A month-by-month guide to the Serengeti Great Migration — where the herds are and when to go.
The Great Migration
The Great Migration is the largest mammal migration on Earth. Over 2 million animals move across the Serengeti ecosystem throughout the year.
Month-by-Month Guide
January
Herds are in southern Serengeti (Ndutu area). Calving season begins. Over 8,000 wildebeest born daily.
February
Peak calving. Herds still in Ndutu. predator activity is high. Great for photography.
March
Calving ends. Herds begin moving northwest. Still in southern Serengeti.
April
Herds move through central Serengeti. Long rains begin. Fewer tourists.
May
Herds continue northwest toward Western Corridor. Grumeti River crossing preparation.
June
Grumeti River crossings begin. Dramatic scenes as crocodiles attack crossing herds.
July
Peak Grumeti crossings. Herds move through Western Corridor.
August
Herds reach northern Serengeti. Mara River crossings begin.
September
Peak Mara River crossings. Most dramatic moments of the migration.
October
Crossings continue. Herds begin moving south.
November
Short rains. Herds move through eastern Serengeti.
December
Herds return to southern Serengeti. Cycle begins again.
Where to Be Each Month
- January-March: Southern Serengeti (Ndutu)
- April-May: Central Serengeti
- June-July: Western Serengeti (Grumeti)
- August-October: Northern Serengeti (Mara)
- November-December: Eastern/Southern Serengeti
