One of the first questions every traveller asks us is simple: when should I come? The honest answer is that Zanzibar and Tanzania are wonderful year-round — but the seasons do shape the experience, whether you’re chasing the Great Migration across the Serengeti or looking for the calmest, sunniest days on the beach. Here’s how we think about timing at Modesty Tours.
The dry season (June to October)
This is the classic safari window, and for good reason. Vegetation thins out and animals gather around water sources, which makes wildlife far easier to spot. In the Serengeti, the months of June and July are prime time to witness the dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration. Skies are clear, days are warm, and the humidity on the coast is at its most comfortable. If your dream trip pairs a Northern Circuit safari with a Zanzibar beach finish, this is the window we most often recommend.
The green season (November to March)
The short rains arrive in November, and the landscape transforms into lush, photogenic green. This is calving season in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area — a magical time to see newborn animals and the predators that follow them. Crowds are thinner and lodge rates are often lower. Zanzibar stays warm and inviting, with brief afternoon showers that rarely spoil a day. For photographers and honeymooners who prefer quieter camps, the green season is a hidden gem.
The long rains (April to May)
April and May bring the heaviest rains. Some remote camps close, and a few roads become challenging. But this is also the most affordable and peaceful time to travel, and the scenery is spectacularly green. If you’re flexible and budget-minded, we can still craft a rewarding itinerary — we simply focus on the areas and lodges that stay strong through the wet months.
So when should you go?
- For the Great Migration river crossings: June to July.
- For calving and newborn wildlife: late January to February.
- For the best beach weather: June to October, and December to February.
- For fewer crowds and better value: November, and April to May.
Every traveller is different, and the perfect time depends on what you most want to see. Tell us your priorities and we’ll match them to the season. Get in touch and let’s start planning.