December - March
This time of year is the busiest in North Tanzania. Lodge space and campsites are booked well in advance. The Serengeti is the prime attraction as the wildebeest and zebra migration is in full swing, and the wildebeest give birth in February. This is the time of plenty for all wildlife. The Parks are green and there is generally little dust, though you can get quite dry spells in February. Sometimes it can be quite humid and the flies that accompany the migration can be a nuisance.

Highly recommended at this time of year:
• Camping Safari with an emphasis on the Serengeti National Park. We often use 2 locations in this park and spend up to a week there. This is prime time for the Serengeti.
•Ndarakwai Ranch Walking safari. Whether done on its own or as a part of the Camping safari this is a great experience.
• Zanzibar. The Spice Island is great at this time of year. It is busy, but makes a nice change in climate for those from the Northern Hemisphere.
• Climb Kilimanjaro.

For the adventurous or the 2nd time visitor:
•Chimps at Gombe Stream, Western Tanzania.
• Walking with Dorobo hunter-gatherers in South Maasai Steppe.


April
During April East Africa experiences what locals call "the long rains". It doesn't mean, though, that it rains every day - just that there is generally more rain over this period than we get during the "short rains" (see November - December). The rains can be heavy and for this reason April is considered the least acceptable month for safaris. Several of North Tanzania's Lodges actually shut down during April, and it can be difficult to get from place to place because roads are periodically very muddy. Of course, the wildlife is still there and the wildebeest and zebra enjoy this time of plentiful water and grass.

Highly recommended activities at this time of year:
Camping / Lodge safari with plenty of time in Serengeti.

May
East Africa's best-kept secret, May is a very beautiful time to travel. The Serengeti is as good for game viewing as during the "peak" season of December - March. For some reason few people travel at this time of year and many lodges offer off peak rates. Wild flowers are often abundant.

Highly recommended activities at this time of year:
• Camping or Lodge Safari with lengthy stay in Serengeti.
• Walking Safari at Ndarakwai or Walking in the South Maasai Steppe.

For the 2nd time Tanzania Traveler or those with plenty of time:
• Walk with Chimpanzees at Gombe Stream, Western Tanzania.