The Great Migration — over 1.5 million wildebeest plus hundreds of thousands of zebra moving in a continuous loop across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem — is one of the planet's greatest wildlife spectacles. The key to seeing it: be in the right part of the Serengeti at the right time of year. Here's the month-by-month.
December–March — calving season (southern Serengeti)
The herds gather on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti and Ndutu. In late January to February, around 8,000 wildebeest are born per day. Predator action is intense — this is a superb, less-crowded time to visit.
April–May — the rains & the move north
The herds begin moving northwest. This is green/low season: lush scenery, fewer vehicles, lower prices, and some rain. Game-viewing is still excellent for flexible travellers.
June–July — the rut & western corridor
The migration pushes through the Western Corridor toward the Grumeti River. June brings the mating "rut." Crowds and prices start climbing toward peak.
July–October — the river crossings (northern Serengeti)
The famous, dramatic Mara River crossings happen in the northern Serengeti — wildebeest braving crocodile-filled waters. This is the iconic image most people picture, and peak season: book well ahead and expect higher prices.
November — the return south
Short rains draw the herds back toward the southern plains, completing the loop.
So when should YOU go?
- For river crossings: July–October, northern Serengeti (peak, busiest, priciest).
- For calving & predators: late January–February, southern Serengeti.
- For value & green scenery: April–May or November.
- Any time is a great safari — the Serengeti has resident wildlife year-round; the migration just adds the spectacle.
A crucial planning tip
The migration is constantly moving and weather-dependent — there's no fixed date. The single most important thing is to book with an experienced local operator who knows where the herds are this season and positions your camp accordingly. A great guide is the difference between "we drove around" and "we watched 10,000 wildebeest cross a river."
On SafariEA, the Serengeti Great Migration Safari is run by a verified operator who tracks the herds — book with clear pricing and reserve now, pay by transfer.
