1.5 million wildebeest. 400,000 zebra. A 1,800km circular route. The greatest wildlife spectacle on earth — tracked month by month.
Wildebeest
~1.5 million
Annual route
1,800 km
Countries
Kenya + Tanzania
Best crossings
Jul – Oct
January
Calving season begins
Southern Serengeti, Tanzania
Up to 8,000 wildebeest calves born daily. Predator activity is exceptional — lions, cheetahs, and hyenas follow the herds. Less crowded than peak season.
February
PeakPeak calving season
Southern Serengeti, Tanzania
Best calving season viewing. The Ndutu area is iconic — vast herds with thousands of calves and spectacular predator action. Considered by many the most dramatic month.
March
Herds begin moving north
Southern/Central Serengeti
Green season — lush landscapes, fewer tourists, lower prices. Herds start their northward journey. Good predator activity continues.
April
Long rains begin
Central Serengeti
Heavy rains. Many camps closed. Not recommended. The herds are on the move but dispersed across vast areas.
May
Grumeti River approach
Western Serengeti corridor
Rains easing. Herds reach the Western Corridor. First Grumeti River crossings possible — giant Nile crocodiles await. Fewer tourists.
June
PeakGrumeti River crossings
Western Serengeti / Grumeti
Dramatic river crossings at the Grumeti. Crocodiles are enormous and take many wildebeest. Good game viewing conditions as dry season begins.
July
PeakFirst Mara River crossings
Northern Serengeti / Masai Mara
The most anticipated month — massive herds arrive at the Mara River. Dramatic crossings where hundreds drown or are taken by crocodiles. Masai Mara fills with safari vehicles.
August
PeakPeak Mara River crossings
Masai Mara, Kenya
Peak season and peak crowds. The Mara River crossings are at their most frequent and dramatic. Book at least 12 months ahead for top camps. Worth every shilling.
September
PeakContinued Mara crossings
Masai Mara, Kenya
Crossings continue — often considered even better than August as herds are still present but visitor numbers drop slightly. Excellent value vs August.
October
Herds begin return south
Masai Mara / Northern Serengeti
Short rains arrive. Herds start moving back south toward Tanzania. Good crossing opportunities still possible in early October.
November
Return migration southward
Northern/Central Serengeti
Herds move south through the Serengeti. Short rains. Fewer tourists. Landscapes are green and beautiful.
December
Herds reach southern Serengeti
Southern Serengeti
Herds arrive in the Ndutu area preparing for calving. Good game viewing. Calving begins late December. Festive season sees some price increases.
Kenya — Masai Mara
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Tanzania — Serengeti
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The most dramatic Mara River crossings happen July–October in Kenya's Masai Mara. July and August are peak months — crossings can happen multiple times per day. September is excellent with slightly fewer crowds. The Grumeti River crossings in Tanzania happen May–June.
No — the Great Migration is a year-round circular route through Tanzania and Kenya. The herds spend most of the year in Tanzania (Serengeti) — calving in January–February, moving north through May–June, and only reach Kenya's Masai Mara for July–October. Tanzania offers the full migration experience including calving season.
Approximately 1.5 million wildebeest migrate annually, along with 400,000 zebra and 200,000 Thomson's gazelle. It is the largest overland animal migration in the world.
No operator can guarantee a river crossing — wildebeest cross when they decide to, not on a schedule. However, staying 3+ nights increases your chances dramatically. Your guide will monitor herd positions daily. In peak months (July–September), crossings can happen multiple times per day.
For river crossings specifically: Masai Mara (Kenya) is better — the Mara River crossings are more predictable and accessible July–October. For the full migration experience year-round including calving: Serengeti (Tanzania) is superior. Many travellers combine both on an East Africa safari.
For peak migration months (July–October Masai Mara), book 12–18 months in advance. Top camps like Singita, Angama, and Mahali Mzuri sell out 18 months ahead. Mid-range camps require 6–12 months notice. Travelling in shoulder months (November–March Serengeti) allows shorter lead times.
Browse verified migration safari packages. Top camps sell out 12–18 months ahead — plan early.