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If you’re planning a safari to Tanzania, you might have come across several articles urging you to embark on a migration safari during river crossing season. Images of thrashing hooves and crocodile-infested waters dominate documentaries and brochures, creating a singular, powerful spectacle. But to focus solely on the river is to miss the symphony.
By September most of the wildebeest have crossed the Mara, with the majority of the herds having relocated to the Greater Masai Mara area, feasting on its lush green resources before venturing south and starting the cycle all over again with calving season.
September, the best time to visit Tanzania for safari, proves there is so much more to discover besides the drama of river crossings. From photographic tours during golden hours to big cats and predator-prey interactions, read on to find out why September is truly a standout month.
The Great Migration on the Move
While the river crossings may be easing, the Great wildebeest migration is far from over. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras are still in the northern Serengeti, slowly making their way towards Kenya.
On a Tanzania safari in September, you can truly appreciate the scale of the migration, with endless lines of wildebeest stretching across the horizon; the syncopated rhythm of hooves and low grunts fills the air. It’s a migration safari at a more contemplative pace – one that lets you soak it all up without chaos.
Read More: Explore our top places to stay to see the Great Migration.
A Photographer’s Safari Dream
By September, the Serengeti has transformed into a photographer’s dream destination. The grasses have dried to a golden hue, with clear blue skies over acacia-dotted landscapes.
The absence of the wet season’s humidity and haze means sharp, vibrant images with exceptional clarity. Golden hour lighting stretches longer, and sparse vegetation provides unobstructed views of your subjects. This makes September the perfect month for a photographic safari.
Dry conditions also mean superior vehicle access to remote areas that might be impassable during the wet season. Your guides will be able to navigate closer to wildlife concentrations. Additionally, night safaris – an activity available in private concessions – become particularly rewarding as cooler temperatures encourage nocturnal activity among predators and prey alike.
The Best Time to Visit Tanzania for Safari: A Comfortable Climate
Beyond stunning photographs of epic landscapes and stunning wildlife, September remains one of the most ideal months for Tanzania travel due to its favourable weather conditions. It’s the perfect sweet spot for Tanzania’s climate.
The rains of April and May are a distant memory, and the deep chill of June and July has softened. Days are warm and sunny, ideal for long game drives and walking safaris. Evenings are pleasant under endless starry skies spent beside a crackling fireplace.
Practicality reigns supreme, with roads being dry and navigable. This allows for easy access to the most remote corners of the plains where herds gather. While the Great Migration still remains popular, the crowds have thinned slightly from the peak of the river crossings, offering a sense of exclusivity and comfort.
A September Park-by-Park Guide
The month of September is a fantastic month to explore Tanzania’s world-renowned safari destinations. Each park offers something unique at this time of year, making it easy to craft a varied itinerary.
Serengeti National Park
In September, the northern Serengeti still hums with the energy of the migration. Wildebeest and zebras graze on golden plains as they slowly head into the Masai Mara, while predators follow closely behind. This is the perfect month to capture dramatic big cat sightings against wide-open, dust-free horizons.
September is also the prime time for a hot air balloon safari, offering breathtaking views of the spreading herds bathed in the golden morning light.
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater reaches peak game-viewing potential as the dry season concentrates the crater’s 25,000 resident animals around limited water sources. This natural amphitheatre becomes an intimate wildlife theatre where predator-prey interactions unfold against the backdrop of the crater walls. September’s excellent road conditions ensure comfortable access to prime viewing locations around the crater floor.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara shines in September. The dry weather concentrates animals around the shrinking lake shore and the permanent freshwater springs in the park’s north. This is also your best chance to see the famous tree-climbing lions, as these big cats seek shade in the acacia branches.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park transforms into a wildlife paradise as animals converge on the Tarangire River – one of the few permanent water sources remaining. You could witness some of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa come together in massive herds to drink, bathe, and socialise. The park is also famous for its ancient baobab trees, which stand out starkly against the golden grass, creating a dreamlike scene for a photographer.
“Each location had different landscapes and offered various beautiful scenic views as well as different animals and plants. It was truly a trip of a lifetime. We saw every animal we had hoped for and more. We saw wildebeest, lions, cheetahs, elephants, leopards (with cub), rhino, beautiful birds, giraffes, monkeys, baboons, zebras, hyenas, gazelle, impala, warthogs, and so much more.” – George and Tara, USA, took a trip across Tanzania through the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire.
Final Thoughts
While the Great Migration often steals the spotlight with its dramatic river crossings, September proves that the best time to visit Tanzania for a safari is about so much more. This is the month when the Serengeti glows golden, when big cats prowl the open plains, and when elephants gather in their hundreds along the rivers of Tarangire. September delivers a perfect balance of drama, comfort, and exclusivity.
Ready to start planning your September safari? Discover Africa can help you design the perfect Tanzania safari, tailored to your travel style and timing.
Written by Thaakiera Ackerdien
• Travel Writer
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Written by Thaakiera Ackerdien
• Travel Writer