Best Parks to Visit During Green Season (Roughly November to May)
The “green season” in Tanzania, also known as the wet or rainy season, offers a unique and often underrated safari experience. While some travelers prefer the dry season, the green season has its own advantages, and certain parks shine during this time.
Key Features of the Green Season:
- Lush Landscapes: The rains transform the landscape into a vibrant green, creating stunning scenery and excellent photographic opportunities.
- Fewer Crowds: Generally, fewer tourists visit during the green season, resulting in a more exclusive and peaceful safari experience.
- Lower Prices: Accommodation and tour prices are often lower during the green season.
- Birdwatching: The rains bring an influx of migratory birds, making it a fantastic time for birdwatchers.
- Newborn Animals: Many animals give birth during the green season, providing opportunities to see young wildlife.
Best Parks to Visit During the Green Season:
- Tarangire National Park: Tarangire remains excellent year-round, and the green season brings lush vegetation and abundant birdlife.
- Lake Manyara National Park: The lake fills up, attracting large flocks of flamingos and other waterbirds. The lush forests are also beautiful.
- Ngorongoro Crater: The crater is beautiful year-round, and the green season offers stunning scenery.
- Southern Tanzania (Nyerere and Ruaha): These parks remain excellent during the green season, with fewer crowds and lush landscapes. Boat safaris in Nyerere are particularly enjoyable with higher water levels.
- Western Serengeti: The calving season in Ndutu (part of the larger Serengeti ecosystem) occurs during the green season (January-March), attracting massive herds and predators.
Parks to Consider with Caution During the Green Season:
- Serengeti National Park (General): While parts of the Serengeti ecosystem (like Ndutu) are excellent, heavy rains can make some areas less accessible. The migration is also more dispersed during this time.
- Road Accessibility: Some roads, especially in more remote areas, can become challenging or impassable during heavy rains.