The Serengeti National Park is one of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations — a land of endless plains, dramatic wildlife encounters, and the iconic Great Wildebeest Migration. Whether you’re planning your first safari or returning for a new adventure, understanding the best time to visit the Serengeti will help you experience this remarkable ecosystem at its very best.
At Parks Adventure, we help travelers choose the perfect season based on their interests — from river crossings to calving season, big cat encounters, or peaceful off-peak safaris.
⭐ So, When Is the Best Time to Visit the Serengeti?
The Serengeti is a year-round destination, but the ideal time for your safari depends on what you want to witness:
- June to October – Best for classic wildlife viewing and Mara River crossings
- December to March – Best for calving season, predators, and green landscapes
- April to May – Best for budget travel, lush scenery, and fewer crowds
Each season offers its own charm, making the Serengeti an unforgettable destination no matter when you visit.
🌞 Dry Season (June – October)
Best for wildlife viewing & Great Migration river crossings
During the dry season, vegetation thins out and animals gather around water sources, creating excellent visibility for game viewing. This is also the time when the Great Migration faces the dramatic challenge of the Mara River crossings — a highlight for many safari lovers.
Why travel during this season:
- Ideal weather for full-day game drives
- High chances of spotting big cats
- Iconic Serengeti open-plains scenery
🌦️ Green Season (November – March)
Best for calving, predators, and photography
Short rains bring life back to the Serengeti, turning the plains into a beautiful green landscape. The Southern Serengeti and Ndutu region host the wildebeest calving season from January to March, with over 500,000 newborn calves attracting intense predator action.
Perfect for travelers who love:
- Dramatic photography
- Predator vs. prey interactions
- Fewer crowds and peaceful campsites
🌧️ Long Rains (April – May)
Best for budget travelers and scenic safaris
This period sees heavier rains, but it remains an excellent time for travelers seeking value and solitude. The landscapes are lush and vibrant, and many lodges offer discounted rates.
Benefits of traveling now:
- Quiet parks and private wildlife encounters
- Great deals on accommodation
- Rich green scenery and moody skies for photographers
📅 Month-by-Month Serengeti Breakdown
January – February: Calving Season Starts
Witness thousands of baby wildebeest and intense predator action.
March: End of Calving & Green Landscapes
Ideal for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
April – May: Rainy but Rewarding
Low prices, lush plains, and peaceful safaris.
June: Migration Moves North
Perfect visibility and great wildlife viewing.
July – August: River Crossing Season
Peak travel months — witness the dramatic Mara River crossings.
September – October: Excellent Game Viewing
Clear skies, abundant wildlife, and strong big cat sightings.
November: Short Rains & Fresh Scenery
The park comes alive with greenery and migrating birds.
December: Start of Southern Movement
The herds head back to the south, preparing for calving.
🎯 Best Time Based on Your Safari Interests
✔ Best Time for the Great Migration
- River Crossings: June – October
- Calving Season: December – March
✔ Best Time for Big Cats
- January – March
- June – October
✔ Best Time for Wildlife Photography
- December – March
- June – October
✔ Best Time for Budget Travelers
- April – May
🌍 Final Thoughts from Parks Adventure
The Serengeti is truly extraordinary in every season — whether you want to witness the thunder of migrating herds, the miracle of calving season, or the serenity of the green months. At Parks Adventure, we tailor each safari to the season that matches your travel dreams.