Overview :
Want to see Tanzania’s wildlife in its entire splendour? `Then, visit during The best time to see the great migration.
The Great Migration is East Africa’s most bucket-list-worthy safari experience. Each year, 1.4 million wildebeest make a round trip between Tanzania and Kenya, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle.
The mind-boggling numbers attract wildlife lovers from around the globe to watch the suspenseful river crossings or the 500,000 newly born wildebeest calves take their first steps.
But did you know the Great Migration isn’t a one-and-done event? It’s a year-round cycle, with each month offering a different experience. This guide provides a complete breakdown of the best time to see the Great Migration and which of the Serengeti’s four regions has the best front-row seat to all the action.
Where to see the great migration
The Great Wildebeest Migration is known as “The Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth” for a reason. Each year, between May and December, millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles begin a roundtrip journey between Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Maasai Mara. With hungry predators following their every move, this event sets the scene for an unforgettable safari experience. But this event isn’t wholly predictable.
It’s a natural phenomenon and depends on the rains, environmental factors, and animals.
Consider the breakdown below as a general guideline for the best time to see the Great Migration.
“What happens if you visit Tanzania outside these months?” you ask.
Well, you’ll still see animals. The Serengeti is vast, and millions of animals are involved, so you’re bound to witness herds walking across the endless plains.
The best time to see the great migration: Month-by-month breakdown
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of Earth’s most impressive natural phenomena. From July to October, many animals migrate across the Mara River across Tanzania’s Serengeti plains and into Kenya’s Masai Mara Reserve.
It’s a breathtaking sight that you won’t want to miss! Here’s when to see the migration, month-by-month.
December to March: The great migration calving seasons
April to May: The herds move from Ndutu to central Serengeti
June: The Grumeti River crossing begins in the western Serengeti
June: The Grumeti River crossing starts in the west of Serengeti.
The drama of the Great Migration starts in June. While the Grumeti and Mbalageti river crossings aren’t as intense as the northern crossings, you will not be bored. Crocodiles in the murky waters pick off wildebeest as they attempt to cross, and testosterone-fuelled males kick off the rutting season. As this is the shoulder season for the Great Migration, it’s a fantastic option to avoid the crowds in the Northern Serengeti and scoop up a cheaper safari package.
July to August: The great migration of the northern Serengeti river crossing.
July to August: The great migration northern Serengeti River crossing
Are you looking for the most sought-after Great Migration experience? With the Grumeti River crossing behind them, the herds move from the west to the Northern Serengeti into Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
…And the stakes get higher as the animals attempt to cross the Mara River. Nile crocodiles snap their jaws as the herds trample through the waters, and lions are ready to pounce on the other side.
Above, Marabou storks and vultures stalk the skies, ready to feast on the unlucky few who don’t make it. The game viewing is sensational, heated, and unmatched.
With so much action, it’s unsurprising that this is Tanzania’s high season. Please book your flights, lodging, and Great Migration safaris early, as they fill up fast.
September to October: Masai Mara and northern Serengeti
After the Mara River crossing drama, the herds move on to Kenya’s Masai Mara. But that doesn’t mean your Tanzania safari experience has been dull over the past few months. Some animals remain in the northern Serengeti on the lookout for fresh grass. You’ll find the animals wandering over the plains, re-crossing the river, and running from predators while searching for food. The herds will return from Kenya by the first or second week of October and move from the Northern Serengeti to the Central Serengeti.
November: Central to southern Serengeti migration
November: Central to southern Serengeti migration.
With the herds returning to Tanzania, the cycle begins again. Moving from the north, the animals journey to the southern plains and the freshly sprouting grasses. Don’t want to miss the migration? Plan a safari for the central Serengeti and Seronera Valley. It’s quieter than the northern regions of the park, and you won’t have massive crowds around predator sightings. The only downside? It’s the rainy season. While you might have less-than-perfect weather, it’s an excellent time of year to catch the migrating birds returning to Tanzania. The lack of crowds and storms has another bonus: safari deals! You’ll find lower rates at lodges and scoop up safari packages for almost half the price.
What are the best packages for migration Safaris? The Best packages are recommended for Wildebeest Migration Safari.
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