What Is the Best Time of Year to See the Great Migration?

Missing the right time to see the Great Migration can lead to hours of fruitless searching for wildlife, leaving you with empty savanna views. Every year, we guide visitors in Africa to witness one of nature's most spectacular shows. Based on our experience, we’re sharing the best time to see the Great Migration on an African safari to make your trip worthwhile.

Best Time to See the Great Migration on a Safari

The prime opportunity to witness the great herds is from mid-June through November, when large concentrations of wildebeest create an unforgettable spectacle as they make their way across the African plains. The Great Migration reaches its peak between July and August when thousands of wildebeest brave the strong currents and crocodile-infested waters of the Mara River.

Despite these recommended months, you can still see herds crossing the rivers at any time of the year. Depending on whether you want to witness river crossings or other aspects of the migration or if you have a preferred travel time, we can tailor your safari to maximize the chances of seeing the Great Migration. 

Month	Best Spots	Migration Activity and Wildlife Highlights	Weather Conditions
January to March	Southern Serengeti (Tanzania)	Best time for seeing newborn wildebeest; stationary herds grazing	Warm and dry; short rains possible
April to Mid-June	Central and Western Serengeti	Herds begin moving northward; first river crossings at Grumeti River	Long rains; muddy conditions
Mid-June to November	Kenya and Northern Serengeti	Spectacular crossings; peak predator action	Dry season; pleasant temperatures
December	Southern Serengeti	Herds moving back south; animals spread out across plains	Short rains; green season begins

The Great Migration Seasons

The Great Migration is an ongoing annual cycle with no specific time of year for observation. It can be divided into four seasons. You can also gain detailed insights on when to travel by reviewing a comprehensive month-by-month breakdown of the migration.

January to March: Herd Grazing and Calving Season Continues

The herds gather on the short grass plains of the southern Serengeti and the westernmost regions of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The calving grounds also attract many predators eager to prey on the vulnerable newborns.

• December/January: The Southern Plains have plenty of fresh, sweet grass for the wildebeest to eat. The herds will graze around Ndutu and the northern Ngorongoro Conservation Area to prepare for the birth of new calves.

• February: Female wildebeest give birth around February to March, resulting in more than half a million tiny wildebeest appearing across the landscape.

• March: The wildebeest will stay in the park's southern area in preparation for moving to the north as the plains dry out.

April to Mid-June: Herd Crossings to the North

As the rainy season draws to a close, wildebeest migrate northward into the heart of the central Serengeti. The Great Migration continues as some animals head westward.

• April: Herds of wildebeest begin their arduous journey northward through the park's central area. They will pause to graze on the lush vegetation as they make their way.

• May: Countless wildebeest form impressive columns stretching several kilometers as they migrate through the Moru Kopjes.

• June: Marking the beginning of their annual migration, large groups gather along the southern banks of the Grumeti River. They are preparing to cross the crocodile-infested river.

Mid-June to November: Spectacular Mara River Crossing

The Great Migration gets scattered throughout the Northern Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara, which have daily crossings. On our last visit in September to the Lamai Wedge, we witnessed two crossings within a couple of minutes of each other.

• July: The first herds are scheduled to arrive in the North in early July. The migration gathers momentum as they journey north, spreading out across the Western corridor. 

• August: Many wildebeest may perish in the Great Mara River.

• September: The herds get concentrated in the Maasai Mara, marking the northernmost point of their migration.

• October: The wildebeest face the deadly waters for the second time as they cross on their journey back south.

• November: Wildlife will move south to Serengeti to graze on rejuvenated grasses.

December: Calving Season Begins

The herds gather on the short grass plains of Serengeti and the northernmost regions of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This mass calving attracts many predators, so predator viewing is at its highest.

In December, the herds will enjoy abundant grazing in the areas around Ndutu and the northern Ngorongoro Conservation Area as they prepare for the birth of new calves.

The Great Migration by Month

Whether the impressive herds are calving in the south or journeying north in search of better grazing grounds and returning, there's an incredible array of captivating scenes to behold every month.

January

The southern plains, stretching from Moru to Naabi, Kusini, and Ndutu, are where wildebeest congregate. These plains have short grasses abundant in phosphorus and magnesium.

February

In February, you can witness the breathtaking spectacle of hundreds of thousands of newly born wildebeest. You can enjoy these incredible peak calving sightings from the Ndutu and Kusini plains.

March

The herds predominantly remain stationary in the Ndutu-Kusini area during the latter part of the calving season. Some animals venture further south into Maswa and east toward Namiri Plains, known as prime predator country, so keeping your camera close is advisable.

April

In the coming weeks, you'll be able to observe the immense herds, including their young calves. They will leisurely traverse the Naabi and Kusini plains for the last time this season.

May

The wildebeest will embark on a continuous journey in the upcoming month. They will migrate northward through the Moru Kopjes and towards the Western Corridor. Storms will provide much-needed water to the grasses, serving as the primary grazing source amidst competition for food sources.

June

The Great Migration rapidly moves through the Western Corridor and Grumeti Reserve. This is the peak mating season and the start of the dry season. However, you can expect occasional showers in the north.

July

Positioned near the Mara and Sand Rivers, you'll witness the awe-inspiring sight of the wildebeest gathering in the Kogatende area. Hungry crocodiles lie in wait, adding an extra layer of tension to this remarkable natural event.

August

More nutritious grazing on the northern side caused by earlier showers will prompt most herds to migrate from south to north. Make your way to the Lamai Wedge and Nyamalumbwa Plains for sightings of the massive wildebeest herds.

September

In September, river traffic flows bidirectionally between Kenya and Tanzania. This challenging journey is one of nature's most remarkable yet tragic events, with thousands of animals perishing.

October

As the tail end of the herd crosses the glistening river from the savannas of Kenya down into the picturesque landscapes of Tanzania, distant rumblings signal the arrival of the majestic thunderstorms in the north. Most animals gracefully return to the lush Lobo Valley and the expansive Grumeti Reserve.

November

As the herds continue their relentless journey, they mostly depart from the northern areas and go through the Lobo region en route to the central Serengeti. Here, you'll see how wildebeests and zebras can coexist in the same grazing areas because they have different grazing habits.

December

Wildebeest migration has now spread across the central Serengeti, covering a vast area from northern Lobo to southern Ndutu. The herds are finally caught up by the long-awaited rains.

Related Questions

When Should I Watch the Great Migration?

You can watch the most dramatic segments of the Great Migration between July and November when the herds make their famous river crossings in Serengeti and Kenya. The wildebeest begin their circular journey in Serengeti around December, following the rains and fresh grass in a clockwise movement through the year. 

Where Is the Best Safari to See the Great Migration?

The Serengeti and Kenya regions offer the most spectacular views of the migration. The river crossing serves as an important point in the animals' journey. The Western Corridor in Serengeti also provides excellent viewing opportunities as the herds move through these areas at different times of the year.

What Is the Best Time to Go on Safari in Kenya?

The prime safari season in Kenya coincides with the dry season from July to October, when the Great Migration's visibility is at its best. When you want to witness the calving season, try visiting in February, where thousands of wildebeest calves are born in Serengeti during this period.

Conclusion

When you time your safari perfectly, you'll witness massive herds of wildebeests stretching across the horizon. Our African luxury safari tours are scheduled to see the Great Migration at the right time, making sure travelers experience the thundering hooves and dramatic river crossings that will make this trip unlike any other.