🌍 Introduction
The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is home to one of the world’s most breathtaking wildlife spectacles—the Great Migration. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with thousands of zebras and gazelles, embark on a journey across the plains in search of fresh grazing lands. But when is the best time to witness this incredible event?
In this guide, we break down the migration month by month, helping you plan the ultimate Serengeti safari experience.
📆 Serengeti Migration Seasons: A Month-by-Month Breakdown
January – March: Calving Season (Ndutu Plains, Southern Serengeti)
✅ Best for: Witnessing newborn wildebeests and predator action
✅ Highlights: Over 500,000 calves are born; high predator activity
✅ Weather: Warm with occasional rains
During this time, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest give birth in the lush Ndutu Plains of Southern Serengeti. This attracts predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, making it an excellent time for dramatic wildlife encounters.
April – May: The Green Season (Moving Northward)
✅ Best for: Fewer tourists, lush landscapes, excellent photography
✅ Highlights: Large herds moving towards Central Serengeti
✅ Weather: Wet season with occasional heavy rains
As the newborns grow stronger, the herds start moving northward towards the central Serengeti. Though this is the rainy season, it’s an ideal time for budget-friendly safaris due to lower tourist numbers.
June – July: Grumeti River Crossing (Western Serengeti)
✅ Best for: Early river crossings, fewer crowds
✅ Highlights: Herds gathering at the Grumeti River, predator-prey interactions
✅ Weather: Cooler and drier
By June, the herds reach the Grumeti River, where they face the first major challenge of their journey—crossing crocodile-infested waters. This is a less crowded alternative to the more famous Mara River crossing.
July – September: The Iconic Mara River Crossing (Northern Serengeti & Maasai Mara)
✅ Best for: Dramatic river crossings, peak migration activity
✅ Highlights: Wildebeests crossing the dangerous Mara River
✅ Weather: Dry season, excellent wildlife visibility
This is the most famous migration event, where massive herds attempt to cross the Mara River while avoiding hungry crocodiles. If you want to see the ultimate drama of the migration, late July to early September is the best time to visit.
👉 Best safari locations: Kogatende, Lamai Wedge, Northern Serengeti
October – November: Return Journey to Serengeti (Southward Migration)
✅ Best for: Witnessing the herds move south, fewer tourists
✅ Highlights: Stunning landscapes, scattered herds across Serengeti
✅ Weather: Short rains begin, lush scenery
As the short rains arrive, the herds begin their return journey towards the Southern Serengeti, preparing for another calving season. This is a great time for visitors who prefer fewer crowds and lush landscapes.
December: Pre-Calving Period (Southern Serengeti)
✅ Best for: Wildlife spotting before the calving season
✅ Highlights: Herds gathering in Ndutu Plains
✅ Weather: Warm with occasional rains
By December, the wildebeests settle in the Ndutu Plains, getting ready for the calving season to begin again. This marks the end and the beginning of another Great Migration cycle.
🦁 Where to Stay in Serengeti During the Great Migration
Choosing the right accommodation based on the season ensures you get the best safari experience:
| Season | Best Location | Recommended Lodges |
|---|---|---|
| January – March | Southern Serengeti (Ndutu) | Ndutu Safari Lodge, Lemala Ndutu Camp |
| June – July | Western Serengeti | Kirawira Luxury Tented Camp, Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp |
| July – September | Northern Serengeti | Sayari Camp, Serengeti Bushtops |
| October – November | Central Serengeti | Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge, Serengeti Serena Lodge |
📌 Tips for Planning Your Serengeti Safari
✔️ Book Early: Especially for the peak migration months (June – September), lodges fill up fast!
✔️ Consider a Mobile Camp: These camps follow the herds, giving you the best migration experience.
✔️ Choose a Private Safari: A customized safari allows more flexibility and better wildlife sightings.
✔️ Pack Properly: Bring light clothing, a good camera, and binoculars for the best experience.
🔚 Conclusion
The best time to visit the Serengeti for the Great Migration depends on what you want to experience. For calving season and predator action, visit in January – March. If you dream of seeing dramatic river crossings, go from July – September. No matter when you visit, the Serengeti guarantees unforgettable wildlife encounters!
📢 Ready to book your Serengeti safari? Contact us today for expert travel planning!
