The Great Migration is often described as a single event, a stampede across a crocodile filled river. In reality it is a continuous, year round movement of roughly two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle around the Serengeti ecosystem, following the rains and the fresh grass they bring. There is no month when the migration is not happening somewhere. The question is not whether you will see it, but which chapter of it you want to witness.
December to March: calving season in the south
The herds gather on the short grass plains of the southern Serengeti and the Ndutu area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. In February around half a million calves are born in the space of a few weeks. Predator action is intense during this period, with lion, cheetah and hyena all taking advantage of the vulnerable young. The landscape is open and green, which makes for excellent photography and easy game viewing.
April to May: the rutting herds move north and west
As the plains dry out, the columns begin to form and push toward the central and western Serengeti. These are the long rains, so afternoons can be wet and some roads become difficult, but this is also the quietest and most affordable time of year. Travelers who do not mind a shower are rewarded with dramatic skies and very few other vehicles.
June to July: the western corridor and the Grumeti
The herds concentrate along the Grumeti River in the western corridor. The river crossings here are smaller than the famous Mara crossings but the resident crocodiles are enormous, and the scene is far less crowded. This is one of our favorite windows for guests who want the drama without the queue of minibuses.
August to October: the Mara River crossings in the north
This is the period most people picture when they think of the migration. The herds reach the northern Serengeti and must cross the Mara River, often several times, in both directions. Crossings are unpredictable and can involve long waits, so we recommend at least three nights in the north to give yourself the best chance. October sees the herds begin their long turn back toward the south.
Planning around it
- Book northern Serengeti camps six to twelve months ahead for the August to October window. Availability is the real constraint, not the wildlife.
- Pair the migration with Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire so your trip still has variety if a crossing does not happen on your day.
- Mobile tented camps that move with the herds give you the shortest possible drive to the action.
Tell us the dates you can travel and we will tell you honestly where the herds are likely to be and how to build the rest of the itinerary around them.
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