The Best Time for a Family Safari in East Africa & for Spotting The Big 5

Experience the ultimate best time for a family safari in East Africa, especially for spotting the Big 5, is during the dry seasons, which are generally June to October and January to February. During these times, wildlife is easier to see because vegetation is less dense and animals congregate around shrinking water sources.

Experience the ultimate best time for a family safari in East Africa and to spot the Big Five — lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos — depends on wildlife patterns and weather. Dry season, from June to October, is ideal for families as animals gather around water sources, making sightings easier and game drives more comfortable. Cooler mornings and sunny days create perfect conditions for wildlife photography, walking safaris, and outdoor activities suitable for children.

Short dry season in January and February ( January to March (Calving Season) is also excellent, the Best Time for a Family Safari in East Africa & for spotting the Big 5, with clear skies, calm weather, and fewer tourists. During the wet season (March–May), the landscapes are lush and green, though some roads may be challenging, and wildlife may be more dispersed. June (Western Corridor, starting the dramatic crossings of the Grumeti River)

For families, planning safaris during school holidays in the dry season balances great wildlife viewing with safe, manageable conditions. National parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Maasai Mara offer family-friendly accommodations and accessible game drives. By aligning your trip with the dry months, your family maximizes the chances of spotting the Big Five while enjoying a comfortable and memorable East African safari experience.

Best Time

June to October (All parks), January to February (Serengeti for the wildebeest calving)

High Season

July to March (Northern circuit parks; all get crowded), June to October (Southern and Western circuit parks; only Nyerere gets crowded)

Low Season

April and May (Many lodges are closed in the Southern and Western circuit parks)

Best Weather

June to October (Little to no rainfall), June Grumeti River crossing, (July to October Mara River Crossing).

Worst Weather

March to May (Peak of the Wet season)

Uhuru Peak - Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, Lemosho Route, Machame Route, Northern Circuit Route, Marangu Route, How Long Does It Take To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro. How Many Days Does It Take To Recover From Kilimanjaro Climb, How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, When was Mount Kilimanjaro’s last eruption, and will it erupt Again? 7 Day Kilimanjaro Climbing Shira Route, Climbing Kilimanjaro On A Budget, Tanzania safari information, Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness and other Health Considerations, When was Mount Kilimanjaro's Last Eruption, How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, How to Sleep Well on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania in July, Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route, Reviews, Map, Pros, Cons, and Route Facts, How To Train For Kilimanjaro Climb, When not to climb Kilimanjaro? Avoid March, April, and May, What Happens When a Fashion Model Climbs a Mountain?, What are the Best Socks for Climbing Kilimanjaro?, What Challenges Do You Face On Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing?, Lemosho Route, Do You Need Oxygen to Climb Kilimanjaro?, 3 Important Jackets You Need for Climbing Kilimanjaro, How to Choose a Jacket for Climbing Kilimanjaro, Stephan Siegrist sets new highline record on Mount Kilimanjaro, Lava Tower – Kilimanjaro’s Gigantic Volcanic Plug, Is Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya or Tanzania?, Ways to Reduce Your Eco Footprint When Hiking, hardest and most dangerous mountains to climb, Kilimanjaro Height – How High Is Mount Kilimanjaro?, Why should i bring sunscreen when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?, Reasons to Climb Machame Route, Kilimanjaro Packing Mistakes: What Not to Bring, Lemosho vs. Marangu Route: A Comparison of Kilimanjaro's Newer and Older Climbing Paths, Kilimanjaro Hiking Tours, Mount Meru vs Kilimanjaro, Why We Are the Best Kilimanjaro Climbing Company, Kilimanjaro backpack: how to choose, recommended models, How was Mount Kilimanjaro formed?, Where Is Kilimanjaro? A Complete Guide to Africa’s Tallest Mountain, Where Is Kilimanjaro? A Complete Guide to Africa’s Tallest Mountain, Where Is Kilimanjaro? A Complete Guide to Africa’s Tallest Mountain

Tanzania in July: Weather, Prices, Travel Tips, Safari & More

Exploring the Wonders of Tanzania in July: A Comprehensive Travel Guide. July is a captivating time to visit …

The great migration in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Serengeti wildebeest migration explained with moving map. Complete Guide to a Wildebeest Migration Safari, 4-Days Serengeti Migration Safari, 8 Must-Have Items to Take for Wildebeest Migration Safari, 8 Days Serengeti Migration Safari, Best Masai Mara Safari Tour Deals, Tips for Planning an African Great Migration Safari, 10 Reasons Why You Should See The Great Migration Safari in Tanzania, Tips for Planning Your Wildebeest Migration Safari, Ultimate Complete Guide to Great Serengeti Wildebeests Migration., Tanzania in August, ultimate Tanzania safari, Best Things to Do in Serengeti National Park, Interesting Facts About the Serengeti National Park, 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit the Serengeti National Park, Climate and Weather in Serengeti National Park, Great Migration River Crossing, Serengeti in August, Witness the Great Migration in Serengeti in July, 10 Day Tanzania Great Migration Safari, The Great Migration: What, When, and Where?, How to Plan & Book a Wildebeest Migration Safari

Discover Tanzania in August: Weather, Prices, Travel Tips, Safari & More

Explore Tanzania in August: Weather, Prices, Travel Tips, Safari & More August in Tanzania is a splendid time …

Great Migration Safari Packages, Wildebeest Migration Safari Packages 2024/2025, When is the best time to see the Great migration, What to Do - Tanzania in September: Safari Adventures: Embark on game drives in renowned national parks, such as the Serengeti and Tarangire, for unparalleled wildlife encounters. Hot Air Balloon Safari: Experience the Serengeti from a unique perspective with a hot air balloon safari, providing breathtaking views of the landscapes and wildlife below. Cultural Encounters: Visit local Maasai villages to gain insight into traditional Tanzanian cultures. Participate in cultural activities and learn about their way of life. What to Bring - Tanzania in September: Lightweight Clothing: Pack breathable and lightweight clothing suitable for warm daytime temperatures. Binoculars and Camera: Enhance your safari experience with binoculars for wildlife spotting and a camera to capture the incredible moments. Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong African sun. Accommodations: Luxury Lodges: Experience the ultimate in comfort and luxury with lodges such as Singita Sasakwa Lodge and Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti. Mid-Range Camps: Explore mid-range options like Asilia Africa camps, providing a balance between comfort and affordability. Budget-Friendly Options: For budget-conscious travelers, consider camps like Kati Kati Tented Camp, offering a more affordable yet authentic safari experience. Events in Tanzania in September: Mwaka Kogwa Festival: Experience the Mwaka Kogwa Festival in Zanzibar, a celebration that includes traditional music, dance, and rituals, offering a unique cultural experience. Safari Rally: Motorsport enthusiasts can witness the thrilling Safari Rally, an international event that showcases the beauty of Tanzanian landscapes. FAQs - Tanzania in September: Is September a good time for a safari in Tanzania? Yes, September is an excellent time for a safari, especially to witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti. Are there any health precautions to take? Consult with a healthcare professional for malaria prevention, and ensure you have necessary vaccinations. What should I wear on safari in September? Pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Don't forget a hat and sunscreen. In conclusion, Tanzania in September offers a unique blend of wildlife wonders, cultural experiences, and favorable weather conditions. Whether you're an avid safari-goer, a beach lover, or a cultural explorer, Tanzania in September promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of East Africa. Plan ahead, pack wisely, and get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of this diverse and captivating destination.

Amazing Tanzania in September: Travel Tips, Safari, Weather & More

Tanzania in September: Weather, Prices, Travel Tips, Safari & More Visitor numbers are starting to drop off now; …

The Best Places to See the Big 5

When and Where to See the Big 5 in Africa? The best places to see the Big Five in Tanzania are the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, which offer the highest probability of sightings amazing Activities to do on Family Safari in East Africa & beyond Spotting The Big 5, especially for a diverse range of animals and specific species like lions and rhinos. Other excellent options include Tarangire National Park for elephants, Lake Manyara National Park for tree-climbing lions, and Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) for a less crowded experience. Peak safari season runs from about July to October across Africa. This coincides with the continent’s cool, dry winter.

Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp, Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park – Home to the Great Migration

Explore Serengeti National Park – Travel Guide, Map & More! The name “Serengeti” conjures images of endless plains …

How to Make Big 5 Safe (& Exciting) for Family

To make a Big Five safari safe and exciting for families, choose reputable operators with trained guides and secure vehicles. Opt for short, engaging game drives suited to children’s attention spans. Encourage wildlife spotting with binoculars and cameras, and share fun facts to make learning interactive. Include picnic breaks and kid-friendly activities between drives. Following guides’ safety instructions and combining adventure with education ensures a thrilling, memorable, and safe Big Five experience for the whole family.