July is peak safari season in Tanzania. The weather is dry and clear, wildlife gathers around water and is easy to see, and the Great Migration usually begins arriving in the northern Serengeti, where the famous Mara River crossings start. It is also the busiest and most expensive time of year, so planning ahead pays off.
This guide covers the weather, where the wildlife and the migration usually are in July, what the Ngorongoro Crater is like, crowds and prices, a sample itinerary and what to pack.
Tanzania in July at a glance
| July | |
|---|---|
| Weather | Dry, sunny and cool |
| Karatu | Pleasant days, cool to cold nights |
| Crater rim at dawn | Often the coldest month, near freezing |
| Migration | Moving into the northern Serengeti; Mara River crossings begin |
| Crowds | High |
| Season at our lodge | High season |
Weather in July
July is usually the coolest month in the highlands, with cold dawns on the crater rim and crisp, clear days. Rain is rare. Dust builds on the roads as the month goes on.
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 July
The migration herds head north, and the first Mara River crossings usually happen in July, though timing depends on the rains. Elsewhere, short grass and limited water make game viewing excellent. Tarangire’s elephant herds are building.
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 July
Viewing is excellent, but the crater is busy. Agree a plan with your guide: go down early, and move on from crowded sightings to quieter corners of the floor.
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 July
Tarangire is superb for elephants and baobabs. Lake Manyara is dry and easy to explore. See our Tarangire guide and Lake Manyara guide.
Good to know for July
- Crossings are not guaranteed. The herds can wait on the riverbank for hours or days. Allow several days in the north.
- Go down into the crater early. From Karatu, leave around 5:30 AM with a packed breakfast.
- Dust protection for your camera and a buff for your face make a real difference.
- School holidays in Europe and North America begin, so family rooms book out early.
Pros and cons of a safari in July
Why go
- Excellent game viewing
- Mara River crossings begin
- Dry, comfortable weather
- Low malaria risk compared with the wet months
Things to know
- Busiest and most expensive month
- Cold highland mornings
- Dust on the roads
- Popular lodges fill early
A sample July itinerary
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Arusha |
| 2 | Tarangire, then Karatu |
| 3 | Ngorongoro Crater |
| 4 | Drive or fly to the northern Serengeti |
| 5 to 7 | Mara River area |
| 8 | 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.
Avoiding the crowds in July
- Book lodges and camps six to twelve months ahead.
- Stay in Karatu rather than on the crater rim for more space and value.
- Give Tarangire a full day; it is at its best.
- Ask your guide to avoid the busiest sightings when possible.
What to pack for July
A warm jacket, beanie and gloves for dawn, light layers, a buff for dust and sunglasses. See our full safari packing list.
Other months
Comparing dates? Read about a Tanzania safari in June or a Tanzania safari in August.
Questions about a Tanzania safari in July
Is July a good time for a Tanzania safari?
Yes, it is one of the best months for game viewing, but also the busiest and most expensive.
Where is the Great Migration in July?
Moving into the northern Serengeti, where Mara River crossings usually begin.
How cold is the Ngorongoro Crater in July?
Dawn on the rim can be near freezing. The crater floor warms up quickly by mid-morning.
Travelling in July? Check availability at The Retreat at Ngorongoro.
