The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most spectacular natural events on Earth and the top reason many travelers visit Tanzania. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, move across the Serengeti–Maasai Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water.

If you are planning a safari in 2025, understanding when and where the migration happens is essential to choosing the best time to visit Serengeti National Park. This guide explains the migration month by month, so you can plan the perfect safari experience.

What Is the Great Migration?

The Great Migration is one of the most extraordinary wildlife events in the world. It is a natural, year-round journey made by millions of animals as they move across northern Tanzania and southern Kenya in search of fresh grass and water.

Every year, more than 1.5 million wildebeest, together with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, travel in large herds across open plains, rivers, and valleys. Their movement is driven by seasonal rainfall, which causes new grass to grow in different areas at different times of the year.

The migration takes place within the famous Serengeti–Maasai Mara ecosystem, covering:

• Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) – the main stage of the migration
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania) – especially important during the calving season
• Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya) – where dramatic river crossings often occur

Many travelers believe the Great Migration happens on a single day or in one specific month, but this is not true. The migration is a continuous cycle that happens throughout the entire year. The animals are always on the move, following the rains and fresh grazing areas.

Best Dates to Visit Serengeti for River Crossing 2026

The best time to visit Serengeti National Park for wildebeest river crossings in 2026 is from mid-July to late September, when the Great Migration reaches the northern Serengeti near the Mara River. During this period, thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles gather along the riverbanks, waiting for the right moment to cross as they move toward fresh grazing grounds in Kenya’s Masai Mara. The crossings are dramatic and unpredictable, often involving strong currents and Nile crocodiles, making this the most iconic wildlife spectacle in Africa. August and early September are considered peak months, offering the highest chances of witnessing multiple crossings, although they can happen at any time of day and on any date within this season. Because river crossings depend on rainfall and animal behavior, they cannot be guaranteed on a specific day, but staying several nights in the northern Serengeti (Kogatende or Lamai areas) greatly increases your chances. Early booking is strongly recommended for 2026, as this period is the most popular time for Serengeti safaris.

Table Shown Great Migration Tanzania Dates 2026

Great Migration Tanzania Dates 2026 (Month-by-Month Guide)

Month (2026)	Migration Location in Tanzania	What to Expect	Best For
January	Southern Serengeti & Ndutu Area	Large herds gather on green plains; start of calving season	Calving, predator action, photography
February	Ndutu & Southern Serengeti	Peak calving season with thousands of newborn wildebeest	Baby animals, big cats, dramatic hunts
March	Southern to Central Serengeti	Herds begin moving north; lush landscapes	Fewer crowds, scenic safaris
April	Central Serengeti (Seronera)	Migration continues north during long rains	Green season, lower safari costs
May	Central to Western Serengeti	Long columns of wildebeest moving west	Classic migration scenes
June	Western Serengeti (Grumeti River)	First river crossings begin at Grumeti River	Early river crossings, fewer tourists
July	Northern Serengeti (Mara River)	Herds arrive at Mara River; crossings may start	Start of famous river crossings
August	Northern Serengeti	Peak Mara River crossings	Best chance to see dramatic crossings
September	Northern Serengeti	Continued river crossings; some herds in Kenya	Iconic migration action
October	Northern & Central Serengeti	Herds move south after crossings	Fewer crowds, relaxed safaris
November	Central to Southern Serengeti	Short rains trigger movement south	Good value, excellent game viewing
December	Southern Serengeti & Ndutu	Herds return to calving grounds	Scenic landscapes, festive safaris

Price for Serengeti Migration 2026 | Great Migration Tanzania Dates 2026

When planning your Great Migration safari in Tanzania for 2026, the cost depends on several factors — duration of the safari, accommodation level, inclusions, and season. Prices can vary widely from budget-friendly adventures to luxury, all-inclusive experiences, so travelers can choose what best fits their style and budget, mid range, luxury safari.

Top 5 Great Migration Safari Packages 2026

Experiencing the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is a dream for wildlife lovers around the world. In 2026, there are a range of safari options — from short, focused migration trips to extended journeys combining multiple parks — designed to suit different interests, budgets, and travel styles. Below are five of the best safari packages that showcase the highlights of the migration.

7-Day Northern Migration Tracker Safari

This classic 7-day safari is ideal for travelers who want to follow the migration’s northward movement through the Serengeti, ending near the famous Mara River crossings. The itinerary typically begins in Arusha and moves through major Serengeti regions where herds gather, giving you multiple chances to see the wildebeest and zebra close up, as well as the Big Five. It includes professional guides and daily game drives tailored around herd movements, making it excellent for wildlife photography and migration

5-Day Southern Calving Migration Safari

Designed for those who want to witness one of the most emotional and dramatic parts of the migration, this 5-day safari takes you to the Ndutu and Southern Serengeti areas — the heart of the calving season in early 2026. Here, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves are born, attracting predators and creating incredible wildlife interactions. This package is perfect for families and first-time safari visitors who want a shorter, accessible experience with highlights of newborn wildlife and predator behavior

9-Day Grand Migration & Crater Circuit Safari

For travellers who want both the migration and Tanzania’s other iconic wildlife areas, the 9-day Grand Migration & Crater Circuit delivers. Starting in Tarangire and Lake Manyara, you’ll explore diverse landscapes before heading to the Serengeti for migration viewing and river crossing opportunities. The trip also includes a full game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s richest wildlife habitats. This comprehensive safari blends diverse ecosystems, Big Five sightings, and migration spectacles

4-Day Budget Migration Safari

If you’re looking for an affordable and impactful migration experience, this 4-day budget camping safari is a great option. It’s designed to take travellers on shared game drives into the heart of the Serengeti’s migration routes with basic but comfortable camping accommodation. Available at a lower price point, this package is ideal for students, backpackers, or anyone wanting to maximize time with wildlife while minimizing cost. You’ll still enjoy expert guides and key migration moments, just in a shorter, cost-effective format.

8-Day Luxury Fly-In Migration Safari

For those seeking comfort, exclusivity, and prime wildlife action, the 8-day luxury fly-in migration safari is unmatched. Guests fly directly into the Serengeti’s northern regions for premium river-crossing views, stay in upscale tented camps with gourmet dining, and enjoy private guides and personalized service. This all-inclusive experience often includes extras like boutique accommodations and exclusive wildlife viewing, making it perfect for honeymooners, high-end travellers, or anyone wanting a memorable, indulgent migration safari.