When and Where Can I See the Great Migration? — Complete Tanzania Safari Guide

The Great Migration is one of nature’s most spectacular wildlife events and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many safari enthusiasts. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of zebras, and gazelles travel across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing lands and water. But the big question for travelers is: When and where can I see the Great Migration?

If you’re planning a Tanzania safari, timing and location are everything. This guide will give you the complete answer — breaking down the Great Migration months, the best viewing locations, what to expect in each season, and how to plan your trip to witness this awe-inspiring spectacle.

What is the Great Migration?

Before diving into when and where you can see the Great Migration, it’s important to understand what it is.

The Great Migration is a continuous, circular movement of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles between the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya. Unlike the name suggests, it’s not a single event, but rather a year-round cycle following seasonal rains and grass growth.

Along the way, travelers witness dramatic river crossings, predator hunts, and vast herds moving across breathtaking landscapes — making the Great Migration one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.

When Can I See the Great Migration? — Month-by-Month Guide

The exact timing of the Great Migration varies each year, depending on rainfall patterns. However, there is a general timeline that guides safari planning. Here’s when and where you can see the Great Migration during each month:

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

• Location: Ndutu Plains (Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Southern Serengeti)

• Highlights: This is the birthing season when over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born within a few weeks.

• What to Expect: Predator activity is intense as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas target the vulnerable young.

• Why Visit Now: You’ll witness dramatic wildlife action in short-grass plains, with excellent photographic opportunities.

April – May: Herds Move North (Central Serengeti)

• Location: Central Serengeti (Seronera area)

• Highlights: The wildebeest begin their slow movement northwards, grazing on the lush grass after the rains.

• What to Expect: Fewer tourists, incredible green landscapes, and large concentrations of wildlife.

• Why Visit Now: Great for those wanting quieter safari experiences with lower lodge prices.

June – July: Grumeti River Crossings

• Location: Western Serengeti & Grumeti Game Reserve

• Highlights: The herds gather along the Grumeti River, facing huge Nile crocodiles in dramatic crossings.

• What to Expect: Exciting predator-prey encounters and the first major water challenges for the herds.

• Why Visit Now: Witness one of the less crowded but still thrilling river crossings.

July – August: Mara River Crossings

• Location: Northern Serengeti (Kogatende & Lamai areas)

• Highlights: This is when the Great Migration reaches its most iconic moment — the Mara River crossings.

• What to Expect: Hundreds of wildebeest plunging into crocodile-filled waters, while big cats stalk nearby.

• Why Visit Now: This is peak Great Migration safari season in Tanzania.

September – October: Herds in the Maasai Mara & Northern Serengeti

• Location: Northern Serengeti (Tanzania) and Maasai Mara (Kenya)

• Highlights: The herds spread out across two countries, offering excellent game viewing in both.

• What to Expect: Warm, dry weather with exceptional wildlife sightings.

• Why Visit Now: Perfect for those who want fewer rains and high visibility.

November – December: Return South

• Location: Eastern Serengeti & Southern Serengeti

• Highlights: The herds move south again, following the rains toward calving grounds.

• What to Expect: Migratory birds arrive, and the landscape starts turning green.

• Why Visit Now: Great for combining the migration with birdwatching.