Great Migration Safari Tanzania: Month-by-Month Guide

Great Migration Safari Tanzania: Month-by-Month Guide

The Great Migration is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth — over 1.5 million wildebeest, 250,000 zebras and hundreds of thousands of gazelles moving across the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grass and water.

This guide will help you plan your Great Migration safari — month by month, so you know exactly where the herds are and what to expect. If you are deciding between parks, read our comparison of Tarangire vs Serengeti or learn more about the Serengeti National Park.

What Is the Great Migration?

The Great Migration is a year-round movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, 250,000 zebras and hundreds of thousands of gazelles across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara ecosystems.

The herds move in search of fresh grass and water, following the rains. This creates one of the most dramatic wildlife events in the world — including the famous river crossings.

• Over 1.5 million wildebeest
• 250,000 zebras
• Hundreds of thousands of gazelles
• Covers Serengeti (Tanzania) and Maasai Mara (Kenya)
• Follows the rains — unpredictable but predictable in pattern

Month-by-Month Breakdown

January–March: Calving Season (Southern Serengeti / Ndutu)

• Where: Southern Serengeti / Ndutu
• What happens: Calving season — 8,000+ wildebeest born per day
• Best for: Seeing newborn calves, predators (lions, cheetahs, hyenas)
• Weather: Green season, some rain

This is one of the best times to visit — the plains are green, the herds are concentrated, and predator action is high. Learn more in our guide to the Serengeti National Park or see our Serengeti Wildlife Guide.

April–May: Long Rains (Central Serengeti)

• Where: Central Serengeti
• What happens: Herds move north-west, following the rains
• Best for: Fewer crowds, lush landscapes
• Weather: Heavy rain, some camps close

This is the low season — fewer tourists, but some roads and camps may be affected by rain. For a broader overview, read our guide on the best time to visit Tanzania.

June: Grumeti River Crossings (Western Corridor)

• Where: Western Corridor / Grumeti River
• What happens: First river crossings — Grumeti River
• Best for: River crossings, crocodiles, drama
• Weather: Dry season begins

This is the start of the dry season — and the first major river crossings.

July–August: Mara River Crossings (Northern Serengeti)

• Where: Northern Serengeti / Mara River
• What happens: The famous Mara River crossings — the highlight of the migration
• Best for: Dramatic river crossings, crocodiles, big cats
• Weather: Dry season, peak wildlife viewing

This is the most famous time to visit — the Mara River crossings are one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth. Learn more in our guide to Great Migration Best Time.

September–October: Northern Serengeti / Maasai Mara

• Where: Northern Serengeti / Maasai Mara (Kenya)
• What happens: Herds spread across the northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara
• Best for: Big cats, open plains, fewer crowds than July–August
• Weather: Dry season

This is a great time to visit — the herds are spread out, and wildlife viewing is excellent. If you want to add a balloon flight, read our Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Guide.

November–December: Return South (Central Serengeti)

• Where: Central Serengeti
• What happens: Herds move south, following the short rains
• Best for: Green landscapes, fewer crowds
• Weather: Short rains

This is a transitional period — the herds are moving south, preparing for the calving season.

Best Time to Visit for the Great Migration

Where to Stay During the Great Migration

Where you stay depends on the time of year — the best camps and lodges move with the herds.

• January–March: Ndutu / Southern Serengeti camps
• June: Western Corridor camps
• July–October: Northern Serengeti camps
• November–December: Central Serengeti camps

Learn more in our guide to the Serengeti National Park or see how many days you need in our How Many Days in Serengeti guide.

Sample Great Migration Itineraries

Planning Your Trip: More Guides

Whether you are travelling as a couple, a family or a group, we have a guide for you. Read our Tanzania Family Safari Guide, Tanzania Honeymoon Safari Guide, Tanzania Luxury Safari Guide or Tanzania Budget Safari Guide.

If you are combining your safari with a beach escape, see our guide to Zanzibar or the Safari and Beach Combination.

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Frequently Asked Questions