The Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania is one of the most iconic safari destinations on earth—home to endless savannahs, the legendary Great Migration, and some of Africa’s most dramatic predator encounters. With its diverse ecosystems and constantly moving wildlife, choosing the Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park depends on what you want to see and experience.

This comprehensive, human-written guide provides a month-by-month breakdown of Serengeti weather, wildlife, and safari highlights, plus expert travel tips from Enduimet Adventure Safaris.

Whether you’re planning a Serengeti National Park Tanzania safari, a classic Serengeti National Park safari, or a tailored safari Tanzania Serengeti journey—this guide will help you choose the perfect time to go.

Serengeti Travel Seasons at a Glance

Calving Season (January–March)

• Southern Serengeti (Ndutu area)
  
• Thousands of baby wildebeest born daily
  
• Intense predator–prey action
  

Long Rains (April–May)

• Lush landscapes, dramatic skies
  
• Fewer tourists & best value safaris
  

Dry Season & Migration North (June–October)

• Peak wildlife viewing
  
• River crossings at Grumeti & Mara Rivers
  

Short Rains & Return South (November–December)

• Fresh greenery
  
• Wildebeest herds returning to calving grounds
  

What is the Great Migration in the Serengeti?

The Great Migration is the world’s largest wildlife movement—over 1.5 million wildebeest, 300,000 zebras, and thousands of gazelles moving in a circular pattern across the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem.

This journey depends on rainfall and fresh grass, leading to spectacular events like:

• Calving season in the south
  
• Grumeti River crossings in the west
  
• Mara River crossings in the north
  
• Predator hunts throughout the ecosystem
  

Serengeti Month-by-Month Guide: Weather, Wildlife & Safari Tips

January – Calving Season Begins in the Southern Serengeti

• Location: Ndutu & Southern Plains
  
• Thousands of wildebeest arrive to give birth
  
• Excellent predator action (lions, cheetahs, hyenas)
  
• Short grass offers clear photography angles
  

February – Peak Calving & Predator Action

• Peak birthing month: up to 8,000 calves born daily
  
• High cheetah sightings
  
• Mild weather, great visibility
  
• Perfect for a safari Tanzania Serengeti family trip
  

March – Transition to the Long Rains

• Herds still in the south but begin moving west
  
• Occasional showers
  
• Beautiful green landscapes
  

April – Wettest Month & Lush Landscapes

• Start of long rains
  
• Lowest tourist numbers of the year
  
• Dramatic skies, excellent for photography
  
• Best value Serengeti National Park safari packages
  

May – Herds Move Through the Western Corridor

• Wildebeest push toward the Grumeti River
  
• Still quiet, great prices, fewer vehicles
  
• Birdlife is exceptional
  

June – Dry Season Starts & Grumeti Crossings

• Cooler temperatures
  
• First major river crossings at Grumeti River
  
• Beginning of peak season
  
• Excellent for walking and balloon safaris
  

July – Peak Migration & Mara River Crossings

• Herds reach the northern Serengeti
  
• Dramatic and sometimes deadly Mara River crossings
  
• One of the Best Times to Visit Serengeti National Park
  

August – Prime Migration & Predator Sightings

• River crossing action continues
  
• Big cats are very active
  
• Ideal weather: clear skies, low humidity
  

September – Big Cats & Migration in the North

• Herds remain in the Kogatende/Lamayi areas
  
• Leopards often seen along riverbanks
  
• Perfect for a classic serengeti national park tanzania safari
  

October – Southward Migration & Resident Wildlife

• Herds begin drifting south again
  
• Good predator interactions
  
• Warm days and cooler nights
  

November – Short Rains & Herds Moving South

• Light showers begin but do not disrupt safaris
  
• Wildebeest head to the central and southern plains
  
• Superb birdwatching
  

December – Green Season & Calving Begins

• Fresh grass covers the Serengeti
  
• Herds settle in the southern region
  
• Start of another calving cycle
  

Quick Snapshot: Best Time to Visit Serengeti by Travel Priority

• Great Migration: July–September & January–March
  
• River Crossings: July–August
  
• Photography: January–March
  
• Big Cats: June–October
  
• Birding: November–April
  
• Budget Travel: April–May & November
  

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Serengeti for the Great Migration?

The top months to witness the Great Migration are:

• January–March (calving season)
  
• June–October (river crossings & northern migration)
  

Advantages of a Great Migration Safari in Serengeti

• Spectacular river crossings
  
• Massive herds filling the landscape
  
• Unmatched predator–prey encounters
  
• Iconic wildlife photography
  

Disadvantages of a Great Migration Safari in Serengeti

• Higher safari prices in peak season
  
• Crowds at major crossing points
  
• Accommodation sells out quickly
  

Best Time to See Baby Animals in Serengeti

• January & February are the best months
  
• Predators are highly active
  
• Superb photography opportunities
  

Best Time to Avoid the Crowds in the Serengeti

• April–May (Long Rains)
  
• November (Short Rains)
  

Best Time for Affordable Serengeti Safaris

• Green Season: April–May
  
• Shoulder Season: November
  

These months offer excellent value with fewer tourists.

Best Time for Good Weather

• June–October offers dry, sunny days and great wildlife visibility.
  

Best Time to Visit the Serengeti for Birdwatching

• November–April
  
• Migrant species arrive, and wetlands flourish.
  

Planning Your Visit to the Serengeti

When planning a serengeti national park safari, consider:

• Wildlife priorities
  
• Your budget
  
• Weather preferences
  
• Travel month flexibility
  

Working with local experts like Enduimet Adventure Safaris ensures you choose the perfect season and itinerary.

Sample Serengeti Safari Itineraries

3-Day Classic Serengeti Safari

• Day 1: Central Serengeti game drive
  
• Day 2: Full-day exploration in Seronera Valley
  
• Day 3: Morning drive & return
  

5-Day Great Migration Safari (Seasonal)

• Southern Serengeti (Jan–Mar) or
  
• Western Corridor (May–June) or
  
• Northern Serengeti (July–Oct)
  

7-Day Tanzania Highlights Safari

• Tarangire
  
• Ngorongoro Crater
  
• Serengeti National Park
  
• Optional Maasai cultural experience
  

Final Thoughts: When Should You Visit the Serengeti?

The Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park depends entirely on your safari dreams—whether it’s witnessing the thunder of hooves during the Great Migration, photographing newborn calves, or enjoying quiet green-season solitude.

Whatever your dream safari looks like, Enduimet Adventure Safaris is ready to design a personalized and unforgettable journey through one of Africa’s greatest wilderness areas.

🧾 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Serengeti National Park

1. What is the best month to go to Serengeti?
   The best time to visit the Serengeti is from January to February or from June to October. However, the Serengeti’s density of wildlife offers a spectacular safari experience no matter what time of the year you visit www.
   enduimetadventuresafaris.com/
   
   2. Is it better to go to Masai Mara or Serengeti in October?
   The exact timing depends on rainfall, but you have a good chance of seeing the migration in the Serengeti from January to July or August. The best time to see the migration in the Masai Mara is between August and October.
   

          3. Which is better, Maasai Mara or Serengeti?
          Serengeti, with its vast size and year-round migration, is perfect for those seeking          an immersive, nature-focused safari with fewer crowds. Maasai Mara, while similar to Serengeti in many ways, offers a more cultural experience with river crossings at its peak.

          4. How many people are killed in the Serengeti each year?
Animal Attacks in the Serengeti are Rare
After our travels, I researched animal attacks in the Serengeti. Here’s what I found: No tourists have been killed by animals in the Serengeti National Park in the last twenty-five years.