Serengeti National Park

February is the hottest and driest month in Tanzania. The sky is almost always clear, the grass in the savanna dries up, and even small animals - mongooses, serval cats, and dwarf antelopes dik-diks - are easily seen from the safari SUV. Elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and other large mammals tend to stay closer to the rivers.

During this month, the giant herds of the Great Migration rest in the southern plains of the national park. At this time, wildebeests and zebras give birth to their young, with up to 8000 babies born each day.

Travelers in the park are still numerous, but towards the end of the month, the number of safari vehicles gradually decreases.

March is a warm transitional month between the dry and rainy seasons. Starting from mid-March, there are noticeably fewer other safari vehicles in the park, and many Serengeti lodges begin to offer seasonal discounts. This month is well-suited for travelers who prefer a secluded and peaceful vacation.

Large mammals - elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and antelopes - can often be seen both near water bodies and just along the road. Animals have become accustomed to safari vehicles and allow you to take a closer look at them.

In April, rains are common, yet there are days when it's completely dry. Animals in the Serengeti can be encountered in any part of the park: the rains create new waterholes, eliminating the need to stay near rivers. Fresh grass grows, transforming the park's grassland plains from drought-yellow to lush green. Against this backdrop, giraffes, lions, and leopards look particularly picturesque.

At the same time, smaller cats like servals and caracals can be difficult to spot in the dense and tall grass. They are more visible during the dry season in July-September and January-March when the savanna grass is not so tall.

Seeking fresh grass, large herds of antelopes and zebras move from the southern Serengeti to the western part of the park.

April sees the fewest travelers in the Serengeti, and hotels offer the most advantageous seasonal deals.

The Serengeti continues to experience seasonal rains in May. The savanna is drowning in greenery, and large herbivores - elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and gazelles - disperse across the entire territory of the park. Lions, cheetahs, leopards, and other predators can also be seen in any part of the Serengeti. Large herds of zebras and wildebeest can be found in the western part of the park. Lake Victoria, the largest in Africa, is just a few dozen kilometers to the west.

There are occasionally completely dry days in May, but we recommend being prepared for any weather. Be sure to bring windproof jackets.

Like in April, there are relatively few travelers in the Serengeti in May, and hotels offer seasonal discounts.

By mid-June, dry weather returns to the Serengeti. The rains end, and the Southern Hemisphere enters the equatorial winter: it becomes slightly cooler than in January and February. The savanna enjoys comfortable, not-too-hot weather, and the park is not yet crowded with visitors. Early in the month, there's still a chance to take advantage of seasonal discounts at hotels. This is the ideal time for a safari.

Large savanna inhabitants - elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, and other felines - can be seen in any part of the park. They often approach closely to the safari vehicles, allowing for closer observation.

Large herds of wildebeest and zebras begin their mass crossing through the Mbalageti and Grumeti rivers. They often encounter predators - lions, leopards, hyenas, and crocodiles along the way. This is one of the most iconic and memorable sights on a safari.

July is the coldest month in the Serengeti National Park, with nighttime temperatures possibly dropping to +14°C (57°F). During the day, it's usually warm and sunny, around 25-30°C (77-86°F). By this time, the rains have already ended, and the park again fills with travelers.

Giraffes, elephants, zebras, and antelopes try to stay closer to water sources, where you'll also see hippos and crocodiles. The savanna's predators - lions, leopards, caracals, and servals - hunt in various parts of the park. They are not at all afraid of safari vehicles, and a pride of lions can often be seen right by the road.

Large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and other ungulates begin their crossing of the Mara River in the northern Serengeti. This is the climax of the Great Migration: obeying instincts, thousands of animals simultaneously swim across the full-flowing Mara River against the backdrop of the African savanna. This epic wildlife drama can only be seen in the Serengeti.

August — the peak of the summer “dry” season in the Serengeti National Park. The occurrence of rain is rare, leaving the sky mostly clear. Nights can be cool, with temperatures potentially dropping to 14-15°C (57-59°F). During this period, the park typically sees its highest number of visitors.

The savanna's inhabitants are virtually everywhere, offering an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing. From the comfort of an SUV, one can spot lions, elephants, giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, mongooses, warthogs, and other animals. August is an optimal time to observe animals like servals, caracals, and mongooses, which are more difficult to spot during the rainy season due to the high grass.

Large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and other ungulates gather in the northern part of the park, where the climax of the Great Migration, crossing the Mara River, continues. July and August are considered the best months to witness this unique natural spectacle, as massive herds make their way across the river, while hungry predators lurk in the waters.

In September, the Serengeti National Park enjoys warm and clear weather. This is a popular time for safaris, and the park will still have many other travelers.

By September, the Serengeti savanna dries up, and animals tend to stay closer to water bodies. Here you can most often encounter large herbivores: elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and antelopes. Predators — lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas — are almost always nearby. On a safari in the Serengeti, you are sure to see all the main African animals against the stunning landscapes of the savanna.

October is the last dry month before the onset of the rainy season, making it an excellent time for a safari in the Serengeti National Park. Most of the time, the park enjoys pleasant dry, and warm weather, and there are fewer travelers than in August or September.

Animals in the Serengeti are everywhere. On a safari, you are very likely to see famous African predators: lions, leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs. They can be encountered in any part of the park. The Serengeti also hosts all types of large herbivores: elephants, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes, and giraffes. You'll also come across some less-known but interesting savanna inhabitants, such as caracals, servals, Thompson's gazelles, and monkeys.

Large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and other ungulates return to the Serengeti from Kenya and again cross the Mara River in the park's northern part.

November marks the beginning of the rainy season in Tanzania. The park sees significantly fewer visitors, and lodges offer seasonal discounts. We recommend this time for a safari to those who want to enjoy Africa's most famous national park in a more secluded manner.

Due to the rains, the Serengeti plains change their coloration: from drought-yellow to vibrant green. Numerous water sources emerge, and animals spread out across the park's expanse. Small savanna dwellers such as dik-dik antelopes, mongooses, and servals can be difficult to spot due to the tall grass. Large mammals like elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and zebras are easily found throughout the park. In the Serengeti rivers and lakes, visitors will see hippos and crocodiles.

The large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and other ungulates return to the western part of the park, where fresh grass is abundant.

By mid-December, the autumn rainy period concludes, and the Serengeti welcomes an influx of tourists for the holiday season, marking the start of the winter safari season. The weather is dry and sunny, noticeably warmer than in July through September.

The park's popular African animals — elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and hyenas — can be encountered throughout the Serengeti. During a safari, visitors will also see servals, warthogs, Thompson's gazelles, caracals, servals, hyenas, crocodiles, hippos, and other wildlife.

Migrating herds of wildebeest and zebras gather in the western part of the park, where the annual cycle of the Great Migration concludes, offering a majestic end to the year's natural spectacles.