Tanzania Safari: When to Go and Where to Stay

A Tanzania safari is more than just a holiday—it’s a front-row seat to Africa’s most iconic landscapes, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences. From the endless plains of the Serengeti to the dramatic depths of the Ngorongoro Crater and the tranquil shores of Zanzibar, Tanzania offers something extraordinary for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon safari in Tanzania, a family safari tour, or a thrilling Kilimanjaro climb package, timing and accommodation choices play a huge role in shaping your journey.

At Heart of Serengeti ATS, we specialise in crafting tailor-made safaris that match the best seasons with the most memorable places to stay.

When Is the Best Time to Go on a Tanzania Safari?

Dry Season (June to October): Peak Safari Time

The dry season is considered the best time for African Serengeti safaris and Ngorongoro Crater safari experiences. Wildlife gathers around water sources, making animal sightings frequent and dramatic. This period is ideal for:

July to September is especially popular in Namiri Plains Serengeti, known for big cats and open landscapes.

Green Season (November to March): Lush & Romantic

The green season transforms Tanzania into a vibrant paradise. Landscapes are lush, birdlife is abundant, and crowds are fewer—making it perfect for a Tanzania honeymoon safari or honeymoon safari Tanzania experience.

This is also calving season in parts of the Serengeti, offering rare predator action near camps like Namiri Plains Camp and Namiri Plains Tanzania.

Rainy Season (April to May): Quiet and Scenic

April and May bring heavier rains, especially relevant if you’re combining safari with the coast. If Zanzibar is on your itinerary, it’s useful to know the Zanzibar rainy season months typically fall during this period. While some lodges close, others offer exceptional value and solitude.

Where to Stay on a Tanzania Safari

Choosing the right accommodation enhances your safari dramatically. Tanzania offers everything from rustic bush camps to ultra-luxury lodges, all set in extraordinary locations.

Serengeti National Park: Endless Wildlife Encounters

The Serengeti is the heart of Tanzania’s safari circuit.

Top places to stay include:

  • Namiri Plains Camp – Famous for its prime big-cat territory and exclusive setting

  • Tanzania Bush Camps Central Serengeti – Perfect for migration viewing and year-round wildlife

  • Serengeti Simba Lodge – A comfortable option with sweeping savannah views

  • Lamai Private Camp – Remote, luxurious, and ideal for intimate safari experiences

  • Classic Serengeti safari lodge options for travelers seeking comfort and accessibility

These locations are ideal for both tanzania honeymoon safaris and photography-focused trips.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area: Wildlife in a Natural Amphitheater

The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most concentrated wildlife areas.

Recommended stays:

  • Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge – A refined lodge with panoramic crater views

  • Ngorongoro Wild Camp – For travelers seeking a closer-to-nature experience

A Ngorongoro Crater safari offers year-round wildlife viewing, including lions, rhinos, elephants, and flamingos.

Lake Manyara National Park: Scenic & Diverse

Located between Arusha and Ngorongoro, Manyara National Park is known for tree-climbing lions, lush groundwater forests, and stunning lake views. It’s an excellent addition to any northern circuit safari, especially for families and first-time visitors.

Southern Tanzania: Remote & Untouched

For travellers seeking exclusivity, the south delivers raw wilderness.

  • Selous National Park (now Nyerere National Park) offers boat safaris and fewer crowds

  • Nyerere Tented Camp provides an authentic luxury bush experience

  • Ideal for seasoned safari-goers and couples looking for privacy

Special Safari Experiences in Tanzania

Honeymoon Safaris

A Tanzanian honeymoon safari combines romance, privacy, and unforgettable landscapes. Candlelit bush dinners, luxury tented camps, and private game drives make Tanzania one of Africa’s top honeymoon destinations.

Family Safari Tours

Tanzania family safari tours are designed with shorter drives, child-friendly lodges, and educational wildlife experiences—especially in Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

Kilimanjaro Adventures

Many travellers pair a safari with a Kilimanjaro climb package, creating a once-in-a-lifetime journey that blends adventure with wildlife luxury.

Why Travel with Heart of Serengeti ATS?

At Heart of Serengeti ATS, we believe every safari should reflect your travel style, pace, and dreams. From luxury Tanzania bush camps to exclusive private camps in the Serengeti, we curate journeys that balance comfort, authenticity, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Our expertise ensures:

  • The best travel season for your goals

  • Hand-picked lodges and camps

  • Seamless safari planning from arrival to departure

Final Thoughts

A Tanzania safari offers endless possibilities—whether you’re watching the Great Migration in the Serengeti, descending into the Ngorongoro Crater, or relaxing after your safari adventure. Knowing when to go and where to stay makes all the difference.

With expert planning and the right accommodations, your journey with Heart of Serengeti ATS becomes more than a trip—it becomes a story you’ll tell for a lifetime.

 

Related Articles

Tanzania Safari: When to Go and Where to Stay

How to Plan a Safari in Tanzania

Traveller Stories: Adventure Mum Climbs Mt Kilimanjaro

Experience Zanzibar’s Magic with Our Special Vacation Packages

How Hard Is It to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

What is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Let’s Build Your Ideal Tanzania Itinerary

Whatever you’re dreaming of for your Tanzania adventure, our expert travel team is here to make it happen.

Contact

Experiences Shared by Our Guests