March, April & May – Long Rains Season
March, April, May

The Long Rains – March to May in Tanzania

March through May is Tanzania's long rainy season, also known as the green season by safari operators who want to highlight its genuine advantages. Rainfall is heaviest in April and early May, with March and late May offering more intermittent conditions. This is the least visited period of the safari year, which translates directly into lower accommodation prices, uncrowded parks, and a different and equally valid wildlife experience.

Wildlife During the Long Rains

Wildlife does not disappear during the rains — it disperses across the landscape as water sources become widely available. Game viewing from vehicles in the busiest parks like Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire remains excellent as resident animals continue their normal behavior. The Serengeti central zone supports resident wildlife year-round regardless of season. Lion cubs born from December onwards are becoming mobile in these months, and many young animals are visible with their mothers.

Birdwatching in the Green Season

The long rains are the best time for birdwatching in Tanzania. Migratory species from Europe and Asia arrive in large numbers, joining the resident birds on the lush plains and in the waterlogged wetlands. Lake Manyara, Tarangire's Silale Swamp, and the Ndutu lake system all host exceptional bird concentrations during this period. For serious birders, the green season is not a compromise but a genuine preference.

Practical Considerations

Some remote roads in the Serengeti Western Corridor and parts of Ruaha become impassable during peak rains. Flight access to remote camps becomes more important during this period. Some smaller or seasonal camps close from April to May. However, the major Northern Circuit parks remain accessible with 4WD vehicles, and the advantages of uncrowded parks and significantly reduced accommodation rates make this period popular with experienced safari travellers.