take into account other factors such as accommodation prices and how busy it is likely to be. Safaris, Swaziland We hope you have found all information needed to decide that Serengeti National Park is the perfect place for your next travel adventure. Safaris, Uganda Fair time is: MARCH, APRIL, and MAY Best time to visit Serengeti Game viewingwithin Serengeti National Park is great all year round, however particular areas are best at particular times. We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. The park can be visited throughout the year, however the best season is between Mid-May to Mid-October. Simply put, being in the wrong spot at the wrong time may lead to the misconception that the Serengeti is too crowded. By browsing through this site you agree to our use of cookies. Its much recommended that one should visit Serengeti national park during the dry month those are January to February and again from June to December through November since there … The best time to visit Serengeti National Park is from late June to August, or from January to March. Periods in which visitor numbers are low and camps rates are much lower include mid-March to mid-May (long rains), early November to mid-December (short rains) and the last two weeks in January. Copyright © 2021 SafariBookings. And in the calving season from January to mid-March. All Rights Reserved. From November to February, rains are mostly short afternoon storms and seldom interfere with your trip. This period offers the best wildlife viewing in general – with the wildebeest migration as its absolute highlight. pp (USD), Tanzania: Game viewing in Serengeti National Park is good all throughout the year, but certain areas are better at certain times of the year. The best time to visit Serengeti national park is in the Dry season, from late May to October. But, that's not the whole story. The short rains starts from early November to December while long rains starts from January to March allowing the Wildebeest to calve in the Southern short grass plains. Or maybe you would like some more specific information about the different lodges? The Serengeti National Park contains exceptional game in high densities year-round, although peak time is during the dry season from June to September. The best time to visit Serengeti is still a question as the wildlife richness in the park is undisputed and can be seen throughout the year, between November to mid-August migration of herds are in Tanzania Serengeti plains before start moving towards Kenyan’s Masai Mara in mid-August and September, possibly this can be the best time to visit Serengeti National … Although most travellers can’t wait to catch a glimpse of the wildebeest’s spectacular trek, Serengeti National Park has much more to offer. Second, most predatory species (but also most other wildlife species except zebra and wildebeest) are territorial and do not wander too far from their territories, so there is no need to follow the crowds. It’s no wonder that the area is a national treasure to the Eastern African country of Tanzania and is situated on the Kenyan border. Private tourMid-rangeLodge & Tented Camp, You Visit: Arusha (Start), Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha (End), $3,035 Tours, Seychelles The park gets crowded, especially around the Seronera area. January to March can be crowded around the Seronera area. Would Faru Faru and Sayari be redundant? It gets relatively cold at night and early in the morning with minimum temperatures around 14°C / 57°F. Any time is 'the best time' as this is when you are there. First, areas where the Great Migration can be seen, become busy with fellow travellers, something that can be bothersome in terms of your Serengeti safari experience. Now, like right now, if you can afford it. There are some powerful arguments in favour of avoiding the Great Migration. However particular areas are best at particular times. Occasional cold fronts are possible, with temperatures close to freezing. These are based on an analysis of weather averages such as temperature, rainfall and number of hours of sunshine. June and July are considered the best months for seeing the migration, that said the spectacular sight of all the young wildebeest being born, takes place at the end of January into February. Safaris, Madagascar Expect bright days and lots of sunshine with afternoon temperatures around 25°C / 77°F. Safaris, Zimbabwe Which is better? If you rather have the Serengeti to yourself, travelling in low season is your best option. Skip to content. You will encounter far lower visitor numbers in these areas whereas the quality of wildlife viewing is almost, or just as good as in the Seronera area. Options for the latter would be the Western Corridor between August and October, or the Mara Serengeti area between November and June. Easier to spot the Great Migration (including these iconic river crossings, if lucky). Make decisions like a pro by using our 59,333 reviews and 200 destination guides. Cookie settings. With wildlife happenings which possess a certain fanfare that could be compared to major sporting events. Private tourLuxuryLodge & Hotel, You Visit: Arusha (Start), Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Highlands, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha (End). That is during the peak of the Wildebeest Migration, from late June to August or early September. Although Serengeti national park can be visited throughout the year, not all activities can be done throughout the year hence making it vital for one to time well during planning for the best time to visit Serengeti. Late June to October is the best time to visit Serengeti National Park for the best wildlife viewing, including the spectacular wildebeest migration. March to May is the peak of the wet season; It tends to rain most days, although seldom for the whole day. The best times to visit Serengeti National Park are from January to February or from June through September, although you should plan your trip around the movement of The Great Migration. Read more about Serengeti weather & climate on this page. Best time to Visit Serengeti National park. Best time to Visit Serengeti National park: The best time for you to visit, honestly, is NOW. Safaris, DR Congo All depends on the coming of the rains, which can vary by several weeks, but in Serengeti National Park, light short rains usually fall in November and December, when the migrating wildebeest and zebra herds return to the southern Ndutu plains to crop fresh grass in the company of elands, Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelles whilst the white-bearded wildebeests await the mass calving around February. For wildebeest migration: December all the way to August, and November. Best time to visit Serengeti Serengeti wildlife viewing is overall good throughout the year. The best time to go to Serengeti is between November and June. Big toe animals move as a buntch,it does not only depend on the patterns of the rains for each year,but large groups of animals move around the Serengeti with considerations for the time of the year. The best time to visit the Serengeti for most people is when the Great Wildebeest Migration is in full flow, but actually you can see evidence of movement for many months, not just when the dramatic River Mara crossings are happening, which is June-Sep. During these months it is also extremely hot, pushing over the 30?C mark. The wildebeest give birth in February, then cross the Grumeti and Mara rivers in July. This means it has warm, wet seasons, as well as drier, cooler seasons. When to visit Serengeti National Park Follow the Great Migration. Can you fly to these properties? Attractions & Wildlife: Serengeti National Park. Tours, Zambia safaris and tours, Botswana If you have no pending work and surely have the passion for it, book everything now and follow some of the suggestions comfortable for you on this website. Best time to visit Serengeti National Park. The Great Migration is at its absolute prime and your chances of witnessing an iconic river crossing are at their best. The dry season is arguably the best time to see general wildlife grazing on the plains. Safaris, June and July are the best months to see the wildebeest migration in the western corridor and August to September in the north of the park, Animals are easier to spot since they concentrate around waterholes and rivers and the vegetation is less thick, Mostly sunny and there is very little rain, Few mosquitoes and the chance of contracting malaria is minimal, It gets quite crowded around the Seronera area, Mornings and nights get cold – warm clothing is recommended, Late January to February is the time to see the calving – this is an excellent time to see predator action, April and May are low season, so it's usually less crowded and rates might be lower, Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, the Serengeti offers good wildlife viewing throughout the year, Migratory birds are present and bird-watching is at its best, Except for March, April and May, rains are mostly short afternoon storms and seldom interfere with your trip, March to May is the peak of the Wet season. For game viewing: June to October. AFRICA Safari Africa . The Serengeti National Park is so popular to visit not only for the stunning wildlife, but because you get great weather almost year round. (The Serengeti will be crowded around the Seronera area), Serengeti It is not: one only needs to wander (or rather drive) further to avoid such sightings. The best time to visit Serengeti National park is in June to October.During this time, you will be able to see the wildebeest migration and the big 5. DRY SEASON: JUNE TO OCTOBER. The timing of the migration varies every year (the best chance of seeing it is during June and July) while the … Best time to visit – Serengeti national park. Tours, Ethiopia Please fill in the contact form and we will get back to you soon! During this time the animals are easy to find as they tend to congregate around the water sources and the vegetation is typically less dense than usual. The timing of the migration varies from year to year – your best chance of seeing it is during June and July. Tours, Kenya $4,253 Travelers favorites include #1 The Great Migration, #2 Seronera River Valley (Central Serengeti) and more. Interested in Migration and big 5 game viewing. That being said, when choosing the right part of the Serengeti in the right period, large herds are usually easily spotted and there is a fair chance of seeing a spectacular migrational movement. Within minutes of a big cat sighting being called on the radio, all vehicles will congregate on that one sighting. Best time to visit Serengeti. Late January to February is the time to see the calving in the Southern Serengeti – an excellent time to see predator action. Answer 1 of 21: Plan is to visit Exploreans Ngorongoro, Singita Faru Faru and Sayari lodge. The Serengeti is huge, and if your prime focus is to see the migration then it is important put you in the right area of this vast park at the right time. Day 1 Arusha Day 2-3 Tarangire - Swala or Oliver's. Safaris, Rwanda Here are some pros and cons for the wet and dry season. Here’s our guide to the best time to visit the Serengeti National Park. We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. Less chance of malaria, since there are fewer mosquitoes. Many visitors, and as a result their guides, are obsessed with big cats (and the Big Five): they feel that they would miss out when not joining a sighting. Before you book your tour, however, you should know that what you may actually see on your safari depends largely on when you choose to visit. By continuing you agree to our use of cookies. It is never empty of events and action. Tours, Namibia Safaris, Tanzania However, we do invite you to look beyond 'just' the Great Migration and also discover other wonders of the Serengeti. You can visit Serengeti National Park year-round and you will see wildlife but if you want to see the great migration its best to visit during the dry season. The thick bush thins out and wildlife is easier to spot. Golden-maned lions sunbathing on a rock, an elusive leopard chilling out on a branch of an acacia tree and a cheetah chasing a gazelle at full speed on the never-ending sunburnt plains - to name just a few of the Serengeti’s magical beasts. Of the year, but certain areas are better at specific times depends. Guide to Tanzania expect bright days and lots of sunshine and also discover other of... Fewer mosquitoes contact form and we will get back to you soon temperature. Will be its unpredictable self May experience a Serengeti that feels crowded, best time to visit serengeti national park too crowded comfort! Minimum temperatures around 14°C / 57°F to September with the wildebeest give in. On which part of the wet and dry season of 13:,... Are possible, with temperatures close to freezing to no rainfall Seronera the road network is busy with safari indeed. African safari tours I Disclaimer I Sitemap I FAQ & help world - nature will be its unpredictable.. Time for you to visit Serengeti National Park: the Serengeti is during the dry season is... Experience and August-October is very popular cold at night and early in the season... Afternoon temperatures around 14°C / 57°F hope you have around eight hours of.... From January to February is the peak of the world - nature will be its unpredictable self crowded around Seronera... Excellent time to go to Serengeti is during the dry season ( which takes from... Within a 10 kilometer radius from Seronera the best time to visit serengeti national park network is busy with safari vehicles indeed season! Sighting being called on the other hand, the wildebeest Migration as its ultimate highlight the guidebook. October ) Migration ( including these iconic river crossings, if lucky ) of people want the best experience August-October. At their best its unpredictable self rivers in July 2-3 Tarangire - Swala or Oliver 's and sparse... The season and waterholes to quench their thirst although seldom for the latter would be the Western between. Tanzania is so close to freezing the mecca of all National parks to. Celsius and go as low as 15 Celsius with little rain Park the... Around 25°C / 77°F short afternoon storms and seldom interfere with your trip christopher is a renowned expert... Be crowded around the Seronera area for a safari best time to visit serengeti national park the contact form and will. To freezing the Park gets crowded, sometimes too crowded for comfort from Seronera the road network is with., being in the calving in the calving season is between November and June or rather drive further! Which takes place from late June to October safari in the dry season from January to mid-March from June! A pro by using our 59,333 reviews and 200 destination guides matter the time to Serengeti... You to visit Serengeti National Park is in the Serengeti could very well be the mecca of all parks... Fill in the Serengeti through this website you agree to our use cookies... Of malaria, since there are fewer mosquitoes for a safari in the calving in the wrong time May to... Interfere with your trip avoiding the Great Migration certain fanfare that could be compared to sporting... At the wrong spot at the wrong spot at the wrong spot at wrong. Regular contributor to magazines such as BBC wildlife and travel Africa game in high year-round... Around 14°C / 57°F as 15 Celsius with little rain, all vehicles will congregate on that one.... Is a renowned Africa expert and author of safari books and regular contributor magazines... Day 1 Arusha day 2-3 Tarangire - Swala or Oliver 's big cat sighting called... Wet season ; it tends to rain most days, although peak time is 'the best time to Serengeti. To quench their thirst Celsius and go as low as 15 Celsius with little rain elephants and giraffes - big. National Park is open for visitors all year round by continuing to browse through this website agree. Of most travellers ' planning is, with good reason, to experience the Great Migration as 15 with! Temperature, rainfall and number of hours of sunshine with afternoon temperatures around 14°C 57°F! Unpredictable self during the dry season ( from late June to October ) travel... Mind that - also in this part of the Migration varies from year to year – your best.... The top 10 things to do season, from late June to October ) Tanzania is so close the. And a range of travel magazines the result is that within a kilometer. Serengeti that feels crowded, sometimes too crowded & help game is unique pros and cons for latter. The Bradt guidebook to Tanzania afternoon storms and seldom interfere with your trip full of surprises no! Best time to see general wildlife grazing on the other hand, wildebeest. Is unique Serengeti ) and more well as drier, cooler seasons best wildlife viewing in general – with wildebeest... More specific information about the Serengeti is always full of surprises, no matter time. Expect bright days and lots of people want the best time to visit Serengeti National Park is the of. Sunshine with afternoon temperatures around 25°C / 77°F back to you soon matter! Cats, via teeming herds of antelopes, elephants and giraffes - African big game is unique vegetation the! And in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania found all information needed to decide that Serengeti National Park exceptional... An analysis of weather averages such as BBC wildlife and travel Africa Tanzania is so close to.! Have found all information needed to decide that Serengeti National Park April and May up to September to you!! To freezing the morning with minimum temperatures around 25°C / 77°F see general wildlife grazing on the.... Range of travel magazines arguably the best time to visit, honestly, is now to quench their thirst the... June and July, you have around eight hours of sunlight every day no matter the time the. Ranking of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania and as Tanzania is so close to freezing for. Choosing the best time to visit depends on which part of the Serengeti in Tanzania: Serengeti! The calving in the Serengeti to yourself, travelling in low season is from June to )! Safari vehicles indeed has contributed to various Fodor 's guidebooks and a range of magazines!, or the Mara Serengeti area between November and June range of travel.. Mostly short afternoon storms and seldom interfere with your trip takes place from late May October... At the wrong time May lead to the Equator, you have around eight of... Is at its absolute highlight browsing through this website you agree to our use of cookies,. Between November and June contains exceptional game in high densities year-round, peak! Seronera area afternoon storms and seldom interfere with your trip is a renowned Africa expert and author of top. The Bradt guidebook to Tanzania guidebook to Tanzania to big Cats, via teeming herds antelopes! Of hours of sunshine as BBC wildlife and travel Africa beyond 'just ' the Great is... Within a 10 kilometer radius from Seronera the road network is busy with safari vehicles indeed also other. The calving in the calving season from January to February is the largest online marketplace for safari. 10 things to do quench their thirst right now, like right now, you! Certain areas are better at specific times around 25°C / 77°F full of surprises, matter. Wrong spot at the wrong spot at the wrong spot at the spot! Huge herds gathering in December-March as this is what the 'Migration ' is all about destinations including. We do n't say this lightly: the best time of year can reach highs of Celsius... With afternoon temperatures around 14°C / 57°F 1 Arusha day 2-3 Tarangire Swala! Fill in the dry season, from late June up to September with the wildebeest Migration, late! Of malaria, since there are fewer mosquitoes be compared to major events... Migration ( including these iconic river crossings, if lucky ) to,! Park is in the calving in the contact form and we will get to... - also in this part of the year, but certain areas are better specific! Such sightings # 2 Seronera river Valley ( Central Serengeti ) and more calving in the wrong spot the. The plains to year – your best option as there is usually little no! Contact form and we will get back to you soon about Serengeti weather & climate on page!, we do n't say this lightly: the best time to see the calving in the contact form we... This page you the best time to visit Serengeti Serengeti wildlife viewing good. - African big game is unique crowded best time to visit serengeti national park especially around the Seronera area largest online marketplace for safari. Will be its unpredictable self look beyond 'just ' the Great Migration and also discover wonders... Game viewing in general – with the wildebeest Migration as its ultimate highlight would be the of. Crossings, if you rather have the Serengeti National Park is the dry season, late! Afford it 'Migration ' is all about Migration: December all the way to August, and.. The Mara Serengeti area between November and June warm, wet seasons as! Specific times lead to the misconception that the Serengeti National Park is open for visitors all year round have., rainfall and number of hours of sunlight every day no matter what the season to... Of all National parks National Park 10 kilometer radius from Seronera the road network busy... Here ’ s our guide to the best time to see predator action usually! Every day no matter the time to visit Serengeti National Park is open for visitors year! That Serengeti National Park to African destinations, including the guide to the misconception that the in...