🌍 What Is the Great Migration?
The Great Migration is a continuous, year-round movement of animals following the rains and fresh grass across Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
It’s not a single event — it’s a cycle of life, involving birth, survival, and renewal. The wildebeest move in a clockwise loop of roughly 1,800 miles (2,900 km) every year in search of greener pastures.
This massive movement supports predators, birds, and other wildlife — making the Serengeti ecosystem one of the most dynamic on Earth.
🗓️ Month-by-Month Migration Route
January – March: Calving Season (Southern Serengeti)
- Wildebeest give birth to over 500,000 calves in the Ndutu area.
- Lush grasslands and plenty of predator action (especially lions and cheetahs).
- Best for wildlife photography and newborn sightings.
📍 Where to stay: Ndutu, Lake Masek, or Kusini
April – May: Movement to the Central Serengeti
- Herds begin heading northwest as rains end.
- Landscapes are green and peaceful, with fewer tourists.
- Perfect time for birdwatching and scenic photography.
📍 Where to stay: Seronera Valley
June – July: Grumeti River Crossings (Western Corridor)
- Herds gather and face the first major challenge — crossing the Grumeti River.
- Expect crocodiles, dramatic scenes, and incredible predator interactions.
- Dry season begins, making game viewing easier.
📍 Where to stay: Grumeti, Kirawira, or Western Serengeti lodges
August – October: Mara River Crossings (Northern Serengeti)
- The most famous and dramatic phase of the migration.
- Wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River, facing danger at every turn.
- Excellent weather and perfect conditions for game drives.
📍 Where to stay: Kogatende, Lamai, or Northern Serengeti
November – December: Return South
- The short rains arrive and the herds begin their journey back to the south.
- Green landscapes return, and the circle of life starts again.
📍 Where to stay: Central or Southern Serengeti
🦁 Why the Great Migration Is So Special
- It’s one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
- The only continuous migration of this scale left on Earth.
- Offers unmatched wildlife photography opportunities.
- You can witness predators, calving, and crossings all in one trip — depending on timing.
📅 When Should You Visit?
| Goal | Best Time to Visit | Recommended Area |
|---|---|---|
| See Calving Season | Jan – Mar | Southern Serengeti (Ndutu) |
| Watch River Crossings | Jul – Sep | Northern Serengeti (Mara River) |
| Enjoy Fewer Crowds | Apr – May | Central Serengeti |
| Balanced Experience | Oct – Dec | Central to South |
🚙 Experience the Migration with Serengeti Insider Safaris
At Serengeti Insider Safaris, our expert local guides track the herds year-round.
We design personalized safari itineraries to ensure you’re always in the right place, at the right time — whether it’s the thunder of hooves or a quiet sunrise over the plains.
Plan your Great Migration Safari today.
🐃 Book Your Serengeti Adventure →
