Best Time to See the Great Migration: Month – By Month Breakdown

The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most amazing natural phenomena on earth. From July to October, an incredible number of animals migrate from Tanzania’s Serengeti plains across the Mara River and into Kenya’s Masai Mara Reserve. It’s a breathtaking sight that you won’t want to miss! Here’s when to see the migration, month-by-month.

DECEMBER TO MARCH: THE GREAT MIGRATION CALVING SEASON

Ndutu area

The Southern Serengeti is where the circle of life begins in Tanzania. The herds make their way from the Central Serengeti and move between the Ndutu area and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where the calving season begins.

The rain has dried up by January, leaving a buffet for the herbivore herds in its wake. The wildebeest feast on the newly sprouted grasses around Lake Ndutu and Kusini as the females prepare to give birth. Between late January and March, around 8,000 calves are born a day. That’s a grand total of 500,000 wildebeest!

Within 10 minutes after birth, the calves take their first steps and get ready to move with the massive herd. This gives rise to predator action as the massive herd has to defend its new-born from hungry carnivores.

If seeing this incredible spectacle is high up on your bucket list, this is one of the best periods to book a Great Migration safari in Tanzania. What we recommend: The 07 Day Wildebeest Migration Calving Season Safari.

APRIL TO MAY: THE HERDS MOVE FROM NDUTU TO CENTRAL SERENGETI Central Serengeti

Leaving behind a barren landscape in the south, the wildebeest herds follow the call of thunderstorms to the Central Serengeti.

Book a safari between April and May, and you’ll see massive herds move through the Moru Kopjes towards the Western Corridor. Here, the animals congregate in the thousands on the banks of the Mbalageti and Grumeti rivers.

The only problem? It’s a treacherous river crossing with crocodiles and other predators lying in wait. What We Recommend: The 06 Days Tanzania Migration Safari

JUNE: THE GRUMETI RIVER CROSSING BEGINS IN THE WESTERN SERENGETI

Western Serengeti Around Grumeti River

In June, the drama of the Great Migration starts. While the Grumeti and Mbalageti river crossings aren’t as intense as the northern crossings, you will not be bored. The crocodiles in the murky waters pick off wildebeest as they attempt to make their way across, and testosterone-fueled males kick off the rutting season. As this is the shoulder season for the Great Migration, it’s a fantastic option if you want to avoid the crowds in the Northern Serengeti and scoop up a cheaper safari package.

What We Recommend: The 07 Days Grumeti River Migration Safari

JULY TO AUGUST: THE GREAT MIGRATION NORTHERN SERENGETI RIVER CROSSING

Northern Serengeti around the Mara River might witness River Crossing

Here the herds move from the west to the Northern Serengeti into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. And the stakes get higher as the animals attempt to cross the Mara River. Nile crocodiles snap their jaws as the herds trample through the waters, and lions are ready to pounce on the other side.

Above, Marabou storks and vultures stalk the skies, ready to feast on the unlucky few who don’t make it. The game viewing is sensational, frenzied, and unmatched. With so much action, it’s not surprising this is Tanzania’s high season. Book your flights, lodging, and Great Migration safaris early. It fills up fast.

What We Recommend: The 07 Days Mara River Migration Safari or 09 Days Mara River Migration Safari

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER: MASAI MARA AND NORTHERN SERENGETI September to October 2nd week – Northern Serengeti

After the drama of the Mara River crossing, the herds move on to Kenya’s Masai Mara. But that doesn’t mean your Tanzania safari experience is dull over these months.  Some of the animals remain in the northern Serengeti on the lookout for fresh grass. You’ll find the animals wandering over the plains, re-crossing the river, and running from predators while in search of food.

By the first or second week of October, the herds will come back from Kenya and move from the Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti. What we recommend: The 07 Days Mara River Migration Safari

NOVEMBER: CENTRAL TO SOUTHERN SERENGETI MIGRATION

Central Serengeti

With the herds returning to Tanzania, the cycle starts to begin again. Moving from the north, the animals begin their journey to reach the southern plains and the freshly sprouting grasses. Don’t want to miss the migration? Plan a safari for the central Serengeti and Seronera Valley. It’s quieter than the northern regions of the park, and you won’t have massive crowds around predator sightings. The only downside? It’s the rainy season.

While you might have less than perfect weather, it’s an excellent time of year to catch the migrating birds returning to Tanzania. The lack of crowds and storms have another bonus: safari deals! You’ll find lower rates at lodges and scoop up safari packages for almost half the price. What We Recommend: 6 Days Tanzania Migration Safari

Great migration FAQ

• What months are the Great migration? July to October are traditionally the best months to see the river crossings. However, you can watch the herds move across the Serengeti throughout the year.
• When is the best time to see the great migration in Tanzania? The best months to see the Great Migration are between July and October. The herds are making the treacherous Mara River crossing, creating the perfect storm for a dramatic safari experience with predators lurking on land and in the water.
• When is calving season? The Great Migration calving season is between the end of January to March.
• What month is best to see the dramatic river crossing? July to August are the best months to see the Mara River crossing. However, the herds cross back and forth between September and October until migrating to the Central and Southern Serengeti.