Understanding the Great Migration: A Month-by-Month Guide

The Great Migration is one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles. Each year, more than a million wildebeest, accompanied by large numbers of zebras and gazelles, move across Tanzania’s Serengeti ecosystem and into Kenya’s Maasai Mara in search of fresh grass and water.

For travellers planning a Great Migration safari with Lucky Wild Safaris, understanding the seasonal movement helps you choose where to go and what you are most likely to see. The migration follows rainfall rather than a fixed calendar, so the herds’ exact location varies each year.

January–March: Calving Season in Southern Serengeti

• Where to go: Southern Serengeti and the Ndutu plains.

• What to see: Large herds, newborn wildebeest calves, and predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.

• Best for: Wildlife photography and observing the relationship between predators and their prey.

February is often the peak of the calving season. It is an excellent period for travellers interested in young animals and active predator sightings.

April–May: The Herds Begin Moving North

• Where to go: Central Serengeti and the Western Corridor, depending on rainfall.

• What to see: Large herds travelling across the plains as they search for fresh grazing.

• Best for: Travellers who enjoy dramatic landscapes and a quieter safari atmosphere.

These months coincide with Tanzania’s long rains. Some roads can become muddy, and movement is less predictable, but the scenery can be beautiful.

June: The Western Corridor

• Where to go: Western Serengeti, particularly the Grumeti region.

• What to see: Large herds moving west and north, with possible Grumeti River crossings.

• Best for: Travellers hoping to follow the migration before the main northern river-crossing season. Crossings are natural events, not scheduled activities. Herds may gather near a river without crossing immediately.

July–October: Northern Serengeti and River Crossings

• Where to go: Northern Serengeti, especially the Kogatende and Lamai areas.

• What to see: Large herds moving through the north, with opportunities to witness Mara River crossings.

• Best for: Travellers hoping to experience the dramatic river-crossing phase.

August and September are particularly popular months. However, river crossings are never guaranteed, even when the herds are nearby.

November–December: The Journey South

• Where to go: Central and eastern Serengeti, followed by the southern plains as the herds return.

• What to see: Herds moving south in response to seasonal rainfall and fresh grass.

• Best for: Travellers interested in following the migration’s return journey and enjoying greener landscapes.

By December, many herds are moving towards the southern Serengeti and Ndutu ahead of the next calving season. The timing depends on rainfall.

Your ideal travel month depends on the wildlife experience you want.

• For newborn wildebeest: Choose February or the wider January–March calving period.

• For possible Grumeti River crossings: Consider June or early July.

• For possible Mara River crossings: Plan for July–October in northern Serengeti, allowing several days in the area.

• For greener scenery and a quieter atmosphere: Consider the shoulder or rainy seasons, while remaining flexible about wildlife locations.

Make the most of your trip

• Choose accommodation carefully: Stay in the region where the herds are most likely to be during your travel dates.

• Allow enough time: Several nights in the target area give you more opportunities to observe wildlife behaviour.

• Stay flexible: Rainfall can shift migration timing, so avoid relying on exact crossing predictions.

• Use an experienced local guide: Local knowledge helps your guide adjust game drives to current conditions.

• Book early for peak months: Northern Serengeti accommodation can be in high demand during July, August, and September.

The Great Migration offers a different experience throughout the year, from the excitement of calving season in southern Serengeti to the possibility of dramatic river crossings in the north.

Lucky Wild Safaris can help you plan a Tanzania safari around your travel dates, preferred wildlife experiences, and budget. By choosing the right Serengeti region for the season, you can make better use of your time on safari without expecting nature to follow a timetable.

Follow the herds, discover the Serengeti, and experience the wild heart of Tanzania.