Top 3 Reasons to Visit the Serengeti in the Green Season

“A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step” - Lao Tzu

Giraffes on the plains of the Serengeti, Tanzania.

This is one of my favorite quotes and especially apt for 2020 when every step is a bold move.

I looked up the distance from Houston, Texas to Arusha, Tanzania and Google gave me 8,800 miles. That is how many steps I will be taking for my Safari back home in February - I hope to share how travel will be then.

Why Southern Serengeti?

The “green season” refers to the period between November/December to to May - typically when the short rains start until the end of the long rains. Rains in the Serengeti mean vivid colour, new life and rich game. Here are my top 3 reasons to visit the Serengeti during this magical time of year..

Wildebeest and Zebra Migration:
The wildebeest and zebra migration will be roaming this vast space due to the abundance of short nutritious grass that should have sprouted from the short rains that typically start in November. With fresh grass, the animals have food in plenty for themselves and the wee ones that will be born in these plains.

Every year, the herds birth in these open plains which is a sight to behold. You know who else likes to stay close to the huge herds, the Big Cats. Hobbyists, amateur or pro photographers, listen up. Because of birthing and the ease of food for the big cats, dramatic scenes of hunts are possible. Think cheetahs showing off their full-throttle speed bringing down an adult wildebeest or lionesses working together to tackle a zebra. Calves are easy prey. Graphic I know, but nature.

Don’t worry, it’s not only wildebeest and zebra and big cats that you will see. Elephants, birds galore, antelopes of all kinds, possibly the vicious wild-dogs, jackals, and so much more will be around to make this an amazing Safari.

Dramatic skies:
Thunder, lightning, gloomy dark skies, yup, those are what you have to look forward to when heading on Safari during the ‘rainy’ green season. As much as this is a deterrent for a lot of people, if you are comfortable, sitting back for a bit, and enjoying these experiences, you will be well rewarded with drama from nature. Sometimes you will be on drives during these moments, and others, sit back and enjoy these moments from the lovely places we recommend.

Green lush landscape:
The dry season does have its appeal and moments that are magnificent but the rain does make for green lush landscape. I personally love green spaces - it is an escape from my concrete jungle in Houston. And I do love a good contrast between the wildlife and the landscape.

You don’t have to be restricted to Southern Serengeti if you plan on traveling during these green months. We can take you to Northern Serengeti - the wildlife is always present and the landscapes glorious as ever. Mix in other parks like elephant-rich Tarangire National Park and wild Ruaha National Park in Tanzania. The possibilities are endless.

Have a look at the Tanzania Safari Taster to really get an idea of what your Safari could look like but remember that each safari I design is personalised to you.

PS. A moving large group of giraffes is called a journey. When a large group of giraffes are standing, they are called a tower.