Ask ten safari guides for the best month in the Serengeti and you will hear ten different answers — and every one of them will be right. It depends on what you hope to feel when you are out there.
The Serengeti is outstanding in every month. What changes is the light, the landscape, the number of vehicles and where the great herds happen to be. Here is how the year unfolds.
June to October: the dry season
Grass is short and water is scarce, so animals gather near rivers and are easier to find. Days are clear and warm, while early mornings on an open vehicle can be properly cold. These are the busiest months in the park and the peak of our rates.
November and December: the short rains
Brief afternoon showers turn the plains green almost overnight. The herds move south through the eastern and central Serengeti. It is a beautiful, softer time of year, and less crowded.
January and February: between the rains
Often a drier spell, with wildebeest calving beginning on the southern plains. Warm days, dramatic skies and plenty of young animals.
March to May: the long rains
The landscape is at its greenest and the park at its quietest. Rain is more frequent and some tracks become muddy, but the light after a storm is extraordinary — photographers love it.
How our seasons work
Our rates follow three seasons: Low Season (March, April, November and 1–18 December), High Season (June, October and 19 December to February) and Peak Season (July, August and September). Long-stay offers apply in every season. See the full rate sheet.
Our honest advice
If wildlife density matters most, choose the dry months. If you want space, colour and better value, the green months are wonderful — especially in Central Serengeti, where wildlife is present all year round.
Questions & answers
What is the cheapest time to visit the Serengeti?
Our Low Season — March, April, November and 1–18 December — has the lowest rates, and the park is quieter too.
Is it worth visiting the Serengeti in the rainy season?
Yes. Rain usually falls in short showers, the landscape is green, and there are fewer vehicles. Some tracks can be muddy.
How many nights should I stay?
We suggest at least three nights so you have time for several game drives without rushing.
