Plan your safari
Seasons · Costs · Packing · Health & safety
Month by month
There is no bad time for an East African safari, only different experiences. The long dry season (June to October) brings the easiest game viewing and the Mara River crossings. The green season brings calving, lush landscapes, fewer vehicles and lower prices. Here is how the year unfolds in northern Tanzania and Kenya.
January – February
Short dry · Calving
Warm and mostly dry. The herds gather on the southern Serengeti plains, where hundreds of thousands of calves are born and predators are very active.
March
Green season
Rains begin to build. Still excellent in the south, with lush scenery, dramatic skies and good value.
April – May
Long rains
The wettest months. Some camps close, but those that stay open are quiet and great value. Ideal for photographers who love green landscapes. Zanzibar is very wet.
June
Dry season begins
Cool and dry. The migration moves through the Western Corridor and crosses the Grumeti River. A sweet spot before peak season.
July – October
Peak dry season
Classic safari weather. Wildlife gathers at water, vegetation thins and the Mara River crossings play out in the northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara. Book early.
November – December
Short rains
Brief afternoon showers refresh the plains and the herds head back south. Lovely, quieter months, with a busy festive period in late December.
Budget
The cost of a private safari depends on the season, the level of accommodation, how you travel between parks and the size of your group. Park and conservation fees in Tanzania are significant and are always included in our prices. These indicative ranges help you plan.
Midrange
per person, per day
Comfortable lodges and permanent tented camps, private vehicle and guide, travel by road between parks.
Upscale
per person, per day
Boutique tented camps in prime locations, more inclusive activities, some light-aircraft flights.
Luxury
per person, per day
The finest camps and lodges, exclusive locations, fly-in itineraries and exceptional service.
Indicative prices based on two people sharing, including park fees. Your exact quote depends on dates and choices.
What to bring
Pack light, in soft bags, and dress in layers. Mornings and evenings can be cool, middays are warm. Most camps offer laundry, so a few versatile outfits go a long way.
— Neutral-coloured shirts and trousers (khaki, olive, beige)
— A warm fleece or jacket for early drives
— Light rain jacket in the green season
— Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
— Comfortable closed shoes and sandals
— Swimwear
— Binoculars (one pair each if possible)
— Camera with a zoom lens and spare batteries
— Power bank and universal adaptor
— Small daypack
— Reusable water bottle
— Head torch
— Passport valid 6+ months, with blank pages
— Visa or e-visa confirmation
— Travel insurance details
— Yellow fever certificate if required
— Personal medication and malaria tablets
— Sunscreen and insect repellent
Health & safety
East Africa's safari destinations are welcoming and well used to visitors. With an experienced guide and a little preparation, you can relax and enjoy every moment. Always check the latest official advice from your government and your doctor before travelling.
— Visas: most visitors need a visa for Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda; apply online in advance
— Vaccinations: see a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure
— Yellow fever: a certificate may be required depending on your route
— Malaria: present in most safari areas; take prophylaxis and use repellent
— Water: drink bottled or filtered water, provided on all our safaris
— In the bush: always follow your guide's instructions around wildlife
Head to head
Two halves of the same ecosystem with very different personalities. Many guests simply visit both.
Serengeti · Tanzania
Maasai Mara · Kenya
Size
About 14,750 km², vast and varied
About 1,500 km², plus surrounding conservancies
Migration
Present year-round somewhere in the park
Mainly July to October
Crowds
Easy to find quiet areas, especially by flying in
Busier in the main reserve; conservancies limit vehicles
Activities
Game drives and balloon safaris; walking in select areas
Game drives, balloons, plus walks and night drives in conservancies
Best for
Space, scale and following the herds all year
Shorter trips, big cats and private conservancy experiences
Our advice: travelling between July and October? Both are superb. Travelling at any other time? Choose the Serengeti. Better still, see both on our Classic Kenya & Tanzania safari.
Our planners live and travel here. Ask us anything, from the best month for your dates to what to pack for Kilimanjaro.
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