The Serengeti National Park is one of the world’s greatest safari destinations, offering breathtaking wildlife encounters, vast golden plains, and the iconic Great Wildebeest Migration. But one of the most common questions travelers ask is: When is the best time to visit the Serengeti?

The truth is, the Serengeti is a year-round destination—yet the experience changes dramatically depending on the season and location within the park. This guide breaks down the best times to visit Serengeti, what to expect each season, and where to go for the ultimate safari experience.

January – March: Calving Season in the Southern Serengeti

This is the season of new beginnings. Around half a million wildebeest calves are born in the Ndutu region of the Southern Serengeti, attracting predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. It’s a dramatic and emotional time to visit.

• Highlights: Calving season, predator action, lush green landscapes.
• Best For: Wildlife photographers, adventure seekers, dramatic sightings.

April – May: The Green Season

The long rains arrive, transforming the Serengeti into a lush paradise. While game viewing can be more challenging due to tall grasses, this is the quietest time to visit—meaning fewer tourists and lower lodge rates.

• Highlights: Fewer crowds, discounted safaris, vibrant scenery.
• Best For: Budget travelers, those seeking solitude, and birdwatchers.

June – July: The Grumeti River Crossings

As the herds move north, the Grumeti River becomes the stage for dramatic crossings. Crocodiles lie in wait as wildebeest and zebras plunge into the waters, creating one of the most thrilling spectacles of the migration.

• Highlights: River crossings, predators in action, cooler weather.
• Best For: Adventurous travelers, migration enthusiasts.

July – October: Mara River Crossings in Northern Serengeti

This is the Serengeti at its most dramatic. The Mara River crossings are the peak of the Great Migration, with herds gathering in the northern Serengeti before crossing into Kenya’s Masai Mara. It’s raw, emotional, and unforgettable.

• Highlights: Iconic river crossings, large predator populations, prime game viewing.
• Best For: First-time safari-goers, photographers, migration chasers.

November – December: Return to the Southern Serengeti

As the rains return, the herds make their way back to the southern plains. The landscapes turn green again, and the cycle of life continues. It’s a beautiful time with fewer crowds than the peak migration months.

• Highlights: Green scenery, returning herds, quieter safari experience.
• Best For: Travelers seeking balance—good wildlife sightings with fewer visitors.

Quick Seasonal Guide

Final Thoughts

The Serengeti is spectacular in every season, but your experience depends on what you want to see.

• For calving and predator action, visit between January and March.
• For river crossings, plan for June to October.
• For peace, lower costs, and stunning landscapes, consider April–May.

No matter when you go, the Serengeti promises moments of pure magic—making it one of the most rewarding safari destinations in the world.