When is the best time to see the great migrations?

The best time to witness the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park depends on the timing of the migration itself, which is driven by the availability of grazing and the movement of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles in search of food and water. The migration is a year-round phenomenon, but specific months are better for certain stages of the journey. Here’s a breakdown of the migration cycle:

1. December to March (Calving Season)

• Where to Be: Southern Serengeti and Ndutu area (part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area).
• Why: This is the calving season. Over 500,000 calves are born during these months, particularly in the southern Serengeti. The wildebeest give birth to their young in the short grass plains, where there is abundant fresh grass for grazing. It’s an incredible time to see newborn calves, but also a high-risk period as predators, like lions and cheetahs, are more active, and the migration is still concentrated in the south.
• Best For: Calving and predator action.

2. April to May (Rainy Season)

• Where to Be: Southern Serengeti and Ndutu area.
• Why: During these months, the wildebeest and other herbivores are still in the south, grazing and raising their calves. The rains create lush vegetation, which helps them stay in the area longer. However, there’s a bit of unpredictability as some parts of the park might be difficult to access due to muddy roads.
• Best For: Less crowded, lush landscapes, and a peaceful experience.

3. June to July (Wildebeest Cross the Grumeti River)

• Where to Be: Western Serengeti and Grumeti River.
• Why: By June and July, the wildebeest begin to move towards the western Serengeti, eventually crossing the Grumeti River in search of fresh grazing. The dramatic river crossings, where the herds face predators like crocodiles, are a major highlight during these months.
• Best For: River crossings and dramatic predator-prey interactions.

4. August to September (Mara River Crossings)

• Where to Be: Northern Serengeti and Mara River (near the border with Kenya).
• Why: This is the peak time for the Mara River crossings, one of the most spectacular events of the migration. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras must navigate the river, where they face the deadly threats of crocodiles and predators waiting on the banks. It’s the most iconic moment of the Great Migration.
• Best For: The dramatic Mara River crossings and predator interactions.

5. October to November (Northern Serengeti and Return South)

• Where to Be: Northern Serengeti and Mara River, eventually moving south.
• Why: After crossing into the Masai Mara in Kenya, the wildebeest and other animals start making their way back south to the Serengeti as the short rains begin. The herds will move toward the western Serengeti and the central Serengeti by November to start the cycle again.
• Best For: Beginning of the return journey.

In Summary:

• Best Time for Calving and Predator Action: December to March (Southern Serengeti and Ndutu).
• Best Time for River Crossings: June to September (Western and Northern Serengeti, especially at the Grumeti and Mara Rivers).
• Best Overall for the Full Migration: June to September. This is the prime time to witness the dramatic river crossings and the mass movement of animals.

Each season offers a unique perspective on the migration, so the best time for you will depend on what part of the migration you wish to witness. For the ultimate experience, plan your trip around the Mara River crossing (typically in August to September), but if you’re interested in seeing newborns or fewer crowds, consider traveling earlier in the year.