The Serengeti is a place of many landscapes, all depending on what time of year you visit; the climate and its wildlife can change dramatically, shaping the nature of your trip. Here is a guide to the different months and seasons to visit.
JANUARY – FEBRUARY
January and February are a part of the year’s wet season so the vegetation will be lush, and the mornings and evenings can get quite cold.
What You’ll See
This is the best time to see the calving in Serengeti’s southern regions. You will have a good chance of spotting most wildlife, including birds.
Weather
There’s a high chance of rain and humidity as temperatures remain hot during the day – but please bring warm clothing for the evenings when temperatures are expected to drop.
MARCH – MAY
From March to May, you will experience the back end of the wet season and game viewing opportunities may not be as rich as the other months.
What You’ll See
Due to it being the wet season, the scenery will be incredible and you can count on the vegetation being at its most lush and beautiful. This is the low season for game viewing but you should still be able to spot many different species, including migratory birds.
Weather
March to May is the peak of the wet season so expect high rainfall and extreme humidity, with average high temperatures at over 26°C.
JUNE – OCTOBER
June to October is prime time to visit the park if you want the best chances of viewing game and also the best weather conditions.
What You’ll See
This is the dry season so animals will be much easier to spot. With the dry weather, you can expect to find various animals gathering at watering holes, rivers and streams. From June onwards, the Great Migration moves northwards, and in July you can witness the crossing of the Mara River.
Weather
The weather is mainly hot and dry, with highs of 30°C and temperature lows of around 14°C. With the temperature drop at night, it’s important to bring warm and cool clothing alike.
NOVEMBER – DECEMBER
From November onwards, the Serengeti park sees the start of the wet season, so there will be a dramatic change in climate and landscape from September and October.
What You’ll See
The wildebeest move back South from the Great Migration and although there are no exact routes, you may be able to spot them on the Eastern side of the park as they rotate back round. You will also have a high chance to spotting migratory birds during these months.
Weather
Expect some rainfall and warm to hot temperatures. The rainy spells will be relatively short and are unlikely to interfere with your safari plans.
COMMENTS