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The Great Wildebeest Migration

What to Expect?

Many people mistakenly think the Great Wildebeest Migration happens only once a year. This incredible event actually takes place year-round, offering diverse experiences in every season. Wildlife movements, predator activity, and scenic landscapes transform continuously, making it a spectacle worth witnessing at any time.

Select a month below to explore what it offers in terms of weather, wildlife activity, migration patterns, predator-prey dynamics, river crossings, and top accommodation options. This guide will help you plan the ultimate Great Wildebeest Migration experience.

The Spectacular Show of Africa: Understanding the Epic Wildlife Migration

What is the Great Migration?

Each year, nearly two million wildebeest and 20,000 plains game undertake a breathtaking journey from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of lush grazing lands and essential water sources. Driven by the rains and changing seasons, this epic migration showcases nature’s instinctive rhythms.

Covering an impressive 3,000 kilometers, the Great Wildebeest Migration spans the vast landscapes of East Africa, offering a mesmerizing spectacle of life on the move. It draws adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts, and travelers eager for an extraordinary African safari experience.

While predicting the migration’s movements is challenging due to its circular path and absence of a clear beginning or end, tools like “HerdTracker” by Discover Africa make tracking the herds easier. This innovative resource empowers travelers to follow the migration’s progress, ensuring they can plan their safari with precision and confidence.

Five Facts about the Great Migration

1. Serengeti National Park boasts the world’s oldest ecosystem, harbouring many flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth.

2. Along the Mara River, crocodiles wait for the migrating herds, using their formidable jaws to submerge and dismantle their prey. With astonishing agility, a crocodile can propel itself over half its length out of the water, employing its tail as a secondary weapon to seize potential victims.

3. Witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration in Africa entails observing approximately 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and numerous other species traversing the continent.

4. Zebras and wildebeests coexist harmoniously, benefiting from their complementary feeding habits targeting different parts of the same vegetation species.

5. Within the Serengeti’s diverse ecosystem, around 3,000 lions roam, trailing the migratory herds across the reserve’s vast expanse.

Where the Great Wildebeest Migration occurs

The Great Migration spans the entire year, offering a variety of wildlife experiences across different seasons. Africa’s famous Wildebeest migration moves in a circular route between Tanzania and Kenya, passing through key locations such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Loliondo Game Managed Area, and Grumeti Reserve.

The Masai Mara Game Reserve, bordering Serengeti National Park, is an essential part of the Kenyan segment of this journey. Each month highlights distinct features: changing weather conditions, dynamic wildlife behaviors, evolving migratory patterns, predator-prey interactions, dramatic river crossings, and access to accommodations that enhance the experience. For a clearer understanding of these elements, resources like the Great Wildebeest Migration Map provide valuable guidance.

What's the top month to catch the Great Migration?

January

Weather: A hot and humid summer month with average temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 28°C (82.4°F).
Wildebeest migration movement: Between Lobo and Naabi Hill, wildebeest herds converge on the Serengeti’s eastern edge in January. The herds are on the move in search of good grasses for their young.
Predatory encounters: Because it is calving season, big cats visit in January.
Accommodation options: Depending on the conditions, it is recommended that you stay in the city centre and only travel north or south from there.

February

Weather: Maximum temperatures of 28°C (82.4°F) and minimum temperatures of 15°C (59°F) characterize this month’s weather.
Wildebeest migration movement: For the past ten to twelve years, wildebeest herds have been settling in and around Lakes Ndutu and Masek. This meadow is lush in February, making it an ideal location for wildebeests to give birth to their young.
Predatory encounters: As lions and leopards move into the area to hunt on young and vulnerable calves, predatory confrontations are quite frequent.
Accomodation options: For a migration safari to the Serengeti in February, you may reserve your Ndutu accommodation well in advance and have peace of mind.

March

Weather: In Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, the first month of fall, March, remains warm, with average temperatures ranging from 28°C (82.4°F) to 15°C (59°F). Known for its reputation as a rainy month, March transforms the meadows into lush, fruitful landscapes that provide vital nourishment for the large herds of wildebeest.

Wildebeest migration movement: During this period, the Serengeti’s Ndutu and Kusini Maswa districts host the wildebeest herds. Movement is slow, as numerous newborn calves are nurtured and fed.

Predatory encounters: With the abundance of calves, predators find easy prey. This makes March an excellent time to witness lions and leopards in action.

Accommodation options: Spending March in the Ndutu area is highly recommended. Mobile camps operating in Kusini and Maswa offer wonderful opportunities to stay close to the herds during your Serengeti migration safari.

April

Weather: The Serengeti is damp in April, but you’ll adore it. Bring a raincoat and your sense of humour. April showers are nothing to be concerned about. The rain falls mainly in the evenings, and the days are mostly sunny.
Wildebeest migration movement: Because it is the most consistent, April is one of the finest months to watch the herds. When newborn calves and foals reach the age of mobility, they begin to move.
Predatory encounters: The populations of lions and big cats in these areas are thought to be steady. Expect a lot of physical interaction between the hunter and the prey.
Accommodation options: The migration is best seen in April in the Simba kopjes districts of Moru and Kusini.

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May

Weather: In Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, April is a moderate fall month, with typical highs of 26°C (78.8°F) and lows of 16°C (60.8°F). May is the wettest month in the Serengeti. Roads can be dangerous and challenging to manoeuvre.
Wildebeest migration movement: As the calves’ legs become fully functioning in May, the herds take up the pace.
Predatory encounters: Crocodiles of the Grumeti genus.
Accommodation options: Staying in the Moru region is recommended, however, Serengeti migration safari arrangements should be arranged as soon as feasible.

June

Weather: Temperatures at Serengeti National Park range from 13°C (55.4°F) to 25°C (77°F) in June, the first month of the winter. In June, the rainy season comes to an end. The fields are lushly green and densely forested.
Wildebeest migration movement: Wildebeest populations travel over great distances. It could take up to three hours to cover the distance between the leading and trailing herds.
Predatory encounters: Each migrating animal must first navigate a crocodile-infested river, the first of many dangerous river encounters.
River crossings: The Grumeti River crossing season runs from June to August, depending on the river’s water level. The river is rarely full enough to make dramatic crossings like those seen on the Mara River in July and August.

July

Weather: July is another nice winter month in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, with average temperatures ranging from 13°C (55.4°F) to 25°C (77°F).
Wildebeest migration movement: In pursuit of water and greener grass, herds of wildebeests began to migrate quicker.
Predatory encounters: Expect predatory encounters, such as with crocodiles.
River crossings: The Grumeti and Mara Rivers are both crossed.
Accommodation options: If you want to see early river crossings, the Grumeti River is a fantastic site to come to in July. However, due to the limited number of rooms available, we strongly recommend that you book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

August

Weather: August is the hottest month of the year in Serengeti National Park, with average temperatures ranging from 14°C (57.2°F) to 26°C (78.8°F). August is a hot and humid month when the dry season comes into high gear.
Wildebeest migration movement: Wildebeest herds will continue their search for lusher, greener vegetation, attempting to cross the Mara River’s treacherous, crocodile-infested waters.
Predatory encounters: Crocodiles are among the predators encountered.
River crossings: If you want to see river crossings, August is the best month to go. The animals will cross a foreign border between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara.
Accommodation options: Book early on both sides of the Mara River. The Olakira Camp, Sayari Mara, and Mara River mobile camps offer a once-in-a-lifetime migratory safari.

September

Weather: September offers more hot and dry weather, as the dry season continues in the Serengeti and Masai Mara.
Wildebeest migration movement: Most of the wildebeest have crossed the Mara River, and the majority of the herds will be in the Greater Masai Mara area, eating the lush green grass resources before venturing north towards the private conservancies (Mara North, Olare Orok).
Accommodation options: Similar to August, September is an easy month to predict where the herds will be. You can still stay in the Serengeti early in the month, but its safer to stay on the Masai Mara side to view the last of the Mara River crossings. The Olakira Camp or the Mara River mobile camps are unrivalled migration safari options.

October

Weather: October will be milder, as the dry season approaches its climax. You might even experience early rain in the Masai Mara and the Serengeti.
Wildebeest migration movement: The wildebeest herds are in the Masai Mara, but will start to slowly move back into the Serengeti moving through Loliondo in the east.
Accommodation options: Its best to stay in the Masai Mara to have the best opportunity to see the wildebeest herds. Nomad’s Lamai and Lemala’s Kuria Hills are good migration safari destinations.

November

Weather: November brings cooler weather, as the early rains start to fall in the Serengeti.
Wildebeest migration movement: The wildebeest herds are now in the Serengeti, stationed in the Lobo, Mbuze Mawe and Seronera Valley areas where water is abundant.
Accommodation options: The south-eastern Masai Mara itself, combined with north-eastern Serengeti is where you need to be. Sala’s Camp & the Lobo mobile camps are two authentic migration safari accommodations.

December

Weather: Expect wet weather in December, as the short rains begin to fall in the Central Serengeti.
Wildebeest migration movement: The wildebeest herds will move quicker now, as far south as possible, towards the Southern Plains which they usually reach within a couple of days.
Accommodation options: If there’s been lots of rain in the northern Serengeti, then South of Lobo is the ideal place to see the wildebeest herds. Kleins Camp, Migration Camp and the Lobo Mobile Camps are all great migration safari accommodation choices in December.

Our Recommended Migration Safaris

As the herds are always on the move, we recommend checking out our sample itineraries for guidance.

7 Days Serengeti Migration Tour

Starting from

$3716

Per person

14 Days Ndutu Migration Calving Season and Zanzibar Island

Starting from

$5675

Per person

6 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Calving Season

Starting from

$6070

Per person

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Planning a trip to see the wildebeest migration but unsure when or where to go?

Discover the locations of the wildebeest herd throughout the year with our migration map and monthly predictions.

Our experts use historical migratory patterns and real-time updates from pilots, rangers, and safari guides in the Serengeti to predict the movements of the wildebeest migration each month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wildebeest migrate in search of fresh grazing and water. The journey is driven by seasonal rainfall patterns that affect grass growth across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara ecosystems.

They travel around 800 to 1,000 kilometers (500–620 miles) annually in a circular route across Tanzania and Kenya, making it one of the longest and most demanding land migrations in the world.

Its sheer scale—millions of animals moving in unison—and the intense drama of predator-prey interactions and river crossings make the Great Migration one of the world’s most incredible wildlife events.

To increase your chances, plan to visit the Northern Serengeti between late July and October anLions, cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, and crocodiles follow or lie in wait for the migrating herds. The abundance of prey during migration leads to some of the most dramatic wildlife encounters.d stay for several days, as crossings are unpredictable and depend on animal behavior.

Yes, different phases of the migration occur throughout the year. While the herds move continuously, each season offers unique events—from calving in January–March to river crossings in mid-year.

Calving occurs between January and March in the Southern Serengeti, when around 500,000 calves are born in a short period. It’s a key time for predator action and dramatic photography.

These are perilous points where wildebeest cross crocodile-infested rivers in large numbers. The Grumeti crossing happens around June–July, while the Mara River crossing is from July–October.

Both offer excellent views depending on the time of year. Tanzania (Serengeti) hosts most of the migration, while Kenya’s Maasai Mara offers prime viewing in July–October.

Yes, mobile tented camps are completely safe. They are located in remote areas close to the action, fully staffed, and equipped with all necessary safety measures and comfort.

You can book through a reputable tour operator who specializes in migration safaris. They will help you choose the best time, region, and accommodations based on your interests and travel dates.

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  We were referred to Great Image Expeditions through our photographer when we were planning our elopement, and unfortunately, while parts of our experience were amazing, our overall experience with the company has been extremely disappointing. Our safari was fantastic, and Humphrey was absolutely incredible. He made the experience memorable, and the accommodations were also great. Unfortunately, our experience with the company itself has been a completely different story. We have been trying to get money that is owed to us from Raymond for almost two months now. What should have been a simple matter has turned into an exhausting cycle of excuses, delays, and what feels like being given the runaround. We have repeatedly been told different things and are still waiting for the money we are owed. That experience has really overshadowed what should have been an amazing overall trip. If I knew then what I know now about climbing Kilimanjaro, I would choose a different company. There are companies that offer better amenities and, based on our experience, a much better overall customer experience. I’m disappointed because we had such an incredible experience with Humphrey on safari, which makes the way the financial issue has been handled even more frustrating. I hope Raymond eventually makes this right, but after almost two months of excuses and games, it has become difficult to have any confidence in the company.
  
 
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 Verified Must visit tribe in Tanzania Anyone who visits Tanzania should visit Hadzabe tribe to at least get a glimpse of what life should have been for the hunter gatherers during human evolution. We took this trip as a part of our tour package with Serengeti Wakanda tour operator. I will break down the experience to elaborate better. 1. Start early - Since we visited a true nomadic group, our guide asked us to go as early as possible before the men leave on hunts. We left Ngorongoro park by 5;50 AM and reached the tribe around 9:30 AM (we stopped in the jungle before visiting the tribe and had a packed breakfast). 2. Road - Once you leave the main road, then you are in the real bush. Since there is very less traffic to visit these tribes, the jungle tract to get to the tribe is very rough. 3. Guide - We had to pickup a local guide since our guide George from Serengeti Wekanda tours did not speak Hadzabe language. This guide Gunan is from a tribe called Datoga who trade with Hadzabe. You should visit that tribe as well and will write about Datoga tribe separately. Gunan the Datoga guide spoke the best English out of all the folks I met in Tanzania. He is a very young man, very knowledgeable about the tribes. Get Gunan if you plan to visit Hadzabe tribe. 4. Hadzabe tribe - From what I heard from Gunan, the Hadzabe population is around 700. The group we visited had about 30+. They had moved to this location only two days ago. Their tents were still getting built by the time we visited. The wood and other plant parts were still getting fixed. They have an interesting language that has click sounds interspersed with normal words. First we met the males who had done a hunt of a warthog the day before. They showed the different arrows for different animals. The poison laced arrows and the arrows for monkeys were quite interesting. All of the metal arrow heads were made by Datoga tribe. Once the men told us how they hunt, then we met the women and the kids. They did a tribal dance there. 5. Hunting with the Hadzabe - we were told that they will take us on a hunt which may take about two hours. Since we had to get back to catch our flights we only went with them to shoot some arrows in their training place. However, I think it may not be real to do a hunt in two hours. It may be to give some excitement to the visitors. Hadzabe have long hunts that takes 2-3 days where they go to hunt big animals. The shorter hunts for tourists may be only to get Baboons or smaller animals in the close by areas. 6. Giving money - Though they maintain a hunter gatherer lifestyle, they all ask for money. You should give the money to the ladies and ask them to share with the group. We did the mistake of giving to men and then the women came. Gunan the guide later said that we should have given to women. They actually need the money to buy arrowheads from Datoga tribe who are the blacksmiths. 7. Time to spend - We spent about 45 minutes there. The drive to the tribe is what consumes most of the time. Overall, it was a great experience.