
Green Season & Grumeti River Crossing
April to early July | Western & Central-West Serengeti (Ikoma region)
April and May are known to be long rain season in Tanzania, and while many may try to avoid safari during this period, it is in fact a spectacular season to come for a visit. The rainfall rejuvenates the dried-out plains, giving it a brand new, lush green coat, and the parks are transformed into a replenished haven for the animals that dwell within. The rain typically occurs in the early morning and evening, and rarely affects the game drive during the day. Due to the fact that April and May falls into the “low season” in Tanzania, the rates are also the lowest.
As the rain moves from the South to the Western Serengeti, the migration herds will tread into the Western Corridor, where they will cross the Grumeti River. While this is a relatively small crossing when compared to the Mara River Crossing in the next season, it is also one of the most highly anticipated event in the annual migration, as the Grumeti River hosts the Nile crocodile, the world’s largest crocodile. making the crossing a risky decision for the wildebeests and zebras.
The Western Corridor also boasts of a diverse topography, including floodplains, savannahs, open woodlands, scattered forests, small hills and valleys. Aside from the Nile crocodiles, Western Serengeti is also home to the rare colobus monkeys, large herds of elephants and giraffes. Resident lion prides that roam about the region can also be seen throughout the year.
In the months of June and July, the migrating herds will begin to move upwards to Northern Serengeti, passing through the Grumeti reserve and Ikoma area. For those who have a longer itinerary, we would recommend spending time in both the Western Corridor, and the Kogatende area in the Northern Serengeti.
As April and May are part of the long rain season, the rainfall will be sporadic throughout the day, though the heavier rain typically occurs in the early morning and evening time. Contradictory to general belief, the rain doesn’t stop the game viewing, rather, the cool weather after the rain makes the wildlife more active. The daytime temperature would be between 15-25°C / 59-77°F, with the early morning and evening in the cooler 10-15°C / 50-59°F.