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 (Kogatende)
Mara River Crossings Begin
The herds push into the northern Serengeti. The first Mara River crossings begin - the most dramatic and photographed wildlife event on Earth.
Recommended camps:
Lamai Serengeti, Sayari Camp
August
Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara
Peak River Crossing Season
Peak crossing season. Multiple crossings can occur daily. The tension at the river banks is palpable - thousands of wildebeest gather, hesitate, then plunge into the churning water.
Recommended camps:
Lamai Serengeti, Lemala Kuria Hills
September
Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara
Crossings Continue
Crossings continue as herds move between the Serengeti and Masai Mara. Some herds cross back and forth multiple times.
Recommended camps:
Sayari Camp, Mara Under Canvas
October
Northern Serengeti to Central
Return Journey Begins
The herds sense the coming rains in the south and begin their return journey. Late crossings still occur as stragglers make their way back.
Recommended camps:
Lobo Wildlife Lodge, Serengeti Pioneer Camp
November
Central to Southern Serengeti
Short Rains & Movement South
Short rains trigger the southward movement. The herds follow the fresh grass, spreading across the central plains. Green season begins.
Recommended camps:
Serengeti Serena, Four Seasons Serengeti
December
Southern Serengeti
Herds Arrive in the South
The herds complete their circuit, arriving in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu. The grass is lush, the landscape transformed. Calving preparation begins.
Recommended camps:
Ndutu Safari Lodge, Serengeti Safari Lodge
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
