Best time to visit Kenya & Tanzania
A clear-eyed guide to the dry season, the two rainy seasons, and how timing changes what you'll actually experience on the ground.
Best Time to Go on Safari in Kenya · Tanzania safari · safari holidays
Kenya and Tanzania offer brilliant safari experiences year-round, yet the rhythm of the bush shifts with the seasons. Beyond weather, timing affects wildlife density at waterholes, vehicle congestion, and the costs of luxury camps.
Understanding these cycles ensures your East African journey aligns with your expectations and budget.
Season-by-season snapshot
| Season | Months | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Long dry | June–October | Reliable sightings, river crossings, peak crowds |
| Short dry | January–February | Calving, green scenery, lighter traffic |
| Long rains | March–May | Lowest rates, quiet parks, lush landscapes |
Highlights
- The Long Dry Season (June–October)
- The Short Dry Season (January–February)
- The Green Seasons (March–May & November)
- Regional Highlights
01
The Long Dry Season (June–October)
As vegetation thins and water sources vanish, animals congregate predictably around permanent rivers. This offers remarkably reliable game viewing, though it coincides with the highest prices and peak visitor numbers across the region's major parks.
02
The Short Dry Season (January–February)
This warm window between rains features lush landscapes rather than dust. In the southern Serengeti, calving season attracts predators, providing intense action with fewer crowds than the mid-year peak.
03
The Green Seasons (March–May & November)
March to May brings the 'long rains'. While some camps close, morning drives are often clear, offering spectacular photography and the year’s best value. The 'short rains' in November provide brief showers and excellent birdwatching.
04
Regional Highlights
Your destination choice should mirror the seasonal movements of the Great Migration and local weather patterns.
- Maasai Mara: July–October for dramatic river crossings.
- Southern Serengeti: January–March for the calving season.
- Amboseli & Tarangire: June–October for massive elephant herds near water.
- Zanzibar: June–October and December–February for calm, turquoise seas.
- Gorilla Trekking: June–September for drier, more accessible forest trails.
Dos
- Wear neutral colours — khaki, olive, sand
- Pack layers for cold early game drives
- Stay seated and keep voices low near animals
- Follow your guide's instructions at all times
- Drink plenty of water and use sunscreen
Don'ts
- Don't wear bright colours, white or camouflage
- Don't feed or call to animals
- Don't leave the vehicle unless your guide says so
- Don't use drones — they need special permits
- Don't bring plastic bags (banned in Kenya and Tanzania)
What's usually included
- Accommodation in your chosen level
- Meals as listed in your itinerary
- Game drives with a professional guide
- Park and conservancy entry fees
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Usually not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and camp staff
- Personal items and souvenirs
- Premium drinks unless all-inclusive
- Optional activities not in your itinerary
Keep exploring
Published fees to plan around
Sources checked 7 October 2026 · US dollars · fees only, not full safari prices
| Fee | Published amount | Who and when |
|---|---|---|
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area · adult entry | US$70.80 | Non-East African citizen aged 16 or above, per person. Published permit is valid for one entry within 24 hours. Accommodation and vehicle charges are separate.Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority tariffs |
| Ngorongoro · crater service | US$295 | Non-East African citizens, per vehicle per crater trip, not per person. This is additional to conservation-area entry.Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority tariffs |
Your accommodation and flights need a quote for your dates, room arrangement and availability. Compare the full journey total, not a nightly headline: meals, transport, guiding, entry fees and optional activities should be clear. Published tariffs may change; we reconfirm the applicable fees before you book.
Our editorial values
Original travel guidance by Dennis Njoroge, CEO of Perch Africa Safaris. Wildlife and weather are never guaranteed. Published fees link to their authority sources; camp and flight prices are confirmed for your own journey. You receive your full itinerary and matching proforma before payment.
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Frequently asked questions
Is rainy season travel advisable?
Yes; guests enjoy lower rates and solitude. Showers are typically short afternoon bursts rather than day-long downpours.
When is safari most affordable?
April and May are the least expensive months, followed closely by November.
