The Great Migration in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Send Your Enquiry for a Serengeti National Park Safari

We hope this information will help you decide that Serengeti National Park is the ideal destination for your next adventure. If you have more questions or need specific details about different lodges, please fill out the contact form. Alternatively, email us at safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com or james@ajkenyasafaris.com. You can also reach us via WhatsApp or phone at +254 748 258880.

Why Do Wildebeest Migrate?

The wildebeest’s 800-kilometer journey is the largest mammal migration on the planet. Their movement aligns with the emergence of nutritious grasses on the short-grass plains during the wet season. As the herds move north, they pass through the central Serengeti, a vital area rich in wildlife and predator-prey interactions. These plains offer a safer environment for calving due to better predator visibility. When the plains of southern serengeti dry up, the wildebeest herds are compelled to seek greener pastures in the western corridor. Although the northern extension of the ecosystem receives the most rainfall, its grasses are less nutritious, serving as a dry-season refuge until the southern plains rejuvenate. This results in a clockwise migration pattern from south, west, north, and back to the south.

The Great Migration in Brief

Nowhere else does the circle of life manifest as vividly as in the Great Migration. The journey begins in the Southern Serengeti with the birth of wildebeest calves, attracting predators like lions and hyenas. Thousands of herds of wildebeest calves are born within weeks, offering a feast for wildlife enthusiasts.

As the drought approaches in May, the herds head north towards serengeti plains the Masai Mara in Kenya, devouring the lush green grass, closely followed by gazelles and zebras. The migration is fraught with danger, especially during river crossings where about 3,000 crocodiles lie in wait. Not to mention the Serengeti’s formidable lion population, the largest in Africa. Despite the abundance of prey, life remains challenging for these big cats in the harsh environment. Witnessing a pride of lions hunting a wildebeest is an unforgettable experience.

With the onset of the short rains in late October, the migration returns to the Serengeti. By December, we see the migration herds pass through Seronera, home to the official Serengeti Visitors’ Centre, before returning to their calving grounds, completing the cycle.

The Great Migration in Detail

When planning your Serengeti safari, witnessing the Serengeti migration is likely a priority. However, timing your visit perfectly is challenging. The annual migration itself is influenced by local rainfall patterns, making predictions difficult. Here is a breakdown of the typical Great Migration cycle:

December-April

The main calving grounds lie southeast of Seronera, extending to the Ndutu area near Ngorongoro. Triggered by the short rains in November and December, wildebeest calving season remain here until the long rains end in April or early May. This section of Serengeti National Park is accessible during this lush period. February is prime calving season in the Ndutu area and southeastern plains, attracting numerous predators. Large herds may move in search of greener pastures as early as March or April.

May-July

After grazing on the short green grasses of the southeastern Serengeti and birthing their young, the wildebeest prepare for their 800-kilometer trek. The journey begins between late April and early June, offering a chance to witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles: over a million animals marching in a column up to 40 kilometers long. The herd moves towards the Western Corridor, facing their first major challenge: crossing the Grumeti River, where oversized crocodiles await. The herd may linger on the river’s southern bank for up to two weeks before crossing.

August-September

After conquering the Grumeti River, the herd advances north, crossing the Mara River in July or August. The Mara River crossing is the source of many iconic Great Migration photos. The herd then moves to the northwest plains and the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Although August and September are considered less ideal for viewing the great migration while in Serengeti National Park, about half the herd remains in Tanzania’s Mara Serengeti area. Smaller herds frequently cross the Mara River during this time, providing an excellent opportunity to stay at Serengeti Mara camps.

October-November

Crossing the Mara River northbound during the great migration necessitates a return crossing before heading south. This typically occurs in October. During this period, the herd traverses the northern plains and Lobo area, a lesser-visited section of Serengeti National Park, offering a quieter migration viewing experience. The wildebeest return to the short-grass plains and calving grounds around Ndutu in late November, restarting the Great Migration.

Note

The timings provided are guidelines, as exceptions are common. In November 2013, unexpected rains north of the Mara River prompted the two wildebeest herds to reverse their southward journey, returning to the Masai Mara for three weeks. In 2014, unusual rains in the southern Serengeti delayed the herd’s northbound journey towards the Western Corridor until July.

When to Visit?

Deciding whether to plan your Serengeti safari around the Great Migration is a personal choice. The Serengeti is a year-round destination, offering exceptional wildlife viewing across its vast landscapes. The likelihood of witnessing a wildebeest migrate a river crossing is slim, and herd movements are unpredictable. However, selecting the right Serengeti region—southeast and Ndutu from December to May, the Western Corridor from May to July, the Serengeti Mara area from July to October, and the northern Serengeti and Lobo area in October and November—will increase your chances of encountering large herds of wildebeest and their companions.