June marks the start of Tanzania’s dry season and the classic safari months. The rains are over, the grass is shortening, wildlife becomes easier to see, and the migration herds are usually in the Western Corridor of the Serengeti, where the first river crossings of the year can happen on the Grumeti River. Crowds are building but not yet at their peak, which makes June one of the best all-round months.
This guide covers the weather, where the wildlife and the migration usually are in June, what the Ngorongoro Crater is like, crowds and prices, a sample itinerary and what to pack.
Tanzania in June at a glance
| June | |
|---|---|
| Weather | Dry, clear and cool |
| Karatu | Pleasant days, cool nights |
| Crater rim at dawn | Cold, sometimes near freezing later in the month |
| Migration | Western Corridor; Grumeti River crossings possible |
| Crowds | Moderate, building |
| Season at our lodge | High season |
Weather in June
Dry weather settles in, with clear skies and cooler temperatures. Days in Karatu are pleasant, but nights are cool, and dawn on the crater rim can be very cold. Pack a proper warm layer.
Altitude matters more than latitude in northern Tanzania. The Ngorongoro Crater rim sits at about 2,300 metres and is always cooler than Karatu, at about 1,500 metres, or the lower parks such as Tarangire. See our Ngorongoro weather guide and Karatu weather guide.
Wildlife and the Great Migration in June
Wildlife viewing improves quickly as the bush dries and animals gather near water. The migration is usually in the Western Corridor, where crocodiles wait in the Grumeti River. In Tarangire, elephant numbers rise as the river becomes the main water source.
The migration follows the rain, so its position shifts a little from year to year. As a rough guide:
| Month | Where the herds usually are |
|---|---|
| January to March | Ndutu and southern Serengeti, calving |
| April to May | Moving through central Serengeti towards the west |
| June | Western Corridor, Grumeti River |
| July to October | Northern Serengeti, Mara River |
| November | Moving south through the east |
| December | Arriving in the south |
The Ngorongoro Crater in June
The crater is clear and green-gold, with excellent viewing and more vehicles than in May but fewer than in July and August.
Wildlife lives on the crater floor all year, so the crater is a reliable highlight in any month. Read our complete Ngorongoro Crater guide.
Tarangire and Lake Manyara in June
Tarangire is getting excellent for elephants. Lake Manyara is dry and pleasant. See our Tarangire guide and Lake Manyara guide.
Good to know for June
- Western Corridor crossings on the Grumeti River are smaller than the Mara crossings but quieter.
- Cold mornings start. Dawn on the crater rim can be near freezing by late June.
- Book July and August now. If June is full, the peak months will be even busier.
- Tsetse flies are active in Tarangire; wear light, neutral colours.
Pros and cons of a safari in June
Why go
- Start of the dry season
- Easier wildlife viewing
- Grumeti crossings possible
- Fewer visitors than July to September
Things to know
- Cold mornings and evenings in the highlands
- Prices rise to high season
- Dust begins on the roads
A sample June itinerary
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Arusha |
| 2 | Tarangire, then Karatu |
| 3 | Ngorongoro Crater |
| 4 | Karatu to central Serengeti |
| 5 and 6 | Western Corridor or central Serengeti |
| 7 | Fly out |
Two nights in Karatu gives you a relaxed crater day. Our lodge, The Retreat at Ngorongoro, is in the Tloma area of Karatu, 20 to 30 minutes from the crater gate. See our villas.
Cool evenings by the fire
June to August are the coolest months in the highlands. Every villa at our lodge has a wood-burning fireplace, and the Kipepeo Dining Room has its own fire, which makes evenings after a cold crater morning very comfortable.
What to pack for June
A warm jacket, hat and gloves for crater mornings, layers for warm afternoons and a buff for dust. See our full safari packing list.
Other months
Comparing dates? Read about a Tanzania safari in May or a Tanzania safari in July.
Questions about a Tanzania safari in June
Is June a good month for a Tanzania safari?
Yes. The dry season begins, wildlife is easier to see and crowds are lower than in peak months.
Where is the migration in June?
Usually in the Western Corridor of the Serengeti, with possible crossings of the Grumeti River.
How cold is it in Tanzania in June?
Days are pleasant, but mornings and nights in the highlands are cold, especially on the Ngorongoro Crater rim.
Travelling in June? Check availability at The Retreat at Ngorongoro.
