Best Time to Visit Tanzania: July and September

Tanzania's Serengeti hosts the Great Migration, one of Earth's most dramatic wildlife spectacles. If you're wondering when to visit Tanzania, July and September bracket the peak Migration season when millions of wildebeest and zebra move through the northern Serengeti and into Kenya's Maasai Mara. July delivers the most intense river crossings as herds push across the Mara River. September catches the tail end before they circle back south, offering excellent game viewing with fewer tourists than the July-August peak.

July: Peak River Crossings

July in Tanzania means the Great Migration is in full force. The wildebeest herds have reached the Mara River, and the crossings are at their most dramatic. Thousands of animals plunge into crocodile-infested waters simultaneously, driven by instinct and the pressure of the massive herds behind them. The chaos is spectacular and brutal, with predators capitalizing on the confusion and stragglers becoming easy prey.

The weather in July is excellent for safari. Tanzania's dry season is well established, temperatures sit comfortably in the mid-twenties during the day with cool mornings and evenings, and rainfall is virtually nonexistent. The reduced vegetation makes wildlife easier to spot, and animals congregate around remaining water sources with predictable regularity.

Beyond the Migration, July is prime time for the Ngorongoro Crater, the collapsed volcanic caldera that contains one of Africa's densest concentrations of wildlife. The crater floor hosts black rhinos, lions, elephants, and massive herds of zebra and wildebeest in a setting that feels like a natural amphitheater.

September: Peak Season Winds Down

September continues the Migration spectacle as herds remain in the northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara region. The river crossings still occur with regularity as animals move back and forth across the Mara River seeking fresh grazing. By late September, the herds begin their gradual movement south, but the wildlife viewing remains exceptional throughout the month.

What makes September appealing is the slight decrease in tourist numbers compared to July and August. The lodges and camps are still busy but not at absolute capacity, and you're more likely to have wildlife sightings without multiple vehicles jockeying for position. The weather remains dry and stable, ideal for both game drives and the occasional walking safari in designated areas.

September also brings the end of Tanzania's peak season pricing in some properties, though this varies by lodge. The wildlife viewing quality doesn't diminish, but the economics can be slightly more favorable than high season months.

Where We'd Stay: Singita Grumeti

For the Serengeti, Singita Grumeti operates three lodges in a private concession on the western corridor: Sasakwa Lodge, Sabora Tented Camp, and Faru Faru Lodge. The concession covers 350,000 acres and sits directly on the Migration route, meaning the herds pass through between June and July. Singita's guiding is exceptional, the vehicles are well-equipped for photography, and the low guest-to-guide ratio ensures personalized attention.

What sets Singita apart is the combination of luxury and conservation. The properties are beautiful without being ostentatious, the food is excellent, and the anti-poaching efforts and community programs demonstrate genuine commitment beyond tourism. June and September position you perfectly for Migration viewing while avoiding the absolute peak crowds. Through our Virtuoso partnership, you'll receive daily meals, conservation contributions, and room upgrades when available.

Why These Months Work

July and September offer the Great Migration at its most accessible. July delivers peak drama with the most intense river crossings, while September provides equivalent wildlife viewing with slightly fewer tourists. Both months offer Tanzania's dry season reliability, making them ideal for experiencing one of nature's most spectacular events.

Ready to witness the Great Migration? Enquire with The Camel Collection and let us design your Tanzanian safari.