What Is the Great Migration?
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most extraordinary natural events on Earth. Every year, roughly 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle, move in a great loop through Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve. The movement is driven by rainfall and the search for fresh grazing and water, and it has no real beginning or end.
Month-by-Month Migration Calendar
December – March: Calving Season in the Southern Serengeti
The herds gather on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti and the Ndutu area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Most calves are born in a few weeks around February, when it is often estimated that several thousand are born each day. The abundance of newborns attracts lion, cheetah, hyena and other predators, making this one of the best times of year for predator action.
April – May: The Long Rains and the Move North-West
As the long rains set in and the southern plains are grazed out, the herds begin moving north-west through the central Serengeti around Seronera. Game drives are quieter, the landscape is lush and green, and birdlife is excellent. Many lodges offer green-season rates, making this good value for travellers on a budget.
June – July: The Western Corridor and Grumeti River Crossings
By June, long columns of wildebeest stretch through the Western Corridor towards the Grumeti River. The Grumeti crossings are less predictable and less crowded than the Mara River crossings later in the year, and the river is known for its very large Nile crocodiles.
July – October: The Mara River Crossings
This is the most sought-after period. The herds reach the northern Serengeti and the Mara River, and the crossings here have become the defining image of the migration: thousands of wildebeest plunging down steep banks into a river full of crocodiles. Crossings do not happen every day and patience is needed, but when they do the spectacle is unrivalled. Camps in the northern Serengeti can book out six to twelve months ahead, so plan early.
November – December: The Return South
With the short rains in November, the herds turn south again through the eastern Serengeti towards the calving grounds. The plains turn green, the light is beautiful for photography and visitor numbers fall. It is a superb time for travellers who prefer a quieter safari.
Where to Stay During the Migration
The right camp depends entirely on the time of year. Seasonal and mobile tented camps that move with the herds offer the most immersive experience, and there are permanent lodges and camps in each migration area: around Ndutu in the south, the Grumeti area in the west and Kogatende in the north. Hot-air balloon flights over the plains operate from several areas of the Serengeti and give an extraordinary view of the herds.
How to Photograph the Migration
Bring a telephoto lens of at least 200–400 mm for river crossings and predator action, and a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the herds. Shoot in burst mode during crossings, as the action happens fast. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light, and dust kicked up by the herds creates atmospheric backlit scenes.
Conservation and the Future
The Serengeti–Mara ecosystem faces pressures including poaching, development and human–wildlife conflict along its borders. Responsible tourism helps: park fees fund ranger patrols and conservation management, and many camps support community projects. Choosing operators who invest in local people helps ensure that the migration continues for generations to come.
Planning Your Migration Safari
We recommend at least four nights in the Serengeti to give yourself a good chance of seeing the herds at their best, and a river crossing in the right season. Combining the Serengeti with the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five in a day, creates a classic itinerary. Fly-in safaris from Arusha save travel time. Contact us to plan a migration safari around your dates and budget.
