The Serengeti is one of the most stunning places in Tanzania, where the beautiful views of the vast grasslands are a spectacular sight to behold. Visitors can spot the Big 5 i.e. lions, buffaloes, rhinoceros, leopards, and elephants, as well as other wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, antelopes, wildebeests, crocodiles, and numerous species of exotic birds! The area offers hot air balloon rides, walking safaris, relaxing lodges, opportunities to interact with friendly locals, and game drives! As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, it is known for its game reserves, diverse habitats, and the Great Migration!

This region can be visited throughout the year, depending on the sightseeing plans and weather preferences of the tourist. Here is a guide about when to visit the Serengeti, and when it is ideal to witness the Great Migration!

• January- March

For those who wish to be present during the calving season, this is the ideal time to visit the Serengeti. This is an excellent time to spot predators as well as baby animals, as wildebeests give birth to around 500,000 calves! This is part of the wet season so the tourist faces the risk of being interrupted by rainfall during the safari or game drive. However, bird watching is excellent, and vegetation is lush, green, and beautiful. Travellers should visit the southern Serengeti where the wildebeest stay in these months. Herds can be spotted between the Ngorongoro Crater and Ndutu area, southeast of Serengeti National Park.

• April- June

April and May mark the low season, so the area is much less crowded and so, rates might be lower. However, some lodges or travel companies might not function in these months as they are the peak of the wet season.  Rains may interfere with the trip, but this is a good time for bird watching as migratory birds are present. Herds start moving north and west, but not as one big group. Some animals move to the Western Corridor and Grumeti River before going to the north, whereas others might take the route through the Loliondo area.

• July- October

These are the best months to see the migration in the western corridor, and in the north of the Serengeti. One advantage of this timing is that there are fewer mosquitoes, and therefore, lesser chance of getting malaria or other insect related diseases! This is the best time to view the migration, as between July and August, the herds move into the Maasai Mara in Kenya by crossing the Mara river. In September, the herds begin crossing back into the Serengeti. Animals gather around water sources so they are easy to spot. Vegetation is less thick, and there is little chance of being disturbed by rain. However, as this is the dry season, it tends to get overcrowded and prices are higher.

• November- December

In the last two months of the year, tourists can spot the wildebeests and zebras, but the movements are less pronounced. This time is rainy, but the greenery is a sight to behold! Herds can be seen in the Seronera region in Central Serengeti, and in Southern Serengeti! Temperature ranges from 16 to 28C so tourists should plan and prepare accordingly.

We hope that these tips help you choose the ideal time for your trip to the Serengeti, which is guaranteed to be enriching, enjoyable, and fun!