Best time to see the Great Migration

When Is the Best Time to See the Great Migration? A Month-by-Month Guide to Africa’s Most Iconic Wildlife Spectacle

The Great Migration is one of nature’s most breathtaking dramas—a never-ending, cyclical journey of over 1.4 million wildebeest, joined by hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle, across Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara.

But here’s the secret most first-time travelers don’t know:

There is no “one best time” to see the Great Migration.

Instead, the migration is a year-round movement, with each month offering a unique chapter of the story—birth, survival, death, and everything in between.

If you’re planning your Great Migration safari, this guide will help you understand what to expect month by month, where to go, and how to make your safari experience unforgettable.

🌍 Where to See the Great Migration

The migration takes place between:

• Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park
• Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve

However, around 80% of the migration happens in Tanzania, making it the prime location for longer, more immersive safari experiences.

There are four key regions in the Serengeti to track the migration:

1. Southern Serengeti / Ndutu
2. Central Serengeti / Seronera
3. Western Corridor / Grumeti
4. Northern Serengeti / Mara River

📅 Best Time to See the Great Migration: Month-by-Month Breakdown

📌 December to March: Calving Season in Southern Serengeti

• Location: Ndutu and Southern Serengeti
• Highlights: Witness the birth of 500,000 wildebeest calves.
• Why go: It’s a predator’s paradise. Lions, hyenas, and cheetahs are never far behind newborns.
• Best for: Wildlife photography, predator-prey interaction, family-friendly safaris

✅ Insider Tip: This is a great time for travelers who want fewer crowds and dramatic animal encounters in open plains.

📌 April to May: The Green Season Migration

• Location: Moving north to Central Serengeti
• Highlights: Thunderstorms signal movement. Herds flood the Moru Kopjes and Western Corridor.
• Why go: You’ll see massive herds crossing lush landscapes—and fewer tourists.
• Best for: Budget travelers, bird watchers, and green season photographers

⚠️ Note: Roads can get muddy, and rains are frequent—but the rewards are high.

📌 June: The Grumeti River Crossing Begins

• Location: Western Serengeti
• Highlights: First river crossing—watch as crocodiles lurk in wait.
• Why go: Testosterone-charged males battle for dominance during the rutting season.
• Best for: Adventurous travelers looking for a quieter alternative to the busy Mara River

🎯 Pro Tip: June is a “shoulder season,” which means great deals on luxury lodges and excellent game viewing.

📌 July to August: The Iconic Mara River Crossings

• Location: Northern Serengeti and into Kenya’s Masai Mara
• Highlights: The Great Drama—wildebeest plunge into crocodile-filled waters.
• Why go: This is the bucket-list migration moment. Predators, panic, and raw survival.
• Best for: First-time visitors, photographers, and thrill-seekers

🚨 Book early. These months are peak season. Safaris and accommodations sell out fast.

📌 September to October: The Masai Mara Phase

• Location: Kenya’s Masai Mara and Northern Serengeti
• Highlights: Herds graze in Kenya while some linger in Tanzania.
• Why go: Wildlife spreads out, offering more intimate encounters with predators and prey.
• Best for: Travelers wanting to explore both Tanzania and Kenya

🌿 Migration is unpredictable—some animals re-cross rivers or linger in Tanzania if rains arrive early.

📌 November: Return to the Southern Serengeti

• Location: From Central to Southern Serengeti
• Highlights: The herds return to give birth once more.
• Why go: The circle of life begins again. Migrating birds arrive. Rain nourishes the land.
• Best for: Budget travelers, birding enthusiasts, and those looking for off-peak serenity

💡 This is one of Tanzania’s best-kept safari secrets—you’ll see everything for a fraction of the cost.

🧭 Booking Your Great Migration Safari: Tips for 2025

🔹 When to Book

• Peak season (July–October): Book 8–12 months in advance
• Shoulder season (April–June, November): Book 3–6 months ahead

🔹 Best Migration Safari Packages

• 7-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari – Ideal for July to October river crossings
• 5-Day Serengeti Migration Tour – Perfect for short trips during calving season
• 7-Day Calving & Predator Safari – Best for February–March

✨ Whether you’re a honeymooner, family, or solo traveler—there’s a custom package to match your safari dreams.

🧳 Why Choose a Local Tanzania Safari Operator?

• Insider knowledge of wildlife movement
• Custom itineraries for every season
• Real-time tracking of migration patterns
• 24/7 support in the bush
• Eco-conscious and community-focused tourism

🎯 Want a seamless, safe, and personalized experience? Book with Great Image Expedition, a trusted local expert.

📩 Email: info@gie.co.tz
🌐 Website: www.gie.co.tz

🌿 Final Thoughts: There’s No Wrong Time to Witness the Migration

The Great Wildebeest Migration is more than a spectacle—it’s a story of survival, movement, and the rhythms of the wild.

Whether you want to see newborn calves in February, river crossings in August, or quiet returns in November, there’s always something remarkable happening in the Serengeti.

So…
🧭 When is the best time to see the Great Migration?
Whenever you’re ready to witness Africa at its wildest.

✅ Start Planning Your Migration Safari Today

Want help choosing the right time and place for your migration adventure? Contact our Tanzania travel experts at Great Image Expedition for tailored safari experiences, expert advice, and unbeatable rates.

Explore the pace of the wild, sync your pulse with the Earth, and discover true freedom.