1. Serengeti National Park

• Wildebeest Migration: November to July (peak river crossings in July–October).

• Predator Action: June to October (dry season concentrates wildlife at water sources).

• Secret: Visit January–February for calving season in the southern plains—thousands of newborns attract lions and cheetahs.

2. Ngorongoro Conservation Area

• Great Migration Herds: December to April (calving peaks January–February).

• Bird Migration: November to March (flamingos and Eurasian migrants).

• Mammal Viewing: June to October (dry season for rhinos, elephants, and lions).

• Avoid: Heavy rains from mid-February to May.

3. Lake Manyara National Park

• Mammals: July to October (dry season for tree-climbing lions and elephants).

• Birds & Waterfalls: November to June (rainy season transforms the park into a lush birding paradise).

• Canoe Safaris: Best in the green season (November–March).

4. Ruaha National Park

• Predators & Big Game: May to November (dry season concentrates wildlife).

• Wildflowers & Birding: January to April (rainy season magic).

• Secret: June is prime for spotting male greater kudus in rut.

5. Tarangire National Park

• Year-Round: Elephant herds and baobabs are always present.

• Peak Wildlife: June to September (dry season draws thousands to the Tarangire River).

6. Kilimanjaro & Arusha National Park

• Climbing Kilimanjaro: Summit during dry windows: December–March or June–October.

• Meru Trekking: June to February (avoid November rains).

• Kili Views: December–February offers clearest skies.

7. Gombe Stream National Park

• Chimpanzee Tracking: Easier in rainy seasons (February–June, November–mid-December).

• Photography: July–October and late December (dry light enhances forest clarity).

8. Zanzibar Island

• Beach Bliss: June–October and January–February (dry, sunny days).

• Avoid: Heavy rains in March–May and November.

• Culture: Visit during Ramadan (dates vary) for vibrant nighttime festivals.

Regional Summary

• Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara): June–October for wildlife; January–February for migration calving.

• Southern Parks (Ruaha, Mikumi): May–November for predators; January–April for birders.

• Western Tanzania (Gombe): Flexible year-round, but rainy seasons simplify chimp tracking.

• Coastal/Zanzibar: Pair beach time with June–October safaris for ideal weather.

Pro Tip: Tanzania’s “short dry season” (January–February) balances fewer crowds with good wildlife viewing. For a holistic trip, combine June–October safaris with post-safari relaxation in Zanzibar!