The Great Migration in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

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This guide is just the beginning of your journey toward an unforgettable African adventure! If you’re dreaming of witnessing the Great Migration, spotting the Big Five, or soaking in the endless beauty of the Serengeti, now is the perfect time to start planning.

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Why Wildebeest Embark on Their Epic Journey

You’re witnessing one of nature’s most incredible spectacles when you follow the Great Migration — a vast movement of over a million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, covering around 800 kilometers across Tanzania and Kenya. But why do they move? It’s all about survival. The timing of this journey aligns with the cycle of rain and grass growth.

During the wet season, lush grass blankets the southern Serengeti, drawing the herds there for calving. These open plains also provide better visibility, making it safer for newborns as predators are easier to spot. But once the rains stop and the land dries up, food becomes scarce. That’s when the wildebeest head west and eventually north, chasing greener, though less nutritious, pastures until the southern plains revive with the next rains. What results is a massive, clockwise loop through the Serengeti and into the Masai Mara — a continuous quest for food and safety.

The Great Migration: A Living Circle of Life

You won’t find a more vivid example of the natural cycle of life than the Great Migration. It kicks off in the Southern Serengeti, where thousands of wildebeest calves are born within a few weeks each February. It’s a dramatic time, as predators like lions and hyenas lie in wait for the vulnerable young — a heart-pounding thrill for wildlife lovers.

Come May, the dry season nudges the herds north toward Kenya’s Masai Mara. Along the way, they mow down swathes of green grass, followed closely by zebras and gazelles. But the journey isn’t without peril — rivers teeming with crocodiles and the formidable Serengeti lion population pose constant threats. Still, watching lions coordinate a hunt or wildebeest braving the river crossings is truly unforgettable.

Then, with the short rains beginning around October, the herds gradually return to Tanzania’s Serengeti, moving back toward the calving grounds. By December, they pass through central Serengeti and arrive at the Ndutu region — and the circle begins again.

Your Guide to the Wildebeest Migration Calendar

If you’re planning a safari to witness the Great Migration, timing is everything — but nature doesn’t always stick to the script. The following guide offers the general patterns of the migration based on weather and historical behavior, but keep in mind that rain can throw the entire schedule off. Flexibility is key.

December to April: New Life in the South

From December to April, the herds settle into the southeastern Serengeti, near the Ndutu area. Short rains in November lure them here, where the grass is rich and nutritious. February is peak calving season, with thousands of wildebeest giving birth — and predators waiting in the wings.

By late March or April, food starts to dwindle. While spotting a full-on migration might be harder during this time, you’ll still encounter huge groups slowly making their way northward.

May to July: The Trek Begins

As the landscape begins to dry out, the wildebeest prepare for their long journey. Between late April and early June, the migration kicks into full gear. You’ll see rivers of animals — sometimes stretching over 40 kilometers — marching toward the Western Corridor.

Here they face their first major test: crossing the Grumeti River. This dramatic scene often plays out with crocodiles lying in wait. Sometimes the herd will wait for weeks before making the move — adding suspense and unpredictability.

August to September: Facing the Mara River

Next comes the Mara River — the most iconic and dangerous part of the journey. Between July and August, massive herds attempt the crossing into Kenya’s Masai Mara. It’s a photographer’s dream: wildebeest diving into crocodile-infested waters, dust flying, chaos unfolding.

Though many assume the Serengeti is empty during this time, that’s not entirely true. Roughly half the herd remains on the Tanzanian side in the Serengeti Mara region. Smaller groups frequently crisscross the Mara River, offering incredible viewing opportunities — especially if you stay at a Serengeti Mara camp.

October to November: The Return South

By October, the herds begin their journey southward again, passing through the quieter northern plains and the Lobo area. This lesser-known part of the park is ideal if you want a more intimate viewing experience, away from the crowds.

As November rains return to the southern plains, the wildebeest follow — heading back to the Ndutu region to start the cycle once more.

Things to Keep in Mind

You might plan your safari around the Great Migration, but there’s no guarantee of seeing a river crossing or the exact herd location — weather shifts can completely change their path. For example, in 2013, unexpected rainfall in the north lured the herd back into Kenya mid-journey. And in 2014, rains in the south delayed their usual northbound migration by months.

Still, by picking the right region at the right time, your chances of spotting massive herds increase dramatically.

Best Times and Places to Visit

Here’s a quick summary to help you decide when and where to go for the best migration sightings:

• December – May: Head to the southeast Serengeti and Ndutu area for calving season and lush plains.

• May – July: Visit the Western Corridor for the start of the migration and Grumeti River crossings.

• July – October: Stay near the Serengeti Mara region to catch river crossings and herd movement into Kenya.

• October – November: Explore the northern Serengeti and Lobo area for a peaceful view of the returning herds.