HOW TO TIME YOUR SAFARI FOR THE MIGRATION YOU MOST WANT TO SEE
The Great Migration takes place throughout the year, but the experience changes considerably depending on when and where you travel. At different stages, the herds move through the southern plains, central Serengeti, Western Corridor and northern Serengeti as they follow rainfall and fresh grazing.
There is no single best month to see the migration. The right time depends on whether you are most interested in calving, large concentrations of animals moving across the plains, or the possibility of river crossings.
"TIMING THE MIGRATION IS NOT ABOUT CHOOSING A MONTH, IT IS ABOUT CHOOSING THE PART OF THE STORY YOU WANT TO SEE."
THE MIGRATION THROUGH THE YEAR
The movement of the herds is continuous rather than a series of separate events. Rainfall, grazing conditions and water availability influence when animals begin moving from one region to another, so the dates below should be understood as typical seasonal patterns rather than fixed boundaries.
LATE DECEMBER TO MARCH — NDUTU AND THE SOUTHERN PLAINS
By late December, the migration typically begins concentrating across Ndutu and the southern Serengeti ecosystem, where fresh short grass provides important grazing.
January to March forms the core of the calving period. Large numbers of wildebeest give birth across the plains, while zebra, gazelle and predators gather throughout the wider area.
This stage of the migration is less about watching the herds travel long distances and more about the sheer concentration of wildlife across an open landscape. Predator activity can be particularly strong as lions, cheetahs and hyenas take advantage of the abundance of young animals.
MID-APRIL TO MID-JULY — THE WESTERN CORRIDOR
As conditions change on the southern plains, the migration begins moving north and west through the Serengeti.
During this period, large groups can gather across the central and western areas before continuing towards the Grumeti region. The experience is more about following moving herds through different parts of the ecosystem, with concentrations changing as the season progresses.
River crossings may occur around the Grumeti, although they are generally smaller and less predictable than the crossings associated with the Mara River farther north.
LATE JULY TO OCTOBER — THE NORTHERN SERENGETI
By late July, much of the migration is typically moving into the northern Serengeti, with August through October most closely associated with the Mara River.
This is the period when travellers have the best chance of witnessing the famous river crossings. They remain completely unpredictable: herds may gather beside the river for hours or days before crossing, cross somewhere else entirely, or move back and forth between Tanzania and Kenya.
Even without a crossing, the northern Serengeti can hold large concentrations of wildebeest and zebra during this period.
WHAT DOES THE RAINY SEASON MEAN FOR YOUR SAFARI?
The wetter months bring a very different Serengeti experience. From around November the short rains begin to refresh the landscape, while the main rainy period generally builds from late March through April and May.
Expect greener plains, dramatic skies, fewer vehicles in many areas, and more changeable travelling conditions. Heavy showers can leave tracks muddy or waterlogged, and journeys across some areas may take longer than expected. Occasionally, even safari vehicles get stuck and need a little help getting moving again.
For many travellers, that is part of the appeal. A rainy-season safari can feel less predictable and more adventurous, with the landscape changing around you and the weather becoming part of the experience.
SEASON NOTE
The Great Migration follows rainfall and grazing conditions rather than a fixed calendar. Herd locations and exact timings vary from year to year, and no particular wildlife event or river crossing can be guaranteed.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TIME FOR YOU
If calving and predator activity are the priority, the southern plains from late December through March are the obvious choice.
For travellers interested in seeing the herds moving through the wider Serengeti, the months between April and July offer a different stage of the migration.
If the possibility of a Mara River crossing is the main attraction, late July through October provides the strongest opportunity, while remembering that crossings themselves cannot be scheduled or guaranteed.
The important decision is therefore not simply when is the migration?, but which part of the migration do you most want your safari to be built around?
EXPLORE THE SEASONAL SAFARI EXPERIENCES
To see how these seasonal patterns translate into the safari options available across the year, explore our Seasonal Safari Experiences.
WHERE TO STAY DURING THE
MIGRATION
Browse all available Northern, Western Serengeti and Ndutu accommodations chosen specifically for a migration safari.