Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park

The Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park

The Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park is one of the most extraordinary wildlife events on Earth. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, joined by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, traverse the vast plains of northern Tanzania and Kenya in search of fresh grazing land and water. This natural spectacle—driven by instinct and survival—is a continuous journey through the Serengeti ecosystem that captures the true essence of Africa’s wilderness.

What Is the Great Migration?

The Great Migration is a year-round, circular movement of wildebeest and their companions across the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem. Guided by seasonal rains, the herds move from the southern plains of the Serengeti to the northern reaches near the Mara River, covering roughly 1,800 miles (2,900 km) annually. Along the way, they face predators, raging rivers, and the harsh realities of the wild—making this not just a migration, but a story of endurance and life itself. Learn more about Serengeti history and wildlife.

The Great Migration Calendar: Month-by-Month Movement

The migration is not a single event but a cycle that unfolds throughout the year, offering unique experiences depending on when and where you visit the Serengeti. Here’s a guide to what happens each season—perfect for planning your best time to visit Serengeti:

Dec – Mar

Calving in Ndutu: 400,000+ newborns

Calving Season

Apr – May

Northward via Western Corridor

Lush Plains

Jun – Jul

Grumeti River crossings: crocodile drama

First Crossings

Jul – Oct

Mara River in Northern Serengeti

Peak Action

Nov

Return via Central Serengeti

Cycle Renews

December to March – Calving Season in Southern Serengeti

Between December and March, the herds gather on the short-grass plains of the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu area to give birth. Around 400,000 calves are born within a few weeks—an incredible sight that attracts predators like lions, hyenas, and cheetahs. This is one of the best times to visit for wildlife photography, dramatic predator-prey interactions, and stunning open landscapes filled with new life. Stay at luxury lodges or campsites nearby.

April to May – The Long Rains and Northward Movement

As the long rains begin, the herds start moving northwest toward the Western Corridor and the Grumeti River. The landscape turns lush and green, creating a beautiful contrast against the dark clouds and vibrant wildlife. Though this is a quieter season for tourism, it’s perfect for travelers who prefer solitude and a more intimate safari experience. Ideal for camping safaris.

June to July – The Grumeti River Crossings

In early winter, the migration reaches the Western Serengeti, where the wildebeest face their first major challenge: crossing the crocodile-filled Grumeti River. These crossings are intense and action-packed, offering some of the most dramatic wildlife scenes in Africa. It’s also a great time for game drives and walking safaris in private reserves bordering the Serengeti. Add a hot air balloon safari for aerial views.

July to October – The Mara River Crossings in Northern Serengeti

From July to October, the herds arrive in the Northern Serengeti, near the Mara River. This is the most famous phase of the Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeest plunge into turbulent waters while crocodiles lie in wait. The Mara River crossings are unpredictable, thrilling, and unforgettable—making this period the peak migration safari season.

The northern plains, around Kogatende and Lamai, offer ideal viewing spots with fewer crowds than Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This is also when the Serengeti is at its most photogenic, with golden grasslands, dramatic light, and abundant wildlife. Book private safaris or group joining tours.

November – Return to the South

With the arrival of the short rains, the herds begin their long journey southward once again, passing through the Central Serengeti. The cycle continues as they return to the fertile calving grounds of Ndutu. This transitional period offers diverse game viewing opportunities, with predators following the herds and migratory birds filling the skies. Great for budget safaris or fly-in packages from Zanzibar.

Where to Stay During the Great Migration

To fully experience the migration, travelers often choose accommodations that move seasonally with the herds. Mobile tented camps in the Southern, Western, and Northern Serengeti follow the migration’s path, ensuring close proximity to the action. For those seeking comfort, permanent lodges offer luxury stays with panoramic views over migration corridors and water sources.

Southern Serengeti (Dec–Mar): Ndutu Safari Lodge, Nasikia Mobile Camp
Western Corridor (May–Jun): Kirawira Serena Camp, Grumeti Hills
Northern Serengeti (Jul–Oct): Lemala Kuria Hills, Sayari Camp
Central Serengeti (Nov–Dec): Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge, Serengeti Serena Lodge

Wildlife Highlights During the Great Migration

Beyond wildebeest, the migration supports a web of life. Zebras graze on taller grass, clearing paths for wildebeest that follow. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas thrive on the abundance of prey. Crocodiles dominate river crossings, while scavengers such as vultures complete the ecosystem’s balance. Visitors can also spot elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and numerous bird species that share these dynamic landscapes. Full guide at Serengeti Wildlife and Top Attractions.

Best Time to Witness the Great Migration in Serengeti

The best time to see the Great Migration depends on what part of the spectacle you wish to experience:

Calving season: December–March in Ndutu
River crossings: July–October in Northern Serengeti
Peaceful scenery & movement: April–June and November

See our full Best Time to Visit Serengeti guide.

Tips for Planning Your Great Migration Safari

Book early—especially for July to October, as lodges fill up quickly.
Consider a mobile camp for a closer, more flexible experience near the herds.
Combine Serengeti with Ngorongoro Crater or Tarangire for a diverse safari.
Pack light but include binoculars, a camera, sunscreen, and layered clothing.
Choose guided tours with experienced local experts who understand migration patterns. Learn how to get to Serengeti.

Why the Great Migration Is a Must-See Experience

Witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park is more than just a safari—it’s an emotional connection to the rhythm of nature. The sight of endless herds stretching to the horizon, the thundering of hooves, and the eternal struggle between predator and prey make it one of the most awe-inspiring events on the planet. It’s an adventure that leaves every visitor forever changed. Explore all tourism activities in Serengeti to complete your journey.

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Great Migration in Serengeti – Frequently Asked Questions (2026–2027)

The Great Migration in the Serengeti happens throughout the entire year. The herds move in a continuous cycle across the Serengeti ecosystem, shifting locations each season. From December to March, the wildebeest are in the Southern Serengeti for the calving season. From April to June, they move through the Central and Western Corridor. From July to October, the Migration reaches the Northern Serengeti for the dramatic Mara River crossings. By November, the herds begin returning south as the short rains arrive.

The best time to see the Great Migration in Tanzania depends on the specific experience you want. For the Mara River crossings in the Northern Serengeti, the ideal months are July to October. For the calving season in the Southern Serengeti, the best time is December to March, when thousands of newborns appear across the plains. For a classic Serengeti safari with fewer crowds and lush landscapes, the shoulder months of April, May, and November also offer excellent viewing.

The Great Migration occurs because wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles follow the seasonal rains and fresh grass. The movement is driven by the need for food, water, and safe calving areas. As rainfall patterns shift across the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem, the herds instinctively move to areas with better grazing, creating the continuous circular migration that defines this natural wonder.

Wildebeest migrate to find fresh grazing and reliable water sources. Their movement is closely linked to rainfall, which influences where new grass grows. Migration also helps reduce pressure on any one area, allowing the ecosystem to regenerate. During the calving season, the Southern Serengeti provides short nutritious grass that supports the survival of newborn calves, making this region a crucial stop in their annual cycle.

Wildebeests travel an estimated 800 to 1,000 miles during their annual migration journey across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara ecosystems. This long-distance movement is one of the most extensive animal migrations on Earth, involving more than 1.5 million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles.

The Great Migration happens every year and follows a continuous cycle that repeats annually. There is no single start or end point; the herds move year-round as they follow rain patterns and fresh grass. Each season offers a different highlight, from calving in early months to river crossings in mid-year.

Animals know when to migrate through a combination of environmental cues such as rainfall, changes in vegetation, temperature shifts, and instinctual behavior. Wildebeest are particularly sensitive to the smell of rain and the growth of fresh grass. These signals trigger movement within the herds, guiding them across the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem in a coordinated migration cycle.

"The Great Migration is nature’s greatest story — live it in 2026."