The Great Migration in Tanzania: Month-by-Month Guide

📍 What is the Great Migration?

The Great Migration is one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with zebra and gazelle, travel in a massive clockwise loop through the Serengeti and Masai Mara in search of fresh grazing. This natural phenomenon is year-round, with different highlights depending on the month and location.

🗓️ Month-by-Month Breakdown of the Migration in Tanzania

• January – March: Calving Season (Southern Serengeti / Ndutu Area)

Best For: Baby animals, predator action, landscape photography

Wildebeest settle in the Ndutu Plains for calving, with over 500,000 calves born in a 2–3 week window.

Big cats like lions and cheetahs are never far behind.

🏕️ Best camps: Embalakai Ngorongoro, Ndutu Safari Lodge, Lemala Ndutu Camp

• April – May: Green Season (Central Serengeti)

Best For: Fewer crowds, dramatic skies, low-season rates

The herds begin to move northward through Seronera (central Serengeti).

It’s the rainy season, but the scenery is lush and wildlife is still abundant.

🏕️ Best camps: Embalakai Tented Camp, Sametu Camp, Dancing Duma Tented Camp

• June – July: Grumeti River Crossings (Western Serengeti)

Best For: Action-packed crossings, elephant sightings

Wildebeest face their first major obstacle: the Grumeti River, home to large crocodiles. This is a great time to see dramatic crossings without the larger crowds of the Mara River.

🏕️ Best camps: Singita Faru Faru, Kirawira Serena Camp

• July – September: Mara River Crossings (Northern Serengeti)

Best For: Iconic river crossings, peak safari season

The herds attempt to cross the Mara River into Kenya’s Masai Mara and back again.

Expect heart-pounding scenes and premium wildlife viewing.

🏕️ Best camps: Lemala Kuria Hills, Serengeti Serena Lodge, Migration Camp

• October – November: Return Southward (Central/Eastern Serengeti)

Best For: Resident wildlife, predator sightings

As the short rains begin, the herds gradually return south via the Eastern Serengeti.

The landscape begins to green again, offering beautiful contrasts.

🏕️ Best camps: Namiri Plains, Serengeti Tortilis Camp

• December: Approaching Calving Season (Southern Serengeti)

Best For: Rising wildlife density, shoulder-season peace

Wildebeest start gathering in Ndutu again as the cycle resets.

Expect incredible predator-prey dynamics.

🧭 Planning Your Migration Safari

🗓️ Best time to visit? July–Sept for river crossings, Jan–March for calving

🧳 How long to stay? At least 6–8 days to follow the herds through multiple zones

🛏️ Book early! Prime camps and lodges fill up months in advance

🦁 Private or small group tours allow more flexibility to follow the movement