The Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania: Best Months and Places to See It
Follow more than a million wildebeest through the Serengeti: where the herds are each month and how to plan your migration safari.
8 min read
What is the Great Migration?
The Great Migration is the year-round movement of over a million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, around the Serengeti–Maasai Mara ecosystem. The herds follow rainfall and fresh grazing in a broadly clockwise loop, with lions, cheetahs, hyenas and crocodiles never far behind.
It is not a single event but a continuous journey, which means there is something to see in almost every month.
Where the herds are, month by month
| Months | Location | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Dec – Mar | Southern Serengeti & Ndutu | Grazing on short-grass plains; calving peaks in February |
| Apr – May | Central Serengeti (Seronera) | Herds begin moving north-west during the long rains |
| Jun – Jul | Western Corridor | Rutting season; Grumeti River crossings |
| Jul – Oct | Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) | Dramatic Mara River crossings |
| Nov | Moving south via Lobo | Herds return south with the short rains |
The Mara River crossings
The crossings are the most famous part of the migration. Thousands of wildebeest gather on the riverbanks before plunging across, often under the eyes of waiting crocodiles. Crossings can happen several times a day or not for several days, so we recommend at least three nights in the northern Serengeti between July and October.
Calving season in Ndutu
From late January to March, around 8,000 calves are born each day at the peak. This abundance attracts predators, making it one of the best times for big-cat action. The Ndutu area sits between the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, so it pairs perfectly with a crater visit.
Tips for a migration safari
- Book 6–12 months ahead for July to September, when camps fill quickly.
- Choose a mobile or seasonal camp that moves to stay close to the herds.
- Consider a fly-in safari to save long drives to the northern Serengeti.
- Stay flexible: rainfall shifts the herds' timing from year to year.
- Add a hot-air balloon flight for a unique view of the plains.
Plan your migration safari
Every trip we plan is tailor-made. Share your dates, budget and interests with our Arusha-based team and we will send a personalised itinerary within 24 hours.
