Covering roughly 800 kilometres, this epic trek is the largest mammal migration on the planet. The timing coincides with the wet season, when the short-grass plains of the Serengeti are lush with nutrient-rich vegetation. These plains offer safety for the wildebeest, as predators are easier to spot. But as the dry season approaches and the plains wither, the herd is driven westward in search of greener pastures. Though the northern regions receive the most rainfall, the grass is less nutritious, making this area merely a temporary refuge until the southern plains flourish once more. The migration follows a near-perfect clockwise cycle: south, west, north, and back again.
No greater representation of the circle of life exists anywhere else. The journey begins in the southern Serengeti during calving season, a visual feast for wildlife enthusiasts. Thousands of wildebeest calves are born in a few short weeks, attracting a host of predators like lions and hyenas eager for an easy meal.
As the dry season takes hold in May, the herd moves northward into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, stripping the tall green grass before the zebras and gazelles arrive. The migration is fraught with peril. Crocodile-infested rivers await, with more than 3,000 crocodiles lying in wait for their next meal. Serengeti’s famed lion population—the largest in Africa—also presents constant danger. Witnessing a pride of lions working together to bring down a wildebeest is an unforgettable moment on any safari.
By late October, with the arrival of the short rains, the migration turns southward once more. By December, the herds complete their journey as they pass Seronera, a small town at the heart of the Serengeti, home to the Serengeti Visitors’ Centre.
The Great Migration in Detail
If you’re planning a Serengeti safari, you’ll want to witness the Great Migration. But there are no guarantees—nature follows its own rhythm. While the migration is generally predictable, it depends on rainfall, which varies from year to year. Still, the annual cycle unfolds across these key time periods:
December-April: Calving Season
The primary calving grounds are southeast of Seronera, stretching to the Ndutu region near Ngorongoro. November and December’s light rains bring the wildebeest to these lush plains, where they stay until the long rains taper off in April. February is the best time to visit, as it’s peak calving season. Thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and other ungulates give birth in synchrony, attracting predators in droves. By March or April, the herds may begin moving in search of greener pastures.
May-July: The Trek Begins
Having feasted on the short grasses of the southeast and nurtured their young, the wildebeest prepare for their epic 800-kilometre journey. This begins between late April and early June, offering a chance to witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles: more than a million animals marching in columns up to 40 kilometres long. The first major challenge is the Grumeti River, where hungry crocodiles lie in wait. The herd often gathers on the river’s southern bank for up to two weeks before making the dangerous crossing.
August-September: Crossing the Mara River
After navigating the Grumeti River, the herd moves further north to the next obstacle: the Mara River. This is where many iconic images of the Great Migration have been captured. Once across, the wildebeest graze on the Maasai Mara’s abundant plains in Kenya. Though some herds cross back and forth between the Serengeti and the Mara, smaller groups—sometimes consisting of 500 to 2,000 animals—remain in Tanzania’s Serengeti Mara area. This is a fantastic time to stay at a Serengeti Mara camp for prime wildlife viewing.
October-November: The Return South
As the short rains begin, the herd makes its way back south. They cross the Mara River once more and journey through the Lobo region and northern plains. This part of the Serengeti is less explored, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter experience of the migration. By late November, the wildebeest return to the Ndutu plains, where the cycle begins anew.
When to Go for a Wildebeest Migration Safari
The Serengeti is a year-round safari destination thanks to its vast landscapes and unparalleled wildlife. However, catching the migration depends on timing and location. While it’s impossible to predict the exact moment of a river crossing, the herds can be found at various points throughout the year. For the best chance of witnessing the migration, head to the southeast and Ndutu from December to May, the Western Corridor from May to July, the Serengeti Mara area from July to October, and the northern Serengeti and Lobo region in October and November.
