Dry season, river crossings
Tanzania in August
The northern Serengeti is often the stage for dramatic river crossings. Days are dry and bright, and this is one of the most popular months for beach stays in Zanzibar.
- Best
- For a safari
- Best
- For Kilimanjaro
- Best
- For Zanzibar beaches
- River crossings
- Main draw this month
Tanzania in August at a glance
Mara River crossings
The weather
Dry and clear, with cold mornings and warm afternoons, and plenty of dust.
Where the herds are
The northern Serengeti around Kogatende is the focus. August and September are generally the peak window for the Mara River crossings, when thousands of wildebeest mass on the bank and pour into the water.
The parks
Plan several nights in the north so one quiet day does not decide the trip. Crossings are not guaranteed or scheduled.
Kilimanjaro
A dry, bright month on the mountain, and one of the busiest, especially on the southern routes.
Zanzibar and the coast
Cool, breezy and dry on Zanzibar, which pairs well with a safari.
Crowds and rates
The busiest and most expensive month. Several vehicles may gather at a crossing point, and a patient guide will often find a quieter viewpoint.
Planning a trip in August
Good for
Mara River crossings, Photography, Climbing Kilimanjaro
Watch out for
Crossings come when the herds decide, so stay flexible and book early.
What to pack
The best binoculars you can bring, a dust cover for your camera and warm layers for early starts.
Our verdict on August
August is the headline month for river crossings, rewarding for those who plan several nights in the north and book far ahead.
Safaris that suit August
Itineraries from our collection that list August among their best months, from the lowest starting price.
Baobabs, Hadzabe and the Crater
Elephants, a hunt with one of the world's last hunter-gatherer peoples, and a day on the crater floor.
4 days · From $1,350
Nyerere Fly-In Escape from Zanzibar
One night on the Rufiji River, by air, between two days of beach.
2 days · From $1,665
Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire in Seven Days
Baobab elephants, a pair of Serengeti days and a full morning-to-evening descent into the crater.
7 days · From $1,891
Compare with other months
Choose another month to see how it differs. The bars show how good each month is for a safari.
January
Calving on the southern plains
Mixed
February
Peak calving and big cats
Mixed
March
Lush landscapes, lower prices
Showery
April
The quietest month
Quiet and wet
May
Green, calm and affordable
Showery
June
Dry season begins
Very good
July
Classic big-game safari
Best
August
Mara River crossings
Best
September
Crossings with fewer crowds
Best
October
Last of the dry season
Very good
November
Short rains, fresh green
Showery
December
Herds return south
Mixed
Questions answered
What travellers ask us
August is the headline month for river crossings, rewarding for those who plan several nights in the north and book far ahead.
The northern Serengeti around Kogatende is the focus. August and September are generally the peak window for the Mara River crossings, when thousands of wildebeest mass on the bank and pour into the water.
A dry, bright month on the mountain, and one of the busiest, especially on the southern routes.
The best binoculars you can bring, a dust cover for your camera and warm layers for early starts.
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