The northern circuit by 4x4 with a guide: baobabs and elephant herds in Tarangire, a day inside the Ngorongoro Crater, then the endless Serengeti for big cats and, in season, the great migration. June to October is dry and easiest for game; January and February are calving season in the south Serengeti.
Month by month
Best: January, February, June, July, August, September, October, December
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Avoid Poor OK Good Excellent Peak
Shoulder season: January, good weather with typically fewer crowds and lower prices.
Weather and crowds
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27°C / 81°F | 16°C / 61°F | 16 | Moderate |
| February | 28°C / 82°F | 16°C / 61°F | 13 | Moderate |
| March | 28°C / 82°F | 17°C / 62°F | 17 | Moderate |
| April | 25°C / 76°F | 17°C / 63°F | 25 | Quiet |
| May | 23°C / 74°F | 16°C / 61°F | 17 | Moderate |
| June | 22°C / 71°F | 15°C / 58°F | 10 | Moderate |
| July | 22°C / 71°F | 14°C / 57°F | 9 | Busy |
| August | 23°C / 74°F | 14°C / 57°F | 10 | Busy |
| September | 26°C / 78°F | 15°C / 59°F | 7 | Moderate |
| October | 27°C / 81°F | 16°C / 61°F | 7 | Moderate |
| November | 27°C / 80°F | 17°C / 62°F | 13 | Moderate |
| December | 26°C / 80°F | 17°C / 62°F | 21 | Busy |
Weather: averages of recent years from Open-Meteo historical data (CC BY 4.0). Crowds: estimated from the seasons and holiday periods, not measured.
How long to stay
5–9 days is the sweet spot.
Flight time
About 17h from the US East Coast, 9h from Europe, 7h from South Asia.
Good to know
- Use a licensed operator; the price usually includes the vehicle, guide, park fees and lodges.
- Pack soft bags: light-aircraft flights limit luggage to 15 kg, including hand luggage.
- Malaria prophylaxis and a yellow fever certificate (if arriving from a risk country) are needed; see a travel clinic.
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