The Serengeti Safari is one of the most talked-about travel experiences in Africa. Going on a safari in the iconic Serengeti National Park is like going on a journey through time, space, and movement.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is the biggest reason people plan their trip around the Serengeti. Every year, over two million animals, mostly wildebeest, begin a slow journey in search of fresh grass and water. Their movement follows the seasons. Along the way, predators watch closely. Rivers become dangerous crossing points. And life begins again.
Having a brief understanding of the migration calendar helps determine when and where to go. It’ll help to know what to expect from the entire journey. So, if you’re someone who is exploring various package options for Safari Tours in Tanzania, this blog can be useful for you to create a well-timed safari adventure.
Why the Migration Happens?
Grass changes everything in the plains of the Serengeti National Park. And with that, when the rains arrive, the plains turn green. That’s when wildebeest begin to move. Their movement is not random. It follows the rain and the grass it brings.
The plains in the southern Serengeti are open and short. They are perfect for calving. Predators can be seen easily here, which helps the young survive in their early days. But this doesn’t last. The grass dries up after the rainy season ends. The herds must go west and then north. They are always looking for better grazing land.
This movement keeps going in a loop. It starts in the south, turns west, pushes north, and returns to the south again.
The Migration by Season
Each part of the year brings different scenes of the migration. Knowing this can help you decide when to visit Serengeti National Park. The cycle doesn’t start or end. It just keeps moving. Some moments are filled with quiet movement. Others are full of action.
Below, we have got you a seasonal breakdown based on typical patterns observed during The Great Wildebeest Migration.
December to March – Calving and Predator Season
- Location: Southern Serengeti and Ndutu area
- Highlights: Calving, large herds, predator activity
During this time, the open plains are green. It’s the calving season and one of the best times for dramatic wildlife interaction. In just a few weeks, thousands of calves are born. Lions, hyenas, and cheetahs are close by. With both predator and prey out in the open, get ready to witness intense drama.
The lush green landscapes, along with the abundance of young ones, make it a popular time for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts to visit the place.
Take a look at our 6 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Calving Season that takes you to the southern plains of the Serengeti during the peak action of calving season.
April to May – The Start of the Journey
- Location: Central Serengeti and western corridor
- Highlights: Large moving herds, quiet atmosphere, scenic drives
The rain begins to fade. The grass in the south dries. The herds begin their 800 km trek and move westward towards the Grumeti River. It’s not rushed. It’s steady. Columns of animals begin to stretch out. Some reach lengths of 30 to 40 kilometres. There is space to observe without many vehicles around. Sometimes, River crossings can begin as early as May, but mostly occur in June.
June to July – Grumeti River Crossings
- Location: Western Serengeti
- Highlights: River crossings, crocodile encounters, excellent game drives
Tension builds as the herds reach the Grumeti River. There are large crocodiles inside the river waiting for the wildebeests. Some animals don’t survive the crossing as the crocodiles feast on them. Though this is one of the lesser-known parts of the migration but it is powerful to witness. It is more peaceful than the northern crossings.
August to September – Mara River Drama
- Location: Northern Serengeti and Mara area
- Highlights: Mara River crossings, steep banks, dramatic moments
This is the most intense time to witness Serengeti Migration Safaris. The Mara River is fast and deep. Its banks are steep. The animals bunch up on one side. Then, suddenly, they cross. Some drown. Some are taken by crocodiles. Many make it. The tension builds and breaks in moments.
October to November – Return to the South
- Location: Northern and eastern Serengeti
- Highlights: Smaller crossings, peaceful game drives, changing skies
The short rains return. The herds begin heading south again. Some cross rivers one last time. Others graze in smaller groups. The eastern parts of the park are open and less visited. This is a good time for quiet game drives and good light for photography.
How to Plan a Serengeti Safari Around the Migration
Seeing the migration means being in the right place during the right window. The timing is never exact. But the patterns are known. The more days you spend in a migration area, the better your chances of seeing something memorable.
Here are a few things to think about:
- Location comes first – Choose the region based on the season
- Stay longer if possible – 4 to 6 nights give better chances of catching action
- Use mobile camps – These move with the herds and bring you closer to the migration
- Plan early for river crossings – Lodges near the Mara River get booked quickly
- Include flexible time – Being patient increases your chances
These are not hard rules. But they are good steps when thinking about How to Plan a Serengeti Safari around wildlife movement.
Best Places to Stay During the Migration
Different camps and lodges provide the best access to various stages of the migration. Some Accommodations are permanent and opulent, while others are mobile and built for adaptability. Our range of Tanzania Safari Packages allows you to select a style that meets your vacation interests.
| Region & Months | Recommended Accommodations |
| South (Dec–Mar) | – Ndutu Safari Lodge
– Kusini Camp – Mobile camps near calving grounds |
| West (May–Jun) | – Grumeti River Camp
– Singita Explore (Private Reserve) |
| North (Jul–Oct) | – Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge
– Serengeti Mara Camp – Mobile camps near Kogatende or Lamai |
| East/Lobo (Oct–Nov) | – Lobo Wildlife Lodge
– Nasikia Mobile Camps |
Each lodge matches a different safari style. For those looking for Tanzania Mid-Range Safari, there are many options. For travellers seeking Tanzania Luxury Safaris, the choices are even more refined.
Sample Migration-Focused Safari Tours
Several Tanzania Safari Packages have been designed around the migration to allow travellers to experience crucial milestones along the way. These are not fixed schedules, but rather fluid outlines designed to accommodate animal movement. Some of our migration tours are as follows:
- 6 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Calving Season
- 7 Days Serengeti Migration Tour
- 5 Days Serengeti Safari from Zanzibar
- 16 Days Tanzania Migration Safari and Zanzibar
- 6 Days Ultra Luxury Serengeti Migration Safari
- 4 Days Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Fly-In
Each of these tours allows for adjustments based on animal movement and your travel schedule.
Final Word on Witnessing the Migration
A Serengeti Safari built around the Great Migration works best when it’s flexible. With help from teams who know the area well, you can plan a journey that fits the season and gives you time to wait, explore, and absorb the movement of animals across the land.
At Great Image Expedition, each safari is planned with this in mind. Our team follows the migration closely and adjusts routes to match real-time wildlife behaviour. This means your time in the Serengeti is not only well spent, but also aligned with what’s happening on the ground. For anyone looking to understand the rhythm of the land and experience it with depth, this is where it starts.
