Wildlife ToursThe Great Migration in the Serengeti is one of the most incredible natural phenomena on the planet. Every year, millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains of Tanzania and Kenya in search of fresh grazing areas. The journey is a dramatic and challenging one, with herds of animals moving across vast distances in pursuit of food and water. The migration is driven by the changing seasons and the availability of grass, and it unfolds in different phases throughout the year. But when is the best time to witness the Great Migration?
What is the Great Migration?
The Great Migration refers to the annual movement of more than 2 million wildebeests, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras, gazelles, and other herbivores, as they travel across the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and into the Masai Mara in Kenya. This cycle is dictated by the availability of food, with the animals following the rain patterns across the plains. The migration is not a single journey, but rather a series of events that take place throughout the year, as the animals move to and from different regions in search of new grazing grounds.
The migration also involves dramatic river crossings, fierce predator-prey interactions, and the birth of new life, which provides some of the most spectacular wildlife moments. Witnessing this spectacle is on the bucket list of countless travelers, and knowing the timing of the migration is key to having the most unforgettable experience.
When Does the Great Migration Start?
The exact timing of the Great Migration varies slightly each year based on the rainfall patterns, but in general, the migration follows a relatively predictable pattern. The journey begins in the southern Serengeti, where the herds gather for calving season, and continues northward toward the Masai Mara in Kenya.
The migration can be broken down into several key phases, each with its own highlights and best times to witness specific events.
January to March: The Calving Season
The Great Migration kicks off in January to March, when the wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles begin to gather in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu region. This is calving season, and it is one of the most fascinating times to visit the Serengeti.
April to May: The Wet Season and Transition North
As the rainy season sets in during April and May, the herds start to move toward the central Serengeti and then gradually northward. The wet season is marked by short, but heavy rains, and the migration becomes less predictable as the animals disperse to find fresh grazing. While the rain can sometimes make travel difficult, this time of year offers certain benefits for those looking to avoid the crowds.
June to July: The Great Migration Moves Northward
By June, the wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles have moved through the central Serengeti and are heading toward the Western Corridor of the park. They are now entering one of the most exciting parts of their journey, which will lead them to the Grumeti River and the infamous Mara River. This is a thrilling time to visit the Serengeti, as the river crossings are just around the corner.
August to October: The Mara River Crossings and Peak Migration
The months of August to October are widely considered the peak of the Great Migration. This is the time when the herds reach the Mara River in northern Serengeti, and the dramatic river crossings are at their height. Thousands of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles risk their lives to cross the river, often encountering crocodiles and other predators along the way. The crossing is a spectacle of survival and one of the most dramatic wildlife events in the world.
November to December: The Return South and Calving Season Begins
By November, the rains begin to return, and the animals start their journey southward, returning to the southern Serengeti where they began their journey months earlier. This is also the time when calving season begins again.
