Short dry spell, peak calving
Tanzania in February
Thousands of calves are born each day, and lions, cheetahs and hyenas hunt them. One of the best months for dramatic predator action, and for climbing Kilimanjaro.
- Mixed
- For a safari
- Very good
- For Kilimanjaro
- Very good
- For Zanzibar beaches
- Calving
- Main draw this month
Tanzania in February at a glance
Peak calving and big cats
The weather
Warm, green and bright between short showers. Mornings can be cool, so a warm layer helps on the first drive of the day.
Where the herds are
This is the usual peak of the calving season. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves are born over a few weeks on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti and Ndutu, and lions, cheetahs, hyenas and jackals follow the herds.
The parks
The southern Serengeti and Ndutu offer some of the most dramatic predator action of the year. Ngorongoro Crater is rewarding in every month.
Kilimanjaro
February sits in the January to mid-March climbing window, with clearer skies and firmer trails than in the wet months.
Zanzibar and the coast
Warm and humid on the coast, and still inside the December to February window for Zanzibar beach days.
Crowds and rates
The calving weeks are busy. Camps near Ndutu price for demand, so ask your planner what is happening in your exact week.
Planning a trip in February
Good for
Calving season, Big cats hunting, Climbing Kilimanjaro
Watch out for
Calving is moving and also harsh to watch, because it is the busiest time of year for predators.
What to pack
A fleece for early starts, sun protection and a light waterproof jacket.
Our verdict on February
February is one of the best months for drama on the plains and a good one for the mountain, as long as you book ahead.
Safaris that suit February
Itineraries from our collection that list February among their best months, from the lowest starting price.
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
After the Summit: Northern Parks in Five Days
Collected from your Moshi hotel, then Tarangire, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater before you fly home.
5 days · From $2,219
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
February is one of the best months for drama on the plains and a good one for the mountain, as long as you book ahead.
This is the usual peak of the calving season. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves are born over a few weeks on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti and Ndutu, and lions, cheetahs, hyenas and jackals follow the herds.
February sits in the January to mid-March climbing window, with clearer skies and firmer trails than in the wet months.
A fleece for early starts, sun protection and a light waterproof jacket.
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