The Great Migration in the Serengeti is one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife events on Earth. Every year, approximately two million wildebeest, joined by hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle, embark on a continuous circular journey across the Serengeti ecosystem and into Kenya's Maasai Mara. It is a spectacle of survival, instinct, and raw natural power that has been unfolding for millions of years.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the migration — where the herds are at any given time, what to expect each month, how to maximise your chances of witnessing a river crossing, and the best lodges and camps to stay in along the way.
What Is the Great Migration?
The Great Migration is the largest overland wildlife migration in the world. It involves an estimated 1.5 to 2 million wildebeest, roughly 200,000 zebra, and tens of thousands of Thomson's and Grant's gazelle moving in a giant clockwise loop through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.
The driving force behind the migration is rainfall and fresh grass. The animals follow the rains, moving to areas where recent rainfall has produced new growth. This creates a perpetual cycle of movement that spans the entire year and covers roughly 1,000 kilometres of terrain.
The migration is not a single event with a start and finish. It is a continuous process with different highlights at different times of year. Calving in the south, dramatic Grumeti River crossings in the west, and the famous Mara River crossings in the north each offer completely different experiences.
Month-by-Month Migration Movement
January to March: Calving Season in the South
At the start of the year, the migration concentrates in the southern Serengeti and the Ndutu area, just south of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is calving season, and the flat, short-grass plains provide ideal conditions for the wildebeest to give birth.
Over a period of about two to three weeks in January and February, approximately 500,000 wildebeest calves are born. The sheer number of newborns overwhelms the predators, which is the wildebeest survival strategy. Despite intense hunting by lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and wild dogs, the majority of calves survive because there are simply too many for the predators to take.
This is one of the most dramatic periods of the migration. The action is constant, with predator-prey interactions happening across the plains every day. The green landscapes and dramatic skies also make this a photographer's paradise.
April to May: Moving West
As the short grass plains of the south begin to dry out, the herds start moving northwest towards the western Serengeti and the central Serengeti's Seronera area. This movement coincides with the long rains, and the animals spread out across a wide area.
April and May are transitional months for the migration. The herds are spread across a large territory, making it harder to predict their exact location. However, experienced guides know the general patterns and can position you for good sightings.
This is also the quietest time on the migration circuit. Fewer tourists visit during the long rains, which means lower prices and a more exclusive experience. The green landscapes are beautiful, and the dramatic storm clouds create spectacular photographic backdrops.
June to July: Grumeti River Crossings
By June, the herds have reached the western Serengeti, where the Grumeti River presents the first major obstacle. The Grumeti is home to large Nile crocodiles, and the crossings here are dramatic and often violent affairs.
The Grumeti crossings are different from the more famous Mara River crossings. The river is narrower, the vegetation is denser, and the crossings tend to happen in a more concentrated area. This can make them easier to predict and photograph, though they are still unpredictable by nature.
June and July are excellent months to visit the western Serengeti. The weather is dry and warm, the crowds are building but not yet at peak levels, and the combination of migration crossings and general game viewing is outstanding.
August to October: Mara River Crossings
This is the most famous and dramatic phase of the migration. The herds move into the northern Serengeti and begin crossing the Mara River, a wide and powerful waterway that separates Tanzania from Kenya's Maasai Mara.
The Mara River crossings are the stuff of legend. Thousands of wildebeest gather on the banks, sometimes for days, building up the courage to enter the water. When they finally cross, they face strong currents, steep banks, and large crocodiles waiting in the water. The sight and sound of thousands of animals plunging into the river is one of the most incredible spectacles in nature.
August, September, and October are the prime months for Mara River crossings. The herds move back and forth across the river multiple times, creating numerous crossing opportunities. The northern Serengeti and the area around the river are the places to be during these months.
The dry season weather makes this period excellent for overall game viewing as well. Animals are concentrated around water sources, the grass is short, and visibility is excellent. The combination of migration crossings and superb general wildlife makes this the most popular time to visit the Serengeti.
November to December: Returning South
As the short rains begin in November, the herds start their return journey south. They pass through the central Serengeti's Seronera area, where many animals remain for a period before continuing to the southern plains.
November is a transitional month. The herds are spread across the central and eastern Serengeti, and the game viewing is excellent as the migration passes through areas with resident wildlife. The rains bring fresh grass, and the landscapes begin to green up after the dry season.
By December, the migration has largely returned to the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area, completing the annual cycle. The herds settle on the short grass plains in preparation for calving season, which begins again in January.
Migration Timing at a Glance
January to March: Southern Serengeti and Ndutu — calving season
April to May: Central and western Serengeti — transitional movement
June to July: Western Serengeti — Grumeti River crossings
August to October: Northern Serengeti — Mara River crossings
November to December: Central to southern Serengeti — return journey
Best Lodges and Camps for Each Migration Phase
Choosing the right lodge or camp depends entirely on when you visit and where the migration is concentrated. Here are our recommendations for each phase.
For calving season (January to March), stay at Ndutu Safari Lodge or one of the mobile camps that operate in the Ndutu area such as Kusini Camp or Mkombe's House. These camps position you right in the heart of the calving action.
For the western Serengeti phase (June to July), consider Sayari Camp in the north or migration-focused camps in the Grumeti area. The Serengeti Under Canvas is a luxury mobile camp that moves with the migration throughout the year.
For the Mara River crossing phase (August to October), the northern Serengeti camps are ideal. Singita Faru Faru, Lamai Serengeti, and Klein's Camp offer access to the best crossing areas. The smaller, more exclusive camps in this region tend to fill up quickly during peak migration months.
For the return journey (November to December), the central Serengeti lodges around Seronera are well positioned. Four Seasons Serengeti, Ole Serai, and Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge are all excellent options.
How to Maximise Your Chances of Seeing a Crossing
River crossings are the highlight of many migration safaris, but they are unpredictable events. The animals may gather on the banks for hours or days before crossing, or they may cross multiple times in quick succession. There is no guaranteed way to see a crossing, but there are ways to improve your odds.
Spend more days in the right area. The longer you are in the northern or western Serengeti during crossing season, the higher your chances. A minimum of three nights in the area gives you the best opportunity.
Use experienced guides. Local guides who work the migration circuits know the river crossing points and can read animal behaviour to anticipate when a crossing might happen. Their experience is invaluable.
Be patient. Crossings often happen after long periods of waiting. Stay at the riverbank and be prepared to wait. The build-up to a crossing is often as dramatic as the crossing itself.
Stay mobile if possible. Mobile camps that follow the migration offer the advantage of being positioned in the right area at the right time. They move every few weeks to track the herds.
Photography Tips for the Migration
The Great Migration offers incredible photographic opportunities, from sweeping landscapes filled with animals to intimate predator-prey moments and dramatic river crossings.
A telephoto lens in the 100 to 400mm range is essential for wildlife photography. For river crossings, a mid-range zoom like a 70 to 200mm works well because you are often relatively close to the action.
For wide-angle shots of the herds stretching to the horizon, bring a 24 to 70mm lens. The landscapes of the Serengeti are spectacular and provide beautiful context for the migration story.
Bring plenty of memory cards and spare batteries. You will shoot far more images than you expect during a migration safari. Aim for at least 64GB of storage per day if you are shooting in RAW format.
The best light for migration photography is during the golden hours of early morning and late afternoon. Midday light is harsh but can work for black and white images. The storm clouds that build during the green season create dramatic backdrops that add mood and atmosphere to your shots.
The Great Migration is not just a wildlife event. It is a reminder of the raw power and beauty of nature. Seeing two million animals moving across the plains is an experience that changes how you see the natural world.
Whether you witness the chaos of a river crossing, the tenderness of a newborn calf taking its first steps, or the sheer scale of the herds stretching across the horizon, the Serengeti Great Migration is an experience that will stay with you forever.
