The Great Migration happens year-round — the trick is knowing where the herds are each month. Here's a plain-English guide to timing your Serengeti safari for calving, river crossings and the dry season.
The Great Migration is not a single event on a single date. It is a continuous, year-round loop of roughly 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra moving through the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grass and water. So the real question is not "when is the migration?" but "where will the herds be when I travel, and what do I want to see?"
December to March — the calving season (southern Serengeti)
The herds gather on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area. Around late January to March, roughly 8,000 calves are born every day. This is the best window for dramatic predator action — lions, cheetahs and hyenas follow the newborns closely. It is also greener, quieter and often better value than the peak season.
April to May — the green season and the rut
The long rains arrive and the herds begin drifting north and west. It is lush, dramatic and the lowest-cost time to travel. Some roads are muddy, but wildlife is still excellent and lodges are at their calmest.
June to July — the western corridor and Grumeti
The herds push through the central and western Serengeti, with the first tense crossings of the Grumeti River. This is a wonderful, less-crowded alternative to the famous northern crossings.
August to October — the Mara River crossings (northern Serengeti)
This is the iconic image: thousands of wildebeest braving crocodile-filled rivers in the northern Serengeti near the Kenyan border. Crossings are unpredictable and require patience, but seeing one is unforgettable. It is peak season, so book well ahead.
So when should you go?
- For newborns and big-cat action: late January to March (southern Serengeti).
- For the famous river crossings: August to October (northern Serengeti).
- For fewer crowds and better value: April to June.
- For a first safari at any time: the Serengeti and Ngorongoro deliver superb game viewing all year — we simply position your camps where the herds are.
Because the migration moves, timing and camp location matter more than any fixed itinerary. Tell us your travel dates and we'll place you where the action is likely to be.