The best time to visit Tanzania for a safari is during the dry season, from late June to October, when wildlife is easier to see as animals gather around rivers and waterholes. Tanzania also has two rainy seasons: the long rains from April to May and the short rains in November and December. The long rains often bring heavy afternoon showers, and some safari camps may close, while the short rains usually bring only light, brief showers.
Most safari areas enjoy warm days and cool nights throughout the year, with coastal and lakeside regions remaining hot and humid. The ideal time for your safari will depend on where you want to go and what you want to experience. For first-time visitors, the dry season is usually the best choice, as game viewing is at its peak and wildlife is easier to track and spot.
Tanzania is a year-round safari destination, offering incredible wildlife experiences and breathtaking landscapes no matter when you visit. Its climate is shaped by tropical and equatorial patterns, with distinct wet and dry seasons that influence wildlife behavior and scenery. Understanding the different seasons can help you choose the perfect time for your adventure, whether you want to witness dramatic predator-prey interactions, follow the Great Migration, or enjoy quiet, green landscapes.
The dry season is considered the best time for wildlife viewing in Tanzania. With minimal rainfall, animals gather around rivers and waterholes, making them easier to spot. Vegetation is sparse, and the weather is generally sunny with cooler evenings. This period also features the famous Great Migration river crossings in the northern Serengeti, where wildebeest and zebras navigate the crocodile-filled Mara River. It’s the most popular season, so parks are busier, but the wildlife experiences are unforgettable.
During the green season, the southern Serengeti becomes the stage for the wildebeest calving season, attracting predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. The landscape is lush and vibrant, ideal for photography and nature lovers. Fewer tourists visit compared to the dry season, offering a more intimate safari experience. It’s a spectacular time to witness natural wildlife behavior while enjoying the greenery of Tanzania’s plains.
The short rains bring brief, refreshing showers that turn the parks into vibrant green landscapes. Wildlife remains active, and the scenery is perfect for photography. Visitor numbers are lower, allowing for peaceful game drives and more flexible accommodations. This season offers a balance between good wildlife viewing and fewer crowds, making it ideal for travelers seeking a quieter safari experience.
The long rains deliver heavier afternoon showers, creating lush and dramatic landscapes across Tanzania. Some camps and lodges may close temporarily, but visitors during this time enjoy lower prices and minimal crowds. Wildlife can still be seen, and birdwatching is excellent with migratory species arriving. This season is perfect for photographers and travelers who enjoy the beauty of green, unspoiled wilderness without the usual crowds.
Booking your safari with Velam Tours & Safaris means traveling with a trusted partner who knows Tanzania inside and out. We combine local expertise, professional guides, and carefully planned itineraries to give you a smooth and memorable safari experience. With us, you don’t just see Tanzania – you feel it, through authentic encounters, comfortable stays, and personalized service that puts your needs first.
Every traveler is unique, and so is every safari we create. At Velam Tours & Safaris, we’ve designed sample itineraries to inspire your adventure—whether you dream of a short escape, a classic wildlife journey, or a combination of safari and beach relaxation. These itineraries are carefully crafted to balance adventure and comfort, giving you a glimpse of the endless possibilities that await.
We can craft a personalized itinerary to match your interests and preferences—whether it’s a holiday for a special occasion, a stay in comfortable or luxury accommodations, or a focus on wildlife, culture, or outdoor adventures.
Here you will find informative articles about Tanzanian wildlife safaris, vacations on Zanzibar and other islands of Tanzania, as well as plenty of interesting insights about Tanzanian history, culture, animals, birds and the Velam Tours & Safaris team, which has been living and working here for over a decade.
We have been receiving reviews from our served clients and We are rated 5/5 by customers. This honor is given to us by customers because we always remain committed to all our customers to do whatever is needed by them to make their safari fully satisfied.
Jeremy S2025-09-26Verified Incredible Safari Expereince We had the most incredible 7-day custom safari with Velam Safaris through the Serengeti and Northern Tanzania. From the very beginning, Adam and the entire Velam team went above and beyond to make our trip special. They carefully crafted the perfect itinerary based on our interests and desires, ensuring every detail was thought through.One of the highlights was having a professional photographer join us, capturing every moment so we could fully immerse ourselves in the experience. The team’s knowledge of the wildlife, landscapes, and local culture was outstanding, and everything about the trip felt seamless and well-coordinated.The accommodations and food throughout the journey were exceptional, making each day feel both adventurous and comfortable.We can’t recommend Velam Safaris highly enough. If you’re considering a safari in Tanzania, they will make your experience special. Christine L2025-08-18Verified Valence, Outstanding Safari Guide! We had the pleasure and honor of having Valence as our safari guide for seven days in Tanzania this August. This was my first safari and my husband’s fifth, and Valence was by far the most knowledgeable guide we have ever had. With over 12 years of experience, he was professional, full of energy, and always checking in on us with his friendly “Are you good?” He helped us spot an incredible range of wildlife, from zebras and giraffes to lions and cheetahs, and he seemed to know the habits of almost every plant and animal. He could even anticipate animal behavior, from predicting where a leopard would move during a hunt to finding the perfect spot for the wildebeest crossing in the Mara River. He even bought us some roasted bananas to try since we were curious about local cuisine, which made the experience feel even more authentic and special. We also ran into some car issues during the trip, which is quite common on safari, but Valence quickly identified the problem on the spot. As an experienced mechanic, he made the repairs at a nearby town without disrupting our itinerary much. Every day with him felt like a fascinating biology lesson, and thanks to Valence, our safari was both unforgettable and in the best of hands. We would highly recommend him to anyone planning a safari! Jiaming Ji2025-08-13Verified Best Guide - Valence: The Driver Who Made Our Tanzania Safari Unforgettable – Big Five, Perfect Views & Hakuna Matata In Tanzania, your driver is everything — guide, protector, storyteller. We were lucky to have Valence, with 12+ years of experience and a heart of gold. He showed us all the Big Five, river crossings, even lions hunting. He knew every road, avoided dust and breakdowns, and always found the perfect viewing spots. “Hakuna Matata,” he’d say, and we believed it. From day one he called us family — and treated us like it. SwatiUtukuri2025-05-11Verified Felt like home in the midst of the jungle Being Single ladies we were taken care of so much and we felt so safe in the midst of the jungle with barely any network. Safari experience was smooth and so surprisingly magnificent.Adam who crafted our tour itinerary was in touch from day 1 till we landed back . Lolo and Lawrence our guides were nothing less than family 🙂 Nomad292367290962024-03-25Verified Exceptional Safari Experience! Velam Safaris delivered an outstanding safari adventure! From seamless communication to expert-guided game drives, every moment was exceptional. Luxurious accommodations, attentive staff, and a commitment to sustainability set them apart. Highly recommend for an unforgettable safari experience! Mama Bishop M2024-03-25Verified Unforgettable Trip - Organized by Adam This trip was absolutely incredible! A huge thanks to Adam for organizing everything so flawlessly. From the very beginning, Adam was incredibly helpful and responsive, answering all my questions and making sure everything was perfectly tailored to our interests. allen M2024-03-25Verified Exceptional 5-Day Safari with Velam Safaris Velam Safaris provided an outstanding 5-day safari experience. Our knowledgeable guide made every moment memorable with incredible wildlife sightings and insightful commentary. The accommodations were luxurious, and the opportunity to connect with local communities added depth to the journey. Highly recommended for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Africa. Cate H2024-03-22Verified A Fantastic Adventure with Velam Safaris: My 5-Day Tanzania Safari Review I went on a safari trip with Velam Safaris in Tanzania for 5 days, and it was amazing. Everything was well planned, and the trip was fantastic from start to finish.The best part was seeing all the animals. Our guide took us on drives through Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. We saw lions, elephants, rhinos, and many other animals in their natural homes. It was so cool to be up close to them.Our places to stay were really nice too. We stayed in comfy tents and cozy lodges. Waking up to the sounds of animals and eating tasty meals outside was so nice.What I liked most about Velam Safaris is that they care about the environment. Our guide talked about why it's important to protect nature, and I thought that was great.Overall, I had an awesome time with Velam Safaris. If you want to go on a safari in Tanzania, I definitely recommend them. Thanks, Velam Safaris, for an unforgettable adventure!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more