What is the Great Migration?
The Great Migration is the year-round clockwise movement of about 1.5 million wildebeest, 250,000 zebra, and 350,000 gazelle through the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem in Tanzania and Kenya. December–March the herd is calving on the southern Ndutu plains. April–June they push north-west through Central and Western Serengeti. July–October they reach the Mara River for the famous river crossings near Kogatende and Lamai. To witness crossings, base in a tented camp inside northern Serengeti for at least 3 nights between mid-July and mid-October. For calving and predator action, plan February in Ndutu. Track the herd on our live migration tracker or read the full month-by-month calendar.
Understanding the Migration
The Great Migration is not a single event but a continuous, year-round movement. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by 200,000 zebras and 350,000 gazelles, follow an ancient clockwise route through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.
Driven by the search for fresh grazing and water, the herds face crocodile-infested rivers, lion ambushes, and the harsh African elements. It's nature's greatest drama, playing out across 800 kilometers of East African wilderness.
River Crossings
July - September
Calving Season
January - February
Did you know? Up to 250,000 wildebeest die during the migration from predators, drowning, and exhaustion.
Great Migration Calendar 2026
Plan your safari around the migration's movements. Click any month for detailed information.
January
Southern Serengeti & Ndutu
Calving Season Begins
The herds gather on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area. Calving season begins with thousands of wildebeest giving birth.
Recommended camps:
Ndutu Safari Lodge, Serengeti Safari Lodge
February
Southern Serengeti & Ndutu
Peak Calving Season
Peak calving with up to 8,000 wildebeest born daily over 2-3 weeks. Predators are at their most active, making this prime time for dramatic wildlife encounters.
Recommended camps:
Ndutu Safari Lodge, Serengeti Under Canvas
March
Southern to Central Serengeti
Herds Begin Moving
As the southern plains dry up, the mega-herds begin their journey northward. The rains start and the landscape transforms to lush green.
Recommended camps:
Serengeti Serena, Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
April
Central Serengeti (Seronera)
Green Season
The long rains are at their peak. Some camps close, but those that stay open offer exceptional value. Herds are scattered but present.
Recommended camps:
Serengeti Serena, Four Seasons Serengeti
May
Central to Western Serengeti
Rains Easing
Rains begin to ease. The herds consolidate in the central and western Serengeti, preparing for the push toward the Grumeti River.
Recommended camps:
Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp, Serengeti Bushtops
June
Western Corridor (Grumeti)
Grumeti River Crossings
The herds reach the Grumeti River. Early crossings begin, with massive crocodiles lying in wait. This is a rehearsal for the Mara River drama to come.
Recommended camps:
Singita Grumeti, Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp
July
Northern Serengeti / Mara River
Mara River Crossings Begin
The herds reach the Mara River. The most dramatic crossings of the year begin — wildebeest plunging into crocodile-filled waters in scenes straight out of nature documentaries.
Recommended camps:
Sayari Camp, Lamai Serengeti
August
Northern Serengeti / Mara River
Peak Mara Crossings
Peak crossing season. Multiple crossings per week as herds ping-pong across the Mara between Tanzania and Kenya. Camps in northern Serengeti are at maximum demand.
Recommended camps:
Sayari Camp, Lamai Serengeti
September
Northern Serengeti & Maasai Mara
Crossings Continue
Crossings continue but with less frequency. The herds split between northern Serengeti and Kenya's Maasai Mara. Excellent game viewing throughout the north.
Recommended camps:
Sayari Camp, Singita Mara River Tented Camp
October
Northern Serengeti
Last Crossings
The last river crossings of the year. Herds begin moving south as the short rains approach. Beautiful golden light and clear skies.
Recommended camps:
Lamai Serengeti, Mara River Camp
November
Central to Southern Serengeti
Heading South
The short rains arrive. Herds move quickly south through the central Serengeti, following the rain and fresh grass back to the calving grounds.
Recommended camps:
Serengeti Serena, Mbuzi Mawe
December
Southern Serengeti & Ndutu
Pre-Calving
The herds arrive back on the southern plains. Pregnant cows graze on the lush short grasses, fattening up for the calving season just weeks away.
Recommended camps:
Ndutu Safari Lodge, Lake Masek Tented Camp
Peak months (marked with PEAK badge) offer the most dramatic wildlife action but require earlier booking. Shoulder months provide excellent value with fewer crowds.
Mara River Crossings
The Mara River crossings are the migration's most dramatic chapter. Thousands of wildebeest gather on the banks, building courage before plunging into crocodile-infested waters.
- Best months: July - September
- Best location: Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)
- Recommended stay: Minimum 4-5 nights
- Book ahead: 6-12 months recommended
Calving Season
Every January and February, the southern Serengeti transforms into a nursery. Up to 500,000 calves are born in a concentrated 2-3 week period - approximately 8,000 babies per day.
This synchronized birth strategy overwhelms predators, but lions, cheetahs, and hyenas still find easy pickings. The predator-prey drama during calving season rivals the river crossings.
- Best months: Late January - February
- Best location: Ndutu & Southern Serengeti
- Photography: Exceptional light & action
Great Migration FAQs
Everything you need to know about planning your migration safari
When is the best time to see the Great Migration?
The Great Migration is year-round, but the most dramatic moments are: January-February for calving in the south, and July-September for Mara River crossings in the north. Each month offers unique experiences.
Can you guarantee seeing a river crossing?
No one can guarantee crossings as they depend on the herds' unpredictable movement. However, with 5+ days in the northern Serengeti during July-September, chances are excellent. Our guides use local networks to find crossing activity.
How many animals are in the Great Migration?
Approximately 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and 350,000 gazelles make the annual journey. It's the largest terrestrial mammal migration on Earth.
Where should I stay to see the migration?
It depends on the month: Southern Serengeti/Ndutu (Dec-Mar), Western Corridor (May-Jun), Northern Serengeti (Jul-Oct). Mobile camps that move with the herds offer the best positioning.
Is the Great Migration dangerous to witness?
Watching from a safari vehicle is completely safe. Guides maintain safe distances while providing excellent views. The danger is only for the wildebeest facing crocodiles and predators!
Migration Destinations
Explore the key locations along the Great Migration route
Serengeti National Park
The heart of the migration - endless plains and iconic wildlife.
Ngorongoro Crater
Often combined with migration safaris for Big Five viewing.
Best Time to Visit
Complete Tanzania seasons guide beyond the migration.
Safari Cost Guide
Budget planning for your migration safari adventure.
Experience the Great Migration
Our expert-designed itineraries position you in the migration's path
Great Migration FAQs
Answers to the most common questions about witnessing the Great Migration.
When is the best time to see the Great Migration river crossings?
The most dramatic Mara River crossings typically occur between July and October in the Northern Serengeti (Kogatende/Lamai area). The Grumeti River crossings happen in June-July in the Western Corridor. However, exact timing varies each year depending on rainfall patterns.
How much does a Great Migration safari cost?
A Great Migration safari typically costs $350-$800 per person per day, depending on accommodation level. Budget camping safaris start around $250/day, while luxury lodges run $800-$1,500/day. A typical 5-7 day migration safari ranges from $2,000-$6,000 per person all-inclusive.
Can you see the Great Migration year-round?
Yes! The wildebeest herds are always somewhere in the Serengeti ecosystem. The migration follows a circular route: calving in Southern Serengeti (Jan-March), moving through the Western Corridor (April-June), river crossings in the north (July-October), and returning south (November-December).
How many days do you need for a migration safari?
We recommend a minimum of 4-5 days for a migration-focused safari, with 7 days being ideal. This allows time to reach the herds (locations change), enjoy multiple game drives, and potentially witness river crossings. Longer trips can combine migration with other parks.
Where is the best place to stay during the Great Migration?
The best location depends on the month. January-March: Ndutu area lodges. April-June: Central Serengeti or Western Corridor camps. July-October: Northern Serengeti camps near Kogatende. Mobile tented camps that follow the herds offer the best experience.