Over a million wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of zebra and the predators that follow them — timed to the right place and month by our team.
Every year, more than a million wildebeest, together with hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle, move in a vast loop through the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem, following the rains and the fresh grass they bring. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas and crocodiles follow close behind. The Great Migration is not a single event but a year-round cycle, and seeing it at its best is a question of being in the right part of the Serengeti at the right time.
From around January to March, the herds gather on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti and the Ndutu area for the calving season, when hundreds of thousands of calves are born within a few weeks — and predator action is intense. As the plains dry out, the herds move north and west through the central Serengeti and the western corridor, where they cross the Grumeti River. From around July to October, they reach the far north, where the famous Mara River crossings take place, before returning south with the short rains.
The pattern depends on the rains, so it shifts a little every year. Our guides follow the herds closely and keep in touch with each other, and we choose your camps based on where the migration is likely to be during your dates. A migration safari is usually best combined with Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater, and most guests spend at least three nights in the Serengeti.
We plan your camps around where the migration should be during your dates, and adjust as the season unfolds.
With a private vehicle you can wait at a river crossing for as long as it takes — sometimes hours.
Seasonal and permanent camps close to the action, from Mara Kati Kati to Singita Mara River.
Light-aircraft flights to the Serengeti airstrips save long drives, especially to the far north.
These safaris include the Serengeti and can be timed and tailored to the migration. Tell us your dates and we will suggest the best route.
Wildlife safari
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
From ancient baobab landscapes to the endless Serengeti plains and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater — a private four-day safari.
Wildlife safari
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Lake Manyara
Tarangire’s baobabs, the Serengeti plains, the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara — four great parks in a private five-day safari.
Wildlife safari
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Lake Manyara
Six days from Tarangire’s baobabs to two nights on the Serengeti plains, the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara — a private northern circui…
Wildlife safari
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Lake Manyara · Arusha
Seven days from Tarangire’s elephants and baobabs to two nights on the Serengeti plains, the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara — at a rela…
Safari & Zanzibar
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Zanzibar
From the wild plains of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater to the white-sand beaches and turquoise water of Zanzibar.
Safari & Zanzibar
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Zanzibar
Tarangire’s elephant country, two nights on the Serengeti plains and the Ngorongoro Crater, then three nights on the tropical shores of Zan…
Safari & Zanzibar
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Zanzibar
Three nights on the Serengeti plains, Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater, then four nights on the turquoise shores of Zanzibar.
Safari & Zanzibar
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Lake Manyara · Zanzibar
Two weeks through Tarangire, three nights in the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, then four nights on Zanzibar’s beaches.
The herds gather on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti and around Ndutu, in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Hundreds of thousands of calves are born in a few weeks, usually peaking around February. Predators are drawn by the abundance, making this one of the best times to see lions and cheetahs hunting. Seasonal camps in the Ndutu area are the best base.
As the long rains arrive and the southern plains dry, the herds begin moving north-west through the central Serengeti. This is the green season: the landscape is lush, visitor numbers are low and some camps close. The herds can be spread out and on the move, so central camps such as One Nature Nyaruswiga or Serengeti Explorer work well.
Many herds pass through the western corridor, where they must cross the Grumeti River and its crocodiles. Others move through the central Serengeti towards the north. This is also the start of the dry season, with excellent game viewing across the park.
The herds reach the far north of the Serengeti and cross the Mara River, often repeatedly, as they move between Tanzania and Kenya’s Maasai Mara. The crossings are dramatic and unpredictable — patience is essential. Camps around Kogatende and the Lamai triangle, such as Ole Serai, are ideally placed.
With the short rains, the herds move south again through the eastern and central Serengeti towards the southern plains, ready for the next calving season. It is a quieter time to visit, with good game viewing and fewer vehicles.
An approximate guide — the herds follow the rains, so timings vary from year to year.
| Months | Where the herds usually are | What you may see | Where to stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan – Mar | Southern Serengeti & Ndutu | Calving, predators hunting | Seasonal camps in the south |
| Apr – May | Moving through the central Serengeti | Lush landscapes, big herds on the move | Central Serengeti camps |
| Jun – Jul | Western corridor & central areas | Grumeti River crossings | Western or central camps |
| Jul – Oct | Northern Serengeti | Mara River crossings | Northern Serengeti camps |
| Nov – Dec | Eastern & central, heading south | Herds returning, quieter parks | Central or southern camps |
There is no single best month — it depends on what you want to see. For river crossings, travel between July and October and stay in the north. For calving and predator action, travel from January to March and stay in the south. For lush scenery and fewer visitors, consider the green season.
Because the migration depends on the rains, we always check the latest movements before confirming your camps.
Learn more about the Serengeti ecosystem and its protection from these official and conservation sources.
Still have a question? Our team in Moshi answers within 24 hours.
Ask on WhatsAppIt depends on what you want to see: calving from around January to March in the south, and the Mara River crossings from around July to October in the north.
No. Crossings depend on the herds and can happen at any moment — or not at all on a given day. Spending several days in the north gives you the best chance.
At least three nights in the Serengeti, ideally in the right area for the season, plus time in Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Flying saves a long drive, especially to the far north. Driving lets you game-view along the way. We often combine both.
The herds cross into Kenya’s Maasai Mara from around July to October. Our safaris focus on the Tanzanian Serengeti, where the crossings take place along the Mara River.
Tell us your dates and we will suggest the best area, camps and route to see the Great Migration.
