The Best Time to Visit the Serengeti National Park

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Derived from the Maasai word for endless plain, the Serengeti is a true safari treasure trove. With stunning sunrises and sunsets drifting over the grasslands, it’s a sight to behold. This majestic African plain is part of the migratory path for nearly one million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras.

It’s an easy misconception to believe the only time you can explore the Serengeti is during the dry season, but the cycle of life continues throughout the year. When you visit, depends largely on what you want to see.
Here’s our guide to the best time to visit the Serengeti National Park.

DRY SEASON: JUNE TO OCTOBER

The dry season is arguably the best time to see general wildlife grazing on the plains. Because it’s dry season, the plains are not as lush and abundant in vegetation, so there are endless opportunities to view wildlife gathering around waterholes.

Some spectacular opportunities are presented during this time by the wildebeest migration. If you visit between June to July, head to the Grumeti River to see this spectacle, whereas the Mara River is a great spot in September.

Because it’s dry season there’s less chance of rain and more hours of sunshine, which means you don’t need to carry your wet weather gear, plus there are fewer mosquitoes so less chance of malaria.

However, it can get chilly during the evenings and early mornings between June and August, so ensure you have some warm clothing. And be aware that the park can be more crowded during this time.

WET SEASON: NOVEMBER TO MAY

The wet season has many advantages too. Everyone loves baby animals, and between January and February is perfect to see the wildebeest calves. Unfortunately for the wildebeest, this is also an excellent time to see one of the 2,500 lions in action.

The wet season offers luscious vegetation and is a great opportunity to see a green Serengeti with far fewer tourists. You may also enjoy lower rates.

Keen birdwatchers love the wet season, as there are lots of migratory birds passing through, adding to the myriad of species that live on the plains all year round. Over 500 species of birds can be seen on the Serengeti over the wet season; they’re generally best viewed during dawn and dusk.

Many people are put off travelling during the rainy season, imagining that their holiday will be ruined by constant rain. However, the rainy season mainly consists of short bursts of intense rain, after which you’ll be able to go about your safari adventures. March to May is the peak of the rainy season, and rains can be a little heavier during this time.

WHEN DO YOU WANT TO VISIT THE SERENGETI?

Visiting the Serengeti National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. When you choose to visit, depends on the wildlife you wish to see. The dry season is ideal to see wildlife congregating at waterholes and witness the great wildebeest migration, whereas wet season is fantastic for birdwatching and calving.

To find out more about the ideal time to arrange a safari adventure in the Serengeti or to make a booking, contact True Travel today.