The Best Time to Visit Serengeti depends on what you want to experience—whether it’s the breathtaking Great Migration, predator action, or lush green landscapes. This guide covers the Serengeti’s seasons, wildlife highlights, and the best months for game viewing, helping you plan the perfect safari.
The Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations, offers an unparalleled safari experience. With its vast plains, diverse wildlife, and the world-famous Great Migration, Serengeti attracts visitors year-round. However, the best time to visit depends on your priorities—whether it’s witnessing the migration, enjoying fewer crowds, or experiencing the best game viewing conditions. This article will guide you through the best times and places to visit in the Serengeti based on different seasons and interests.
Understanding Serengeti’s Seasons
The Serengeti has two main seasons—dry season (June to October) and wet season (November to May). Each offers unique wildlife experiences, making the Best Time to Visit Serengeti dependent on your safari goals.
Dry Season (June to October) – Best for Wildlife Viewing
- Weather: Dry and cool, with temperatures ranging from 14°C (57°F) in the mornings to 27°C (81°F) in the afternoons.
- Wildlife: Animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. The shorter grass also enhances visibility.
- Great Migration: From June to July, the herds cross the Grumeti River in the Western Corridor. In August to October, they move north to the Mara River, where dramatic river crossings occur.
Best Areas to Visit:
- Western Corridor (June – July): Witness river crossings at the Grumeti River.
- Northern Serengeti (August – October): Watch the migration cross the Mara River into Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
- Central Serengeti (June – October): Offers excellent year-round game viewing, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
- Eastern Serengeti: A less crowded area with excellent predator activity and good wildlife sightings, especially in the dry season.
Pros:
- Best time for predator sightings
- Pleasant weather with low humidity
- Minimal risk of malaria due to fewer mosquitoes
- Ideal for photography with clear skies
Cons:
- Peak tourist season, leading to higher prices and crowded areas
- Can be difficult to book lodges and camps if not done in advance
Wet Season (November to May) – Best for Scenery and Calving
- Weather: Warmer temperatures, occasional heavy rains, but interspersed with sunshine.
- Wildlife: Lush green landscapes, excellent birdwatching, and the calving season for wildebeest Great Migration:
- December to March: The herds gather in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu region to give birth.
- April to May: Migration begins moving northward as the dry season approaches.
Best Areas to Visit: Best Time to Visit Serengeti
- Southern Serengeti & Ndutu (December – March): Perfect for witnessing the calving season and predator activity.
- Central Serengeti (November – May): Abundant wildlife and fewer tourists.
- Eastern Serengeti: Lush landscapes and less congestion compared to central areas, making it great for off-the-beaten-path safaris.
Pros:
- Fewer crowds and lower accommodation costs
- Vibrant landscapes with lush greenery
- Calving season attracts predators, leading to thrilling predator-prey interactions
- Excellent for birdwatching due to migratory species
Cons:
- Some roads may be difficult to navigate due to rain
- Higher mosquito activity, increasing the risk of malaria
Parts of the Serengeti
The Serengeti is divided into different regions, each offering a unique safari experience.
Northern Serengeti
The Northern Serengeti is famous for the dramatic Mara River crossings, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras brave crocodile-infested waters as they migrate into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This region is best visited between August and October when the crossings are at their peak. Due to its remote location, the Northern Serengeti sees fewer crowds, making it an excellent destination for an exclusive safari experience.
Central Serengeti
The Central Serengeti, also known as the Seronera Valley, is a prime game-viewing area throughout the year. This region is home to an abundance of resident wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and large herds of herbivores. The Seronera River provides a reliable water source, ensuring consistent wildlife activity regardless of the season. If you want a classic Serengeti safari experience, this is one of the best places to visit.
Western Corridor
The Western Corridor stretches along the Grumeti River and is well-known for its dramatic river crossings that occur between June and July. The river is home to large Nile crocodiles that prey on migrating wildebeest as they attempt to cross. This region also boasts diverse landscapes, including savannahs, woodlands, and swampy areas, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and rare black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Southern Serengeti & Ndutu
The Southern Serengeti, particularly the Ndutu region, is the best place to witness the calving season between December and March. During this period, thousands of wildebeest give birth, attracting numerous predators such as lions, hyenas, and cheetahs. The open plains provide excellent visibility, making it an ideal destination for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Eastern Serengeti
The Eastern Serengeti is a less-explored region that offers an off-the-beaten-path safari experience. It is known for its high concentration of predators, including cheetahs, which thrive in the open grasslands. Unlike the more tourist-heavy areas, the Eastern Serengeti provides a more private and intimate wildlife experience, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
Special Considerations
Best Time for Budget Travelers
For budget-conscious travelers, the green season (March to May) offers lower prices on lodges and fewer tourists. You can still see plenty of wildlife without the high costs of peak season.
Best Time for Photographers
Photographers may prefer the wet season (November to May) due to dramatic skies, lush landscapes, and excellent lighting conditions.
Best Time for Birdwatchers
The wet season (November to April) is the best time for birdwatching, as migratory birds arrive and resident species display vibrant breeding plumage.
Conclusion of Best Time to Visit Serengeti
The Best Time to Visit Serengeti depends on what you want to experience. For thrilling Great Migration crossings, visit between July and September. If you prefer fewer crowds and lush landscapes, the green season from November to May is ideal. Whether it’s predator action, breathtaking scenery, or witnessing the miracle of new life, Serengeti offers an unforgettable safari experience year-round.
The Serengeti is a year-round safari destination, with each season offering unique experiences. The dry season (June to October) is best for witnessing dramatic river crossings and general wildlife viewing, while the wet season (November to May) provides lush scenery, birdwatching, and the mesmerizing wildebeest calving season.
Additionally, different parts of the Serengeti offer varied experiences. The Northern Serengeti is best for witnessing the Mara River crossings, the Western Corridor is great for Grumeti River crossings, the Southern Serengeti is ideal for calving season, and the Central Serengeti offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round. The Eastern Serengeti is a great alternative for those seeking a quieter, more exclusive safari experience.
