The Great Migration follows a predictable annual cycle across the Serengeti ecosystem. Understanding where the herds will be each month is the key to planning a migration-focused safari that delivers the experience you are hoping for.
Understanding the Great Migration Cycle
The Great Migration is not a single event but a continuous, year-round movement of approximately two million wildebeest, 500,000 zebras, and 300,000 Thomson's gazelles through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. These animals follow the rains and the fresh grazing they produce, tracing a roughly clockwise circuit that takes them from the southern Serengeti plains through the Western Corridor, up to the northern Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara, and back again.
The key to witnessing the migration is understanding where the herds will be during your visit. While exact timing varies from year to year depending on rainfall patterns, the general cycle is remarkably consistent and has been documented for decades.
Month-by-Month Migration Guide
January to March: Calving Season on the Southern Plains
The herds are concentrated on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti and the Ndutu area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is calving season, with an estimated 8,000 wildebeest calves born each day during the peak in February. The abundance of newborns attracts predators in extraordinary numbers, making this one of the best times for dramatic wildlife encounters. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals are all active and visible as they take advantage of the vulnerable calves.
The southern plains offer wide open landscapes with excellent visibility, and the concentration of animals in a relatively compact area means game viewing is outstanding. The short grass makes it easy to spot predators, and the sheer volume of life on the plains is overwhelming. This is our recommended time for photographers and those who want to witness the raw drama of predator-prey interactions.
April to May: The Long Rains and the Start of the Movement
As the long rains begin, the southern plains become waterlogged and the herds start their journey northwest. This is the quieter shoulder season with fewer tourists and lower prices, but the wildlife viewing can still be excellent, particularly in the central and western Serengeti. The landscape is lush and green, creating beautiful photographic conditions, though some roads may be challenging.
June to July: The Western Corridor and Grumeti River
The herds move through the Western Corridor toward the Grumeti River. The Grumeti crossings are less famous than the Mara crossings but can be equally dramatic, with enormous Nile crocodiles lying in wait. The Western Corridor is less visited than other areas, offering a more exclusive experience. June marks the start of the dry season and the beginning of peak safari season.
August to October: The Mara River Crossings
This is the most famous and dramatic phase of the migration. The herds reach the northern Serengeti and must cross the Mara River to reach fresh grazing on the other side. The crossings are chaotic, dangerous, and utterly compelling, as thousands of wildebeest plunge into the crocodile-infested waters. Not every attempt succeeds, and the river banks are often scenes of intense drama.
River crossings are unpredictable. The herds may gather on the banks for hours or even days before crossing, or they may turn and walk away at the last moment. Patience is essential, but when a crossing does happen, it is one of the most extraordinary wildlife spectacles on Earth. August and September are peak months for crossings, and the northern Serengeti camps position you close to the action.
November to December: The Return South
The short rains trigger the herds' return journey south. The migration moves through the central and eastern Serengeti, and by December the herds are heading back toward the southern plains where the cycle begins again. This is an excellent time to visit with fewer crowds than the peak dry season, good wildlife viewing, and the landscape refreshed by the rains.
Our Top Migration Safari Recommendations
For calving season drama, book a safari in February or early March with accommodation in the Ndutu area. For river crossings, plan for August or September with a camp in the northern Serengeti. For the best overall value, consider June or November when wildlife viewing is excellent but crowds are smaller.
Our 8-Day Great Migration Safari is specifically designed to follow the herds, with a flexible itinerary that adapts to current conditions. Contact our team for personalized advice on timing your migration safari.