Dry season, reliable weather
Tanzania in September
The northern herds are still on the move, the air is clear and the lodges are calmer than in August. A strong all-round month for safari and for climbing Kilimanjaro.
- Best
- For a safari
- Best
- For Kilimanjaro
- Best
- For Zanzibar beaches
- River crossings
- Main draw this month
Tanzania in September at a glance
Crossings with fewer crowds
The weather
Clear air, warm days and cool nights, with the most reliable weather of the year.
Where the herds are
The herds are in the northern Serengeti near the Mara River. September is calmer than August, and crossings remain likely.
The parks
September is hard to beat for a first safari. Crowds have eased since August and wildlife is easy to find.
Kilimanjaro
One of the best months on Kilimanjaro, with clear skies and firm trails.
Zanzibar and the coast
A pleasant, dry time for Zanzibar beach days.
Crowds and rates
Still peak season for rates, though a little calmer than August.
Planning a trip in September
Good for
Best month for a first safari, River crossings, Families on dry-season dates
Watch out for
Camps in the north still fill early, so book well ahead.
What to pack
Warm layers for dawn, light clothes by day and a wide-brimmed hat.
Our verdict on September
If you can choose one month for a first safari, September is hard to beat for reliable weather, herds in the north and fewer vehicles than August.
Safaris that suit September
Itineraries from our collection that list September 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
If you can choose one month for a first safari, September is hard to beat for reliable weather, herds in the north and fewer vehicles than August.
The herds are in the northern Serengeti near the Mara River. September is calmer than August, and crossings remain likely.
One of the best months on Kilimanjaro, with clear skies and firm trails.
Warm layers for dawn, light clothes by day and a wide-brimmed hat.
Free guides
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The Tanzania Safari Planning Guide
Where to go, when, and what each park is best for: a clear primer before you choose a safari.
- The best months for every park, park by park, on one page
- A profile of each destination: the landscape, the wildlife to expect and the size of the park
- The ways to travel, from classic game drives to walking, beach and combination trips
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