When to see the Great Migration
The best time to see the Great Migration each month
There isn't just one time of year to see the Great Migration because it happens all year round, with animals moving from one place to another annually. However, depending on what part of the migration you want to see, like river crossings, or when you prefer to travel, your safari can be planned to give you the best chance of seeing what you want. The Great Migration has four main seasons.
You can also find out when to travel by checking out this month-by-month breakdown of the Great Migration. Whether you want to see the big herds having babies in the south or moving north to find better food — and then coming back again — you'll see lots of amazing scenes.
The Great Migration seasons
Learn more below about the different seasons of the Great Migration
January to March: calving season| April to mid-June: the trek north| Mid-June to November: river crossings | December: calving begins
January - March: The Calving Season Continues
In December and January, the herds gather on the lush, short grass plains of the southern Serengeti and the western parts of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Around February, an astonishing 500,000 calves are born within just two to three weeks. This mass birthing event attracts a large number of predators eager to prey on the vulnerable newborns.
During December and January, the Southern Plains offer fresh, sweet grass for the wildebeests to graze on. Areas like Ndutu and the northern Ngorongoro Conservation Area provide abundant grazing as the herds prepare for the birth of the new calves.
In February, between late January and mid-March, over 80% of fertile female wildebeests give birth within a short period. This results in more than half a million tiny wildebeests dotting the plains, attracting predators looking for easy prey.
By March, the wildebeests are still in the southern area of the park but are getting ready to move north as the plains begin to dry out.
April to mid-June: Season of the Trek North and The Rut
As the rainy season ends and the ground starts drying up, the herds start heading north into the central Serengeti. Here, the grass is still fresh, providing good grazing for them and their young ones. They move slowly, eating grass as they travel and taking care of their calves. This is also the time when mating season begins, and male wildebeests compete fiercely for mates. Some herds even head west into the Western Corridor and cross the Grumeti River.
In April, the wildebeests begin their journey north through the central part of the park. They move leisurely, grazing as they travel.
In May, you can see impressive lines of wildebeests, several kilometers long, flooding the Moru Kopjes in the central area of the park.
In the first half of June, large groups of wildebeests gather on the southern banks of the Grumeti River in the Western Serengeti, ready to face their first challenge: crossing the river, which is infested with crocodiles.
Mid-June to November: Great Migration River Crossing Season
The herds continue their journey northward in the Serengeti. River crossings, which some find to be the most thrilling part of the Great Migration, typically begin in July, but the timing depends on rainfall.
You can find the herds in the Northern Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara. Every day, you can witness river crossings at the Mara and Talek rivers, often leading to dramatic scenes.
Later, the herds usually cross back to the Serengeti from the Mara and head towards the fertile southern Serengeti. They move quickly and cover long distances in a single day. By early December, they start returning to Ndutu to give birth, restarting the whole cycle.
In July, the migration picks up pace, and you can see huge herds spread out across the Western corridor as they continue northward. The first herds begin arriving in the North in early July.
In August, as the dry season approaches, the wildebeests face their second challenge: crossing the Great Mara River. Many won't survive, but the thousands of calves born during this time make up for the losses.
By September, most of the herds are concentrated in the Maasai Mara in Kenya, the northernmost part of their journey, but some still remain in the Serengeti.
In October, the wildebeests face the swollen waters of the Mara River again as they cross back on their journey southward.
In November, the short rains arrive, pushing the wildebeests down south to the rejuvenated grasses of the Serengeti.
December: Calving Season Begins
In December and January, the herds gather on the lush, short grass plains of the southern Serengeti and the northernmost parts of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is where they spend time before the upcoming birth of new calves, enjoying the fresh and sweet grasses of the Southern Plains, particularly around Ndutu and the northern Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
During this time, an astonishing 500,000 calves are born within just two to three weeks, creating a mass calving event that attracts a large number of predators eager to prey on the vulnerable new-borns.
Ready to plan a Great Migration safari?
January
Wildebeests start gathering in the southern plains, from Moru to Naabi, Kusini, and Ndutu. The grass here is rich in nutrients because of volcanic ash in the soil. Be prepared for intense thunderstorms. You might spot some early calving.
February
Peak calving month. Witness hundreds of thousands of newborn wildebeests taking their first steps. You can see them in Ndutu, Kusini, and toward the Ngorongoro Highlands. This month is the driest of the rainy season, but there may still be some showers.
March
Towards the end of calving season, herds mostly remain in Ndutu-Kusini. Some move further south into Maswa and east towards Namiri Plains, known for predators. Last of the wildebeest calves are born amid heavy thunderstorms.
April
Last chance to see massive herds, including calves, in Naabi and Kusini areas. They enjoy the remaining nutritious grass before starting their journey north.
May
Wildebeests start moving north through Moru Kopjes and toward the Western Corridor. Thunderstorms continue, providing water for grass. Nutrition in grass decreases, prompting the herds to keep moving north.
June
Great Migration moves swiftly through the Western Corridor and Grumeti Reserve. It's peak rutting time and beginning of the dry season. Nutrition depends on grass growth.
July
Crossings of Mara and Sand rivers are highlights. The head of the herd reaches Kogatende area, ready to cross rivers with crocodiles
August
Mostly, herds cross south to north for better grazing. Spectacular sightings can be seen in Lamai Wedge and Nyamalumbwa Plains.
September
River crossings occur in both directions. It's a treacherous time, with many animals dying. Rain remains scarce in the south.
October
The end of the herd crosses the river from Kenya into Tanzania. Most animals move back to the Lobo Valley region and Grumeti Reserve.
The Great Migration from January to December
November
Herds move through Lobo region towards central Serengeti. Rain is scarce, and grazing is less ideal. Wildebeests and zebras share grazing land.
December
Great Migration spreads across central Serengeti. Rain catches up, thunderstorms occur. Herds return to more nutritious grass, ready for calving in the south.