Serengeti Safari Month-by-Month Wildlife Calendar
When to Go for the Best Wildlife Experiences – Mandari Travel Guide
Planning your Serengeti safari? Timing matters. The Serengeti is one of the most iconic safari destinations in the world, offering breathtaking game viewing throughout the year — but each month brings its own unique highlights. Whether you’re hoping to catch the Great Migration, predator action, or peaceful plains scenes, our month-by-month Serengeti safari calendar will help you choose the best time for your adventure.
At Mandari Travel, we help you plan your safari based on the season, wildlife movements, and your travel preferences. Here’s what to expect, month by month:
January – Calving Season Begins
Location: Southern Serengeti & Ndutu Area
This is the start of the calving season. Thousands of wildebeest give birth, attracting predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. It’s a dramatic time for photography and close-up action.
February – Peak Calving Season
Still in the Southern Serengeti, February offers the highest concentration of newborns and dramatic predator-prey encounters. It’s also a great time for birdwatching as migratory species pass through.
March – Last Chance for Green Season
The rains begin lightly, and the landscape is still lush. Wildlife is abundant, and fewer tourists make this a peaceful time to visit. The wildebeest start preparing to move north.
April – Quiet, Green & Beautiful
Location: Central Serengeti
This is the peak of the rainy season. While some roads may be muddy, this is a great low-season option for photographers and budget travelers. The plains are green and alive with activity.
May – Migration on the Move
Wildebeest and zebra begin moving northward to the Western Corridor. It’s a transitional month, but you can still catch impressive herds in central and western Serengeti.
June – The Rut and River Crossings Start
Location: Western Corridor
June brings the rutting season, with male wildebeest battling for mates. The migration begins to reach the Grumeti River, and you may witness the first dramatic river crossings.
July – Grumeti to Northern Serengeti
The migration heads toward Northern Serengeti and Lamai, with the first crossings of the Mara River. Excellent time for predator sightings and dry season game drives.
August – Peak Mara River Crossings
This is prime time for the most dramatic Mara River crossings, where wildebeest brave crocodile-infested waters. Book early – lodges fill up quickly.
September – Still in the North
Crossings continue in the Northern Serengeti. Weather is warm and dry. Excellent for big cat sightings and photography.
October – Return South Begins
The herds begin their long journey back toward the Southern Serengeti. It’s a great time to combine the north and central regions of the park.
November – Short Rains, Fewer Crowds
Rains start again, but this is a quiet and affordable time to visit. Wildebeest are on the move south, and the landscapes begin to green.
December – Arrival in the South
The herds arrive back in Ndutu and Southern Serengeti, just in time for another calving season to begin. Excellent game viewing returns.
Plan Your Perfect Safari with Mandari Travel
No matter when you choose to visit, the Serengeti delivers year-round magic. Let us craft a safari itinerary that matches your wildlife interests and travel time.
📧 Email: info@mandaritravel
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +255 750 900 811
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Every month tells a new story in the Serengeti — let Mandari Travel take you there.
