The best time to visit Serengeti National Park
The best time to visit Serengeti National Park is the most suitable time of the year for a safari around the national park.
Serengeti National Park is a popular safari destination in the northern part of Tanzania covering over 14,750 square kilometers. The park is home to numerous wildlife species and is also known for the great wildebeest migration.
Choosing the best time to visit Serengeti National Park varies depending on different factors. However, throughout the year, safaris can be done around the destination. Different activities can be done around the park during safaris and this includes game drives, balloon safaris, bird watching tours, and walking safaris among others.
Visiting Serengeti National Park in the dry season
The dry season in Serengeti National Park runs from June to October and is considered the best time to visit the national park for wildlife safaris.
During the dry season, the vegetation in Serengeti National Park is thin and water sources become sparse, forcing wildlife species to gather around the remaining waterholes and rivers which become the ideal locations to see the various wildlife species such as elephants, antelopes, lions, warthogs, hippos, giraffes, wildebeests among others during the safari.
The abundance of wildlife species in the dry season and the clear skies and thin vegetation make it the best time to visit Serengeti National Park.
The dry season is also the peak tourist season in Tanzania which attracts many tourists from all over the world to visit Serengeti National Park for wildlife safaris. Despite the increased number of visitors, the quantity of wildlife and the pleasant weather make it an ideal period for safari travelers and photography lovers.
The wildebeest migration can also be viewed during the dry season in Serengeti National Park as millions of wildebeests move across the vast savannah plains of the park.
It is also easier to drive around Serengeti National Park during the dry season in search of the wildlife species in its vast savannah plains and acacia woodlands. Different activities including game drives, walking safaris, and balloon safaris among others are also best done during this time of the year since the weather is good.
In the months of December, January, and February, the dry season is also experienced in Serengeti National Park. However, the dry season is also a high tourist season, so it is best to book hotels and safari tours ahead of time.
Visiting Serengeti National Park in the wet season
While the dry season receives a lot of tourist attention, the wet seasons in Serengeti National Park have their distinct charms and experiences.
From November to December, the short rains turn Serengeti National Park into a lush green wonderland, bringing fresh life to the plains. This is also the start of the birthing season, with thousands of herbivores giving birth to their young among the refreshed vegetation.
The short rains also attract a large number of migratory birds, making it an ideal period for birdwatchers to visit Serengeti National Park, especially during November, December, January, February, March, and April.
Similarly in March to May Serengeti National Park receives a lot of rainfall, resulting in stunning skies and green vegetation. While the wet or rainy seasons may not have the same quantity of wildlife species as the dry months of the year, they offer a quieter, more intimate safari experience, with fewer tourists and lower accommodation rates.
However, for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience and ready to embrace the unpredictable character of the weather, the wet seasons offer the chance to visit Serengeti National Park and see its different attractions.
Best months to see the wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park
The wildebeest migration cycle in Serengeti National Park usually follows a pattern throughout the year.
- December to February
The great wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park starts with the calving season which takes place during the months of December to February.
Calving season in the southern Serengeti occurs in January and February, providing a wonderful opportunity to observe the wildebeest calves being born and taking their first steps.
By March, the wildebeest herds begin to migrate northwest toward the Grumeti River which is the location of river crossings during the wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park.
- April and May
By April, the wildebeest herds begin to move towards the Grumeti River and also continue to the central part of Serengeti National Park around May.
In the Seronera area, the wildebeest herds can also be seen around these months as they continue the movement northwards.
- June to August
The Mara river crossings can be seen from June, July, and August which is also a time when crocodiles and different predators such as lions, leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs among others can be seen in Serengeti National Park.
The months of June to August are also the best time for wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities in Serengeti National Park. Therefore, the best months to witness the Great wildebeest migration in the Serengeti National Park
The weather is often dry and sunny around these months, providing ideal safari conditions and amazing photographic opportunities. However, this is the high tour season, therefore more tourists and higher prices are expected during tours around Serengeti National Park.
From September and October, the wildebeests move to the Masai Mara reserve in southwestern Kenya which is another destination where the migration takes place.
How to get to Serengeti National Park
When planning a visit to Serengeti National Park, it is important to consider both the weather and the accessibility.
During the dry season, the safari conditions are ideal, and driving around Serengeti National Park and flights are also available making it easy to get to the national park to enjoy activities such as wildlife viewing and photography.
Safaris in Serengeti National Park during the wet seasons bring rain and mud making many portions of the park inaccessible, especially for game drives.
Tourists can get to Serengeti National Park by driving and also by flight during the different seasons of the year.
