The Migration
For many visitors, witnessing the annual “Great Migration” is the main reason to visit Tanzania or Kenya.
But here’s the thing—it’s not a one-time show! The migration is a never-ending, year-round annual wildlife journey split into key phases. From newborn calves to heart-stopping river crossings, each phase of the migration brings its own unique excitement!
Calving season
It kicks off with the calving season on the Serengeti’s southern plains, where wildebeest and other grazers give birth in a dramatic display of new life. From late January to early March, approximately 500,000 wildebeest calves are born in the Serengeti – an explosive birth rate of 8,000 to 10,000 wildebeest calves born daily.
River Crossings
As the herds move northward, they dare perilous river crossings in an iconic scene of survival and endurance, as they battle strong currents and high numbers of crocodiles waiting for an easy meal. They’ll face the Grumeti River in the Western Corridor (typically late May to early June) and the wider and deeper Mara River in the northern Serengeti, at the border with Kenya’s Maasai Mara (generally July to October).
Year-round action
Throughout the year, the Serengeti remains home to plenty of resident game, ensuring the action never truly stops.
The general movements of the herds are often mapped out, but nature doesn’t always follow predictable patterns. Take 2006, for example: the big herds decided to hang out in the central Serengeti in January and February, then unexpectedly shifted south in April and May.
The animals are constantly on the move, sometimes covering up to 40 km in a single night.
And don’t expect one giant parade—it’s more like a series of pop-up gatherings, with many small and large groups, each moving to its own beat.
JANUARY, FEBRUARY & MARCH
The southern plains of the Serengeti eco-system, including Ndutu, bustle with wildebeest during calving season. The open grasslands make for great visibility, with plenty of predators around. 500 000 calves are born at a rate of 8 000+ a day during the peak birthing period.
APRIL & MAY
The ‘green’ season is a great time to avoid peak season crowds and enjoy good low- season rates. While game drives might be affected by road conditions, the rains usually bring short, intense afternoon storms rather than persistent downpours. Dramatic clouds provide fantastic photo opportunities, while the rain washes the dust away.
JUNE
The herds are making their way north within the Serengeti, venturing through the central region and the ‘Western Corridor’ and up into the Lobo area. As they cross the Grumeti River in the west, they’ll face a host of crocs!
JULY, AUGUST, SEPT & OCT
By late July the herds are making their dramatic crossings over the Mara River, often crossing back and forth over several weeks. Keep in mind, though, that a significant portion of the wildlife stays in the Serengeti year-round. While the area sees large herds this time of year, it’s also the high season—so expect it to be busy and crowded!
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER
High Season. Kenya’s Maasai Mara is bustling, with good herds gathering up north.
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER
The herds are starting their journey southward, moving back into the Serengeti through the central Seronera region, ready to kick off the entire migration cycle once again.
