The Great Migration: Month-by-Month Guide to 2 Million Animals
Migration Guide Index
- 🐘 What is the Great Migration?
- 📊 Migration by the Numbers
- January – Calving Season
- February – Peak Calving
- March – Last Rains
- April – Northward Trek
- May – Approaching Grumeti
- June – Grumeti River Crossings
- July – Into the Serengeti
- August – Mara River Crossings
- September – Chaos at the Mara
- October – Return South
- November – Short Rains
- December – Short Grass Plains
- 🐊 The Great River Crossings
- 📅 Best Time to Witness
- 📌 Safari Tips
- ❓ FAQs
The Greatest Wildlife Spectacle on Earth
The Great Wildebeest Migration is often called the "Greatest Show on Earth" — and for good reason. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebras, 200,000 Thomson's gazelles, and thousands of eland and grant's gazelles move in a continuous, clockwise circuit through Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara. This endless pilgrimage is driven by the search for fresh grass and water, following the seasonal rains. Behind them stalk Africa's greatest predators: lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and Nile crocodiles waiting at river crossings.
"No one who has seen the migration can ever forget it. It is the ultimate expression of wild Africa — a river of hooves thundering across the savannah." — Dr. Richard Leakey
Migration by the Numbers
Wildebeest
Zebras
Gazelles
Annual circuit
Lions follow
Calves born yearly
January – Southern Serengeti (Ndutu Area)
The herds are spread across the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Ndutu). The wildebeest are feeding on nutrient-rich grasses, and the first calving begins. Predators are highly active, targeting vulnerable newborns.
Highlights: Calving begins, lion and cheetah action, lush green landscapes.
February – Peak Calving Season
Over 8,000 wildebeest calves are born DAILY (about 250,000 in total this month). Calves can stand within minutes of birth. Predators are at their highest concentration — dramatic kill sightings are common. Best time for predator-prey interactions.
Highlights: 8,000+ calves born daily, intense predator action, excellent photography.
March – Last of the Green Season
The grasses in the south begin to dry out. Herds start moving north and west towards the Serengeti's central corridor. Zebras often lead the way. Still good wildlife viewing, fewer tourists than peak season.
Highlights: Herds start moving, fewer crowds, good predator sightings.
April – The Great Trek North
The migration splits into two groups: one heads west towards Lake Victoria, the other moves northwest. Heavy rains make some roads impassable, but the herds are on the move. Spectacular storm clouds and dramatic skies.
Highlights: Dramatic storm landscapes, low season prices, uncrowded.
May – Approaching the Grumeti River
The herds gather along the Grumeti River, preparing for the first major river crossing. Grumeti crocodiles are massive (some over 5 meters). Not as dramatic as Mara crossings but still thrilling.
Highlights: Grumeti River crossings, large crocodiles, fewer tourists.
June – Grumeti River Crossings
Peak Grumeti crossing month. Thousands of wildebeest plunge into crocodile-infested waters. Excellent game viewing in western Serengeti. The herds then move north towards the Mara River.
Highlights: Grumeti crossings, crocodile attacks, beginning of peak season.
July – Into the Northern Serengeti
The mega-herds arrive in northern Serengeti. First Mara River crossings begin. This is where the famous "river of wildebeest" photos are taken. The atmosphere is electric.
Highlights: First Mara crossings, massive herds, peak safari season begins.
August – Mara River Crossings Peak
The most dramatic month for river crossings. Wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River multiple times, facing the largest Nile crocodiles in Africa. Lions and leopards also hunt along the banks. This is the migration at its most intense.
Highlights: Epic Mara River crossings, crocodile attacks, lions on the banks, peak tourism.
September – Chaos Continues in Masai Mara
Most herds are now in Kenya's Masai Mara, though some remain in northern Serengeti. Crossings continue but become less frequent as the river level drops. The Mara plains are packed with wildebeest — spectacular predator action.
Highlights: Masai Mara game drives, wildebeest carpeting the plains, excellent cat sightings.
October – Beginning the Return South
The short rains begin in the south, luring the herds back. They cross the Mara River again (return crossings) and filter back into the Serengeti. October is less crowded but still offers excellent wildlife viewing.
Highlights: Return crossings, fewer tourists, good weather.
November – Short Rains, Spreading Herds
The herds spread out across the eastern and central Serengeti as fresh grasses appear. River crossings are rare now. It's a great time for green landscapes and birdwatching.
Highlights: Lush landscapes, scattered herds, good value safaris.
December – Return to the Southern Plains
The cycle completes. Herds arrive back on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti and Ndutu. Pregnant wildebeest gather in massive numbers, preparing for the next calving season in January.
Highlights: Full circle of migration, pregnant herds, beautiful green scenery.
The Great River Crossings: Grumeti & Mara Rivers
The river crossings are the most dramatic moments of the migration. At the Grumeti River (May-June), giant crocodiles ambush wildebeest. At the Mara River (July-October), the crossings are larger, more chaotic, and more photographed. Key crossing points include:
- Mara River (Serengeti side): Kogatende, Lamai Wedge, Lookout Point
- Mara River (Masai Mara side): Paradise Crossing, Sand River, Musiara Marsh
- Grumeti River: Kirawira area, Mbalageti River confluence
Tip: Crossings are unpredictable. No one can guarantee a crossing on a specific day — plan at least 3-4 days in the river area to increase your chances.
Best Time to Witness the Great Migration
- Calving (January-February): Southern Serengeti. Best for newborns and predator action. Good value, fewer tourists than crossing season.
- Grumeti Crossings (May-June): Western Serengeti. Less crowded than Mara. Excellent crocodile action.
- Mara River Crossings (July-September): Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara. The most spectacular but also most crowded and expensive. Book 6-12 months ahead.
- Return Crossings (October-November): Northern Serengeti. Fewer crowds, still good crossing chances.
Why the Great Migration Should Be on Your Bucket List
- ✓ The largest overland migration on Earth — 1.5 million animals in motion
- ✓ Unmatched predator-prey drama: lions, crocodiles, cheetahs, hyenas
- ✓ Iconic river crossings — nature's ultimate high-stakes spectacle
- ✓ Calving season: 8,000 newborns daily, incredible survival stories
- ✓ Experience both Tanzania and Kenya in one continuous ecosystem
- ✓ Every month offers something unique — the migration never stops
Essential Migration Safari Tips
- Book early: For July-September river crossings, lodges fill 6-12 months in advance.
- Stay mobile: Consider a mobile tented camp that follows the herds for the best chances.
- Be patient: Crossings are unpredictable. Spend several days in the river area.
- Pack layers: Mornings are cold on the Serengeti plains; afternoons are hot.
- Camera gear: 200-400mm lens for crossings, plus a wide-angle for landscapes.
- Best for photography: Early morning and late afternoon light — plan game drives accordingly.
- Combine both sides: Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara are different experiences. Consider both if time allows.
📌 Key Takeaways: Migration Timing
- ✓ January-February: Calving in southern Serengeti — best for newborns and predators
- ✓ June-July: Grumeti crossings (western Serengeti) — less crowded
- ✓ August-September: Mara River crossings (northern Serengeti/Masai Mara) — peak drama
- ✓ October-November: Return crossings — fewer tourists
- ✓ Plan ahead: Peak season requires booking 6-12 months in advance
- ✓ Stay flexible: Migration timing varies with rainfall — a good guide is essential
Frequently Asked Questions About the Great Migration
When is the best month to see the migration? August and September offer the most dramatic Mara River crossings, but they're also the busiest. February calving is incredible for predators. Every month has unique highlights.
How long does the migration last? It's a continuous year-round cycle. The animals never stop moving.
Can I see the migration from both Tanzania and Kenya? Yes, but you'll need separate visas and entry fees. The herds split between the two countries July-October.
Are river crossings guaranteed? No. Crossings are spontaneous. Stay 3-4 days in the area to maximize your chances.
Is the migration worth the cost? Absolutely. It's widely considered the greatest wildlife spectacle on Earth.
What's the difference between Grumeti and Mara crossings? Grumeti (May-June) has smaller herds and giant crocodiles. Mara (July-October) has massive herds and is more famous but also more crowded.
Can I self-drive to see the migration? Not recommended. The Serengeti is vast with poor signage. A guided safari with an expert driver is essential for finding the herds and safe crossings.
Written by Safari Experts Team
Safaris Kilimanjaro Culture and Wonders has been guiding migration safaris for over 15 years. Our expert guides know the Serengeti like their backyard.