Few questions reach us more often than this one: when is the best time to go on safari in Kenya and Tanzania? The honest answer is that there is no single best month. East Africa is good all year, but each season gives you something different, from river crossings and newborn calves to quiet camps and green landscapes. This guide walks through the year so you can choose the timing that suits the trip you have in mind.
The short answer
If seeing the Great Migration cross the Mara River is your priority, plan for July to October and base yourself in the Maasai Mara in Kenya or the northern Serengeti in Tanzania. If you would love to see the herds with their young, January to March in the southern Serengeti is a wonderful time. For fewer vehicles and lush scenery, the shoulder months of June and November are worth a close look.
Understanding the Great Migration
The Great Migration is the year-round movement of very large herds of wildebeest, with zebra and gazelle, through the Serengeti and Maasai Mara ecosystem. The herds follow the rain and fresh grazing in a broad loop. The timings below are a guide rather than a timetable. The animals move with the weather, and the weather changes from year to year, which is why good local guiding matters so much.
January to March: calving season
The herds gather on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti and the Ndutu area. Many calves are born within a few weeks of each other, usually around February. This brings a lot of predator activity, and it is one of the most rewarding times for photographers and families who want to see young animals.
April and May: the long rains
This is the wettest period in much of East Africa. Some camps close, roads can be muddy and afternoon storms are common. The reward is green country, dramatic skies and far fewer visitors. For travellers who are flexible and happy with some rain, it can be a peaceful time to go.
June: on the move
The herds begin moving north and west through the central Serengeti and the Western Corridor, where the Grumeti River crossings can begin. The rains have eased, the grass is still green and the busiest months have not yet started.
July to October: river crossings
This is the season most people picture. The herds reach the northern Serengeti and the Maasai Mara, and crossings of the Mara River take place on and off through these months. Crossings cannot be predicted to the day. Some days bring several, others none, so allowing enough nights in the area gives you the best chance. This is also the most popular time of year, so planning well ahead helps secure the camps and guides you want.
November and December: the short rains
Shorter rains return and the herds drift south again towards the Serengeti plains. Showers tend to be brief, the landscape turns green once more and the end of the year can be a relaxed time to travel before the festive period.
Kenya or Tanzania?
Both countries share the same ecosystem, so the choice often comes down to timing and style. Kenya combines the Maasai Mara with private conservancies, where smaller numbers of guests and activities such as walking and night drives can be possible. Tanzania offers the vast Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and quieter parks in the south. Many of our guests combine the two, or add a few days on the beach in Zanzibar at the end.
Beyond the Migration
Wildlife viewing in East Africa is excellent outside the Migration too. The dry months from June to October make game easier to find around water in many parks, while the green seasons bring birdlife, young animals and softer light. Ngorongoro Crater has resident wildlife throughout the year, and Kenya’s other reserves each have their own rhythm.
Choosing where to stay by season
Where you stay can matter as much as when you go. Many camps in the Serengeti are seasonal and move during the year to stay close to the herds, which can put you within a short drive of the action. Permanent lodges offer more space and comfort features, and suit travellers who prefer to settle in one place. In Kenya, the private conservancies bordering the Maasai Mara limit the number of guests, so sightings are often shared with only a handful of other vehicles.
For families, it is worth checking each camp’s age policy and whether family tents or private houses are available, since these are limited and book early. For honeymooners, a quieter month and a camp with a private deck or a guided bush dinner can make a big difference. We match the property to the season and to the way you like to travel, rather than to a fixed itinerary.
A note on the weather
Temperatures across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara are generally mild because of the altitude. Days are often warm and nights cool, especially from June to August. Even in the drier months, a light shower is possible, and in the rainy seasons storms usually come in the afternoon, leaving mornings clear for game drives.
Planning tips
- Decide what matters most to you first: river crossings, calving, privacy or value, then pick the months.
- Allow at least three or four nights in one area during the Migration, so you are not relying on a single day.
- Book peak season early, particularly for July to September and for family-friendly rooms.
- Consider flying between parks to make the most of your time on the ground.
- Pack layers. Early mornings on game drives are cool, even when days are warm.
If you are travelling from the Gulf, Europe or North America, East Africa is well connected by air and fits easily into a week or ten days. Some guests also pair a Kenya or Tanzania safari with time in South Africa or a private villa stay in Cape Town.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month for a safari in Kenya and Tanzania?
There is no single best month. July to October is the classic time for Mara River crossings, January to March for calving in the southern Serengeti, and June and November for quieter camps and green scenery.
When can I see the Mara River crossings?
Usually between July and October, in the northern Serengeti and the Maasai Mara. Crossings depend on the herds and the rain, so they cannot be guaranteed on a particular day.
Is the rainy season a bad time to go on safari?
Not necessarily. April and May are the wettest months and some camps close, but the landscape is green and there are fewer visitors. November rains are usually short.
Should I choose Kenya or Tanzania for the Great Migration?
It depends on the month. The herds spend most of the year in Tanzania’s Serengeti and reach Kenya’s Maasai Mara for part of the dry season. Many travellers combine both.
How far ahead should I book?
For the July to October season, the earlier the better, as the most sought-after camps fill first. Get in touch as soon as you know your dates and we can advise on availability.
Plan your East Africa safari
Every Nova Earth Safaris journey is tailored to you. Tell us when you would like to travel and what you hope to see, and we will suggest the right places and the right time. Explore Kenya and Tanzania, or contact us to start planning.