Low Season Safari Deals in Tanzania: What to Expect

Many travelers assume the dry season is the only time to go on safari. In reality, Tanzania's low or green season can be a wonderful time to visit, with lower rates, quieter parks and dramatic skies.

There are trade-offs, of course. This guide explains when low season falls, what kind of deals are common and how to decide whether it fits your plans.

When is low season?

The main low season coincides with the long rains, roughly March to May, with April and May usually the quietest months. The short rains, roughly November to December, are often considered shoulder season, with prices between low and peak levels.

Rain patterns vary from year to year. Showers often come in the afternoon or overnight, leaving mornings clear for game drives, but some days can be wet and gray.

What deals to expect

Lodges and camps commonly offer reduced green season rates, and some run special offers such as extra free nights for longer stays. Single supplements may be reduced or waived. Park fees, which are set by the authorities, generally do not drop in the same way, so the overall saving depends on your route and accommodation.

Availability is better too. Camps that are booked months ahead in peak season often have space at short notice.

Deals change every year and are often released at short notice, so ask us what is available for your dates rather than relying on last season's offers. Booking conditions may differ too, such as stricter cancellation terms for special rates.

Wildlife in the green season

Wildlife viewing remains rewarding. Resident animals in the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire stay year-round, although the latter is quieter in the rains. The southern Serengeti and Ndutu area host the great migration herds from roughly January to March, when calving takes place, and herds are usually still in the south in the early part of the rains before moving northwest.

Green season brings newborn animals, colorful birdlife with many migrant species and lush landscapes that photographers love.

Predators do not take a break either. Lions, cheetahs and hyenas follow the herds on the southern plains, and the birthing season often brings intense hunting activity that many guests find unforgettable.

The trade-offs

Low season is not for everyone. Consider these points before you book:

• Some camps, especially remote tented camps, close for part of the long rains.
• Roads can become muddy and slower, and some tracks may be impassable.
• Taller grass can make spotting predators a little harder.
• Humidity and mosquito activity are higher, so take malaria precautions seriously.
• Zanzibar and the coast are hotter and wetter, and some beach hotels close.

Making the most of a low season safari

Choose an experienced operator with good vehicles and guides who know which routes stay passable. Build some flexibility into your itinerary, and pack a waterproof jacket and quick-drying clothes.

If your dates are flexible, the start or end of a rainy period can give you lower prices with a better chance of dry days. We can suggest timings and camps that offer good value without compromising your experience.

Many of our guides enjoy the green season themselves. The parks feel peaceful, the light after a storm is spectacular and sightings can feel more personal with fewer vehicles around.