A Beginner’s Guide to the Great Migration: When & Where to Witness It
If there’s one natural event that truly defines Tanzania, it’s the Great Migration — a breathtaking, year-round movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and countless gazelles across the endless plains of the Serengeti. Watching this massive herd thunder across the savannah, chased by predators and driven by instinct, is one of the greatest wildlife experiences on Earth.
But here’s the thing: the Great Migration isn’t a single event that happens once a year. It’s a continuous, circular journey dictated by rainfall and grass growth. So if you’re planning your safari around it, timing and location are everything. Let’s break it down — season by season — so you know when and where to go.
December to March: Calving Season in the Southern Serengeti
From December through March, the herds gather in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The plains are lush and green after the short rains, and this is where life begins — literally.
Around 500,000 wildebeest calves are born over a few weeks between January and February. The air is filled with the sound of new life, and with it, the drama of survival. Predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are never far away, making this the most thrilling time to witness predator-prey interactions.
If you love photography, this is paradise. The open plains and soft light create perfect conditions for capturing newborn calves taking their first wobbly steps — and the raw intensity of the circle of life.
Where to stay: Ndutu Safari Lodge or one of the mobile tented camps that follow the herds, like Sanctuary Kusini or Lemala Ndutu Tented Camp.
April to June: The Long March North
As the rains fade and the grass dries out, the herds start moving north and west. This phase, between April and June, is often overlooked by travelers — but it’s one of the most rewarding times to visit.
The Central Serengeti (Seronera Valley) is alive with movement. You’ll see long, dusty lines of wildebeest stretching across the horizon, accompanied by zebras that act as their navigators. By May, the herds begin crossing into the Western Corridor, where they encounter their first major obstacle — the Grumeti River.
Here, the drama intensifies. Giant Nile crocodiles lie in wait beneath the murky waters, ready for the first crossing of the season. It’s not as famous as the Mara River crossings in the north, but it’s every bit as dramatic and far less crowded.
Where to stay: Grumeti Hills Lodge, Kirawira Serena Camp, or Mbalageti Safari Lodge for great views of the corridor.
July to September: The Iconic Mara River Crossings
This is the peak season for the Great Migration and the reason it’s on so many travelers’ bucket lists. By July, the herds have reached the Northern Serengeti and are preparing to cross into Kenya’s Masai Mara.
The Mara River crossings are pure, heart-pounding drama. Thousands of wildebeest crowd the riverbanks, building up tension before one brave animal finally jumps — and the rest follow in a thundering stampede. Crocodiles lurk below, and chaos erupts as the herd fights its way across. It’s nature’s version of a high-speed thriller, and witnessing it feels like being part of a National Geographic documentary.
Keep in mind that timing is unpredictable — the exact crossing days depend on rainfall and river levels. Flexibility is key, and staying several days in the area gives you the best chance of catching the action.
Where to stay: Sayari Camp, Lemala Kuria Hills, or Migration Camp — all perfectly positioned near the Mara River.
October to November: The Journey South
After the drama of the river crossings, the herds slowly begin their southward journey. Short rains bring fresh grass to the central and eastern Serengeti, and the migration continues its eternal rhythm.
This is a quieter, more reflective time to visit. The landscape is still teeming with wildlife, but the crowds thin out. You’ll have more intimate sightings and stunning sunsets without the peak-season bustle.
Where to stay: Namiri Plains Camp (amazing for cheetah sightings) or Serengeti Serena Lodge for sweeping views.
When’s the Best Time to Go?
The answer depends on what you want to see.
For baby animals and predator action: visit January–March in the Ndutu area.
For dramatic river crossings: go July–September in the Northern Serengeti.
For quiet, off-peak travel with beautiful scenery: try April–June or October–November.
No matter when you go, the Serengeti never disappoints — its sheer scale, diversity, and rhythm make it feel timeless.
Final Tips for Witnessing the Migration
Book early. Camps during peak migration season sell out months in advance.
Stay mobile. Consider mobile tented camps that move with the herds — they offer unbeatable proximity.
Go with a guide. Local guides know the land intimately and can read animal movements like a map.
Pack patience and flexibility. Nature follows no schedule — but when the moment arrives, it’s unforgettable.
Standing on the open plains as the sun sets over the Serengeti, watching thousands of wildebeest move in unison, you realize this isn’t just migration — it’s a living heartbeat of the wild. Whether it’s the soft bleats of newborn calves or the thundering chaos of a river crossing, every stage of the Great Migration tells a story millions of years in the making.
And once you witness it, you’ll understand why travelers say — you don’t just see the Great Migration, you feel it.