The Great Wildebeest Migration is a year-round journey of about 1.5 million wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of zebras and many gazelles moving in a giant loop through the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grass and water. Along the way come the calving season, thrilling predator action and dramatic, unpredictable river crossings that draw visitors worldwide. This guide explains what the migration is, where the herds are month by month, the best time to see calving and crossings, where to stay, what to pack and how to plan a private, tailor-made migration safari with our experienced local Arusha safari team.
The Great Migration moves through Tanzania's Serengeti all year. From December to March the herds calve in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu, from April to June they move through the central and western Serengeti, and from July to October they reach the northern Serengeti, where Mara River crossings are possible. In November they return south with the short rains. Timing varies each year with rainfall.
What Is the Great Migration?
The Great Migration is the largest overland movement of large mammals on Earth, a continuous circular journey through the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya. It is not a single event but a year-round cycle driven by rainfall, fresh grazing and the need to give birth on nutritious short-grass plains. The steps below show the main stages of the migration cycle as the herds move through the year. Exact timing changes every year with the rains, so our guides follow recent movements closely and plan your game drives where the herds are most likely to be.
- Calving in the southDecember to March: herds gather on the southern plains and Ndutu to give birth.
- Moving north-westApril to May: the long rains push the herds through the central Serengeti.
- Western CorridorMay to July: herds gather and may cross the Grumeti River.
- Northern SerengetiJuly to October: the herds reach the north, where Mara River crossings are possible.
- Return southNovember: the short rains draw the herds back south.
- Start againDecember: the cycle begins again with a new calving season.
Where the Herds Are: Serengeti Regions
The migration moves through different parts of the vast Serengeti ecosystem during the year, and each region offers its own landscapes, wildlife action and seasonal highlights. Choosing the right region for your travel month is the key to a successful migration safari and the right choice of safari camp. The four tabs below explain the main migration regions in Tanzania, when the herds are usually there and what you can expect to see. We use mobile camps and well-placed lodges so you stay as close as possible to the herds, wherever they happen to be on your dates.
Southern Serengeti and Ndutu
December to March
Calving season
In the wet season the herds gather on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti and the Ndutu area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Hundreds of thousands of calves are born, usually peaking in February, and predators such as lions, cheetahs and hyenas follow closely. It is a wonderful time for dramatic predator action and photography.
Serengeti National Park →Central Serengeti (Seronera)
April to June and November
Herds on the move
As the long rains arrive, the herds pass through the central Serengeti around Seronera, a region famous for excellent resident wildlife all year. Long columns of wildebeest and zebras cross the plains, and big cats are often seen on the rocky kopjes. Central Serengeti is a reliable choice for good game viewing in many months.
Serengeti National Park →Western Corridor
May to July
Grumeti River crossings
The Western Corridor stretches towards Lake Victoria and is crossed by the Grumeti River. Herds often gather here in the early dry season and may cross the river, where large Nile crocodiles wait. The area is quieter than the north and offers a rewarding mix of migration action, resident wildlife and beautiful riverine woodland scenery.
Serengeti National Park →Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)
July to October
Mara River crossings
In the dry season the herds reach the northern Serengeti around Kogatende and the Mara River. Crossings happen several times a day in good years, but timing is unpredictable and depends on the herds. Watching thousands of animals plunge into the river, with crocodiles below, is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles anywhere in Africa.
Serengeti National Park →Best Time to See the Great Migration
The best time to see the Great Migration depends on what you most want to experience, because every season offers something special. Calving season brings newborns and predator action, the dry season brings river crossings, and the green season offers lush scenery, fewer vehicles and lower lodge rates in many camps. The table below shows the migration month by month in Tanzania, with the usual location of the herds, the main highlights and planning notes. Remember that the herds follow the rain, not the calendar, so this is a general guide and we confirm current conditions before you travel.
| Months | Usual location | Main highlight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| December to March | Southern Serengeti and Ndutu | Calving and predator action | Calving usually peaks in February |
| April to May | Central Serengeti | Herds on the move | Long rains; fewer visitors |
| May to July | Western Corridor and central | Grumeti River crossings possible | Early dry season |
| July to October | Northern Serengeti | Mara River crossings possible | Peak season; book early |
| November | Central and eastern Serengeti | Herds heading south | Short rains; good value |
Why See the Great Migration
Seeing the Great Migration is a lifetime experience that combines huge herds, dramatic predator action and spectacular landscapes in one of Africa's greatest wilderness areas. It shows the power of nature and the delicate balance between predators, prey and rainfall across a vast and protected ecosystem. The three cards below explain the main reasons why travellers choose a private migration safari in Tanzania. With a private vehicle and guide, you can wait at a river or calving area for as long as you like, without pressure from fixed timetables. Patience often brings the very best and most memorable moments.
From December to March, the southern Serengeti and Ndutu become a vast nursery, with hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves born within a few weeks. The newborns can stand and run within minutes, but lions, cheetahs and hyenas are always nearby. It is an emotional, unforgettable and highly photogenic time to visit the southern Serengeti.
Between July and October, the herds face the Mara River in the northern Serengeti. Thousands gather nervously on the banks before plunging into the water, where crocodiles and strong currents wait. Crossings are unpredictable and may take many hours of patient waiting, but witnessing one is among the most dramatic wildlife experiences anywhere on Earth.
Because the migration moves all year round, there is really no wrong time to visit the Serengeti. Even between the big migration highlights, resident lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and giraffes provide excellent game viewing. Choosing the right region for your month means you can enjoy the migration and outstanding wildlife throughout your private, tailor-made safari.
What to Pack and Migration Safari Tips
A migration safari involves long, exciting game drives, early starts and sometimes hours of waiting for the perfect moment at a river or calving area. Packing well and following a few simple tips will make your days more comfortable and help you enjoy every sighting fully. The two lists below show what to pack for a Great Migration safari and the most useful tips for watching the herds. Your guide will share local knowledge about recent herd movements and crossing points, so ask plenty of questions on each game drive. Good preparation turns long drives into rewarding experiences.
What to pack
- Binoculars for every traveller
- Camera with a telephoto lens
- Neutral clothing in layers
- Warm jacket for early mornings
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Dust cover for camera gear
Migration tips
- Stay for at least three nights in the right region
- Be patient at river crossings
- Keep a respectful distance from the herds
- Never block animals approaching the river
- Follow park rules and your guide
- Book peak months well in advance
How to Plan a Great Migration Safari
Planning a migration safari starts with your travel month, because it decides which region of the Serengeti you should visit and where you should stay. We match your dates to the most likely herd location, choose well-placed camps or lodges and plan enough nights to give you the best chances of great sightings. The steps below show how we plan a tailor-made Great Migration safari with our experienced Arusha team. Many travellers combine the migration with Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire for a complete northern Tanzania safari. Your first enquiry is always free and without obligation, and we reply quickly.
- Choose your monthTell us your dates and what you want to see most.
- Match the regionWe identify where the herds are likely to be.
- Select your campChoose a mobile camp or lodge close to the action.
- Plan enough nightsStay three nights or more in the key area.
- Follow the herdsEnjoy flexible game drives with your private guide.
Great Wildebeest Migration: FAQs
What is the Great Wildebeest Migration?
It is a year-round circular movement of about 1.5 million wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, through the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya, driven by rainfall and fresh grazing.
When is the best time to see the Great Migration in Tanzania?
For calving and predator action, visit the southern Serengeti and Ndutu from December to March. For possible Mara River crossings, visit the northern Serengeti from July to October.
Where is the migration in each month?
Usually the south and Ndutu from December to March, the central Serengeti in April and May, the Western Corridor from May to July, the north from July to October, and heading south in November.
When is calving season?
Calving usually takes place from late January to March in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu, often peaking in February, when hundreds of thousands of calves are born within a few weeks.
When do the Mara River crossings happen?
Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti are possible from about July to October. They are unpredictable and depend on the herds, so staying several nights in the area improves your chances.
How many days do I need for a migration safari?
We recommend at least three nights in the right Serengeti region, within a safari of six to ten days that may also include Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire.
Is the migration only in Tanzania?
No. The migration moves between the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya, but the herds spend most of the year in Tanzania, including the calving season.
Can I see the migration on a private safari?
Yes. All our safaris are private and tailor-made, with your own vehicle and guide. This lets you wait at crossings or calving areas for as long as you like.
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