Discover the Great Migration in Serengeti and Masai Mara. Month‑by‑month guide to wildebeest crossings, best viewing spots, and safari tips.
Introduction
The Great Migration is the world’s most spectacular wildlife event, drawing thousands of travelers to Tanzania and Kenya each year. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, move in a circular journey across the Serengeti and Masai Mara in search of fresh grazing. This guide explains the migration’s cycle, the best times and places to witness it, and practical safari tips to maximize your experience.
What Is the Great Migration?
- Annual movement of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles across Tanzania and Kenya.
- Driven by rainfall patterns and the search for fresh grass.
- Includes dramatic river crossings at the Grumeti River (Tanzania) and Mara River (Kenya).
- Predators such as lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles follow the herds, creating unforgettable safari encounters.
Month‑by‑Month Migration Calendar
January to March: Calving Season (Southern Serengeti)
- Wildebeest give birth to over 500,000 calves.
- High predator activity in Ndutu and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Excellent for photographers seeking predator‑prey drama.
April to May: Herds Move North (Central Serengeti)
- Rainy season, lush landscapes.
- Herds spread out across central Serengeti plains.
- Fewer tourists, lower safari costs.
June to July: Grumeti River Crossings
- Wildebeest face crocodile‑infested waters.
- Dramatic scenes of survival.
- Best viewed in western Serengeti.
August to September: Mara River Crossings (Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara)
- Most famous stage of the migration.
- Thousands of wildebeest plunge into the Mara River.
- High safari demand: book lodges early.
October to November: Return South
- Herds move back into Tanzania.
- Good viewing in northern and central Serengeti.
- Short rains begin, landscapes turn green.
December: Southern Serengeti
- Herds settle in Ndutu region.
- Calving season begins again.
Best Places to See the Great Migration
- Ndutu (Southern Serengeti): Calving season, predator action.
- Western Serengeti: Grumeti River crossings.
- Northern Serengeti: Mara River crossings.
- Masai Mara (Kenya): Peak migration scenes in August–September.
Safari Tips for Witnessing the Migration
- Book early: Lodges near river crossings fill up months in advance. Most clients book on the previous year.
- Choose private safaris: More flexibility to follow herds.
- Consider fly‑in safaris: Save time and maximize viewing opportunities.
- Travel with expert guides: Local knowledge ensures you’re in the right place at the right time.
Conclusion
The Great Migration is a once in a lifetime spectacle, offering travelers the chance to witness nature’s most dramatic wildlife event. Whether you want to see calving season in Ndutu, river crossings in Serengeti, or the Mara plains in Kenya, timing and planning are key.
Ready to experience the Great Migration? Book with our safari experts in Tanzania for tailor‑made itineraries across Serengeti, Masai Mara, Ngorongoro, Uganda, and Rwanda. Let us design your perfect safari adventure today.
