From the iconic plains of the Serengeti to the majestic Ngorongoro Crater, our Tanzania safari packages offer the most immersive wildlife experiences, including the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration.
Large herds of elephants walk into the sunset in Tarangire National Park while the Great Migration crosses the plains of the vast Serengeti and flamingos gather at Lake Natron. The ground on Mt Kilimanjaro is still frozen while warm waves splash onto the beaches of Zanzibar.
Tanzania stands out among Africa’s top safari destinations thanks to its year-round appeal. While every month offers something special, the dry season from June to October is widely considered the prime time for wildlife viewing, especially during the height of the Great Wildebeest Migration. For a clearer picture of what to expect throughout the year, here’s a detailed month-by-month safari guide tailored to help you plan your perfect trip.
Weather: Warm with short rains
Where to Go: Southern Serengeti, Zanzibar
Highlights:
Calving season in the southern Serengeti
Great time to see predators (cheetahs, lions)
Clear and sunny beach weather in Zanzibar
Good for: Wildlife lovers, photographers, beachgoers
Avoid: Western parks (can be muddy)
✅ Best for: Baby animals + predator action
Weather: Hot and dry, especially on the coast
Where to Go: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Zanzibar
Highlights:
Still calving season in the Serengeti
Amazing time for beach holidays
Great snorkeling and diving in Zanzibar
Good for: Safari + beach combo
Avoid: High heat inland can be draining
✅ Best for: Romantic getaways, safaris, honeymoons
Weather: Start of the long rains
Where to Go: Zanzibar (early March), Central Serengeti
Highlights:
Wildlife still visible but rains begin
Coastal regions hot and humid
Roads can start to get muddy in the parks
Good for: Budget travelers
Avoid: Mid-to-late March—rains pick up
⚠️ Be ready for: Unpredictable weather and lower visibility
Weather: Heavy rains across most of the country
Where to Go: Stay flexible or consider skipping
Highlights:
Lush landscapes, but many lodges close
Lowest tourist traffic
Good for: Budget travelers who don’t mind the rain
Avoid: Game drives – muddy roads & poor visibility
⚠️ Travel tip: If you must travel in April, stick to Zanzibar for the beaches
Weather: Still wet but starting to dry toward the end
Where to Go: Zanzibar (late May), Northern parks open up
Highlights:
Transition from wet to dry season
Cheaper travel deals
Good for: Photographers (green scenery), budget safaris
Avoid: Early May—many lodges still closed
✅ Best for: Quiet travel, budget safari planners
Weather: Dry season begins
Where to Go: Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro), Kilimanjaro
Highlights:
Peak safari season begins
Cool mornings, sunny afternoons
Start of the Great Migration's River crossings
Good for: Wildlife viewing, trekking, adventure travel
✅ Best for: Classic Tanzanian safari
Weather: Dry, cool, and sunny
Where to Go: All Northern parks, Mount Kilimanjaro
Highlights:
Excellent wildlife viewing conditions
Grumeti River crossings (Great Migration)
Kilimanjaro routes are clear
Good for: Trekking, families, luxury travel
Avoid: Higher prices during peak season
🌟 Top Choice for: Bucket-list safaris
Weather: Peak dry season
Where to Go: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Zanzibar
Highlights:
Mara River crossings—iconic Great Migration scenes
Best time for safari photos
Fantastic beach weather in Zanzibar
Good for: Nature lovers, beach + bush combo
🌍 Best of both worlds: Safari in Serengeti + beach chill in Zanzibar
Weather: Still dry, warmer
Where to Go: Serengeti, Tarangire, Zanzibar
Highlights:
Migration continues
Elephants gather in Tarangire
Great diving in Zanzibar
Good for: Wildlife, bird watching, diving
Avoid: None—it’s a sweet spot!
💯 Best for: All-round travelers
Weather: End of dry season
Where to Go: Central Serengeti, Ruaha, Zanzibar
Highlights:
Animals concentrated near water sources
Fewer crowds than August/September
Still beach-perfect in Zanzibar
Good for: Mid-range budgets, honeymooners
⚠️ Watch for: Short rains starting late in the month
Weather: Start of the short rains
Where to Go: Northern parks, Zanzibar
Highlights:
Cheaper safaris, still decent wildlife spotting
Landscapes green up again
Good for: Budget travelers, photographers
Avoid: Remote parks with poor road access
✅ Worth it if: You want a peaceful, low-cost safari
Weather: Warm, humid, short rains early in the month
Where to Go: Zanzibar, Serengeti
Highlights:
Festive season vibes
Great for families
Migration herds returning to the south
Good for: Christmas getaways, family vacations
🎄 Tip: Book early – holiday season prices spike
Every Tanzania safari we offer is crafted from scratch, fully customized to match your preferences, travel style, and budget. The sample itineraries below are simply starting points, designed to spark ideas and showcase the incredible possibilities for your personalized safari adventure.
Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park
Serengeti National Park, Lake Eyasi, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar
Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara National Park
Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Lake Eyasi, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Materuni
Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara
Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar
Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
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To secure the best lodges and ensure park availability, we recommend booking at least six months in advance, especially if you’re planning to travel during peak seasons, such as June to October or December to February.
It’s simple. Reach out to us directly through our website, email, or WhatsApp. Let us know your:
Preferred travel dates
Group size
Budget and interests
We’ll send you a customized itinerary within 24–48 hours.
We’ll need your:
Travel dates (fixed or flexible)
Number of travelers (adults and children)
Safari preferences (e.g., luxury, mid-range, or budget)
Activities you’re interested in (e.g., game drives, hot air balloon, cultural visits)
To confirm your safari, we ask for a 30–50% deposit depending on the itinerary. The remaining balance is due 30 to 45 days before your safari begins.
Yes, it’s highly recommended. Your policy should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and baggage loss.
A 30% to 50% deposit is required to confirm your safari booking.
The balance must be paid in full no later than 30 to 45 days before the safari start date.
Bookings made within 30 days of the safari require full payment at the time of confirmation.
We accept the following payment options:
Bank wire transfer (details provided upon request)
Credit/Debit card (processing fees may apply)
Mobile payment options are available in Tanzania
USD ($) is the preferred currency for all transactions
Please note: All bank charges and currency conversion fees are the responsibility of the client.
If you choose to cancel your safari, the following refund terms apply based on the number of days before your safari start date:
| Notice Period Before Travel | Refund on Total Payment |
|---|---|
| More than 60 days | 90% refund |
| 45 – 59 days | 75% refund |
| 30 – 44 days | 50% refund |
| 15 – 29 days | 25% refund |
| Less than 15 days | No refund |
All refunds exclude transaction, bank, and administrative fees.
No refunds will be issued for no-shows, missed departures, or unused services once the safari begins.
In the unlikely event that we must cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. natural disaster, political instability, or other force majeure events), you will be offered:
A full refund, or
The option to reschedule your safari at no extra cost
Date or itinerary changes are allowed free of charge up to 30 days before departure, subject to availability.
Within 30 days, amendments may incur extra charges based on supplier policies (lodges, airlines, etc.).
All approved refunds are processed within 14 business days.
Refunds are returned using the same method of original payment, unless otherwise agreed.
Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date into Tanzania, with at least two blank pages.
Tourist Visa: Required for most nationalities. You can:
Apply online via the official Tanzania Immigration website: https://visa.immigration.go.tz
Or get a visa on arrival at major airports (Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar)
Cost: Typically $50 USD, $100 USD for U.S. citizens (subject to change)
Tip: We recommend applying online at least 2–3 weeks before travel for faster processing.
Yellow Fever Vaccination:
Required only if you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever–risk country (e.g., Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia).
You must carry your Yellow Fever certificate if applicable.
Recommended Vaccines:
Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and COVID-19 (not mandatory but encouraged)
Malaria Prevention:
Tanzania is a malaria-risk zone; consult your doctor for suitable anti-malarial medication.
Use mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves at dawn/dusk.
Travel insurance is mandatory when booking with Northern MasaiLand Safaris. Your policy should cover:
Medical emergencies and evacuation
Trip cancellation or interruption
Lost or delayed baggage
COVID-19-related delays (if applicable)
You must provide proof of insurance before arrival.
Main Airports:
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – most common for Northern Circuit safaris
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) – for southern Tanzania or Zanzibar connections
Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) – for beach holidays
Domestic Flights: We can book internal connections (Arusha to Serengeti, Zanzibar, etc.) as part of your itinerary.
Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), though USD is widely accepted.
Cards: Credit/debit cards accepted at most lodges (some with surcharges), but carry cash for tips, local markets, and small purchases.
ATMs: Available in major towns (Arusha, Moshi, Zanzibar), but not in national parks.
amy@northernmasailandsafaris.com
DeBeque, Colorado 81630 USA
+1 (970) 629-5086
+255754982525
info@northernmasailandsafaris.com
Kimandolu, Arusha Tanzania
