What Is the Great Migration
The Great Migration is the largest wildlife movement on Earth. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebra, and 500,000 gazelle travel a circular 1,800km route through Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara every single year, driven entirely by rainfall and the search for fresh grass.
Unlike many wildlife events, the Migration never truly stops. The herds are always moving somewhere in the ecosystem, which means there is no single "bad time" to visit — only different experiences depending on the season.
When to See the Migration by Month
January to March — Calving Season
The southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains host the calving season from January through March. Over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born within a few weeks, attracting enormous concentrations of predators. Lion, cheetah, leopard, and hyena are all highly active.
This is arguably the most dramatic and photogenic period of the entire migration cycle. The short-grass plains are flush with life and the light in the mornings is spectacular.
June to July — Northern Push
By June the herds begin their push northward toward the Grumeti River, then onward to the Mara River. The Grumeti crossing is less famous than the Mara but produces spectacular action, with enormous Nile crocodiles ambushing the herds at the crossing points.
July to October — Mara River Crossings
The iconic river crossings happen in the northern Serengeti and across the border in the Masai Mara. Thousands of wildebeest charge into the Mara River while massive crocodiles wait below. This is the most famous and most photographed event in African wildlife.
Timing a crossing is never guaranteed. The herds can wait for days before one animal leads the charge. Your guide's experience and knowledge of the herds' movements is everything at this stage.
Where to Stay During the Migration
Staying in a mobile tented camp that follows the herds is the best strategy. The top camps reposition seasonally to stay close to the action. Our team at Sokwe Africa Safari works with only the camps that offer direct, exclusive access to key crossing points and calving zones.
- Ndutu Safari Lodge (calving season)
- Sayari Camp, northern Serengeti (river crossings)
- Serengeti Under Canvas (follows the herds all year)
How to Book a Migration Safari
Because the top camps book 12 to 18 months in advance, early planning is essential. The best river crossing dates for July, August, and September fill before Christmas of the prior year. Contact our safari planning team and we will build a custom itinerary that places you in the right zone at the right time.
The migration is not an event — it is a living, breathing river of life that flows through the Serengeti all year. The question is not whether you will see it, but how close you will be.
Final Tips for Your Serengeti Safari
- Book at least 12 months ahead for peak crossings
- Use a guide with 5+ years of Serengeti experience
- Plan 5–7 nights minimum to maximize sightings
- Combine with Ngorongoro Crater for a complete Tanzania experience
- Pack neutral-coloured clothing — avoid bright colours in the bush