A Beginner's Guide to the Great Migration: When & Where to Witness It

The Great Migration—the annual movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles across the plains of Tanzania and Kenya—is the greatest wildlife spectacle on Earth. For a first-time visitor, understanding this fluid cycle can be challenging.

This guide will demystify the migration, explaining the cycle, providing a month-by-month location breakdown, and recommending the best areas within the Serengeti ecosystem to witness specific events.

Understanding the Annual Cycle

The migration is not a single event but a continuous, clockwise search for fresh grazing and water driven by the seasonal rains. While the animals cross international borders, the majority of the cycle takes place within the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

The Two Critical Phases: Calving and Crossings

The Calving Season (South): This incredible spectacle takes place in the southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It's when around 500,000 calves are born within a few short weeks, turning the plains into a massive nursery.

The River Crossings (North): This is the high-drama phase where herds must cross dangerous rivers like the Grumeti and, most famously, the Mara River, battling crocodiles and strong currents to reach the northern grazing lands.

Where to Find the Migration: A Month-by-Month Guide

The location of the herd is determined entirely by rainfall, but the following timeline serves as a reliable forecast for your planning.

Time of Year	Primary Location in Tanzania	Highlight Event
January – March	Ndutu/Southern Serengeti & Ngorongoro Conservation Area	The Calving Season: Hundreds of thousands of calves are born, attracting predators.
April – May	Central Serengeti (Seronera Valley)	The start of the movement; herds are concentrated and moving northwards.
June	Western Serengeti Corridor	Herds face the first major water obstacle at the Grumeti River.
July – August	Northern Serengeti (Kogatende Area)	The most iconic time: Wildebeest make the dramatic crossings of the Mara River.
September – October	Northern Serengeti/Lobo Area	Animals continue to graze and cross the Mara River back and forth as grass dictates.
November – December	Eastern Serengeti/Lobo to Seronera	Herds begin their journey south again, following the short rains back toward the calving grounds.

Best Viewing Spots and Specific Parks

While the Serengeti is the epicenter, knowing which part of the park to visit is essential.

South: Ndutu and the Calving Season (Jan – Mar)

The Ndutu region is technically a mix of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This vast, open plain provides the nutrient-rich short grasses necessary for the birthing season.

Best Place to Stay: Mobile camps that move seasonally.

Why Go: Unparalleled predator action (lions, cheetahs, hyenas) drawn by the vulnerable calves.

West: The Grumeti River (May – Jun)

As the herds head north, they must contend with the Grumeti River, which runs through the western corridor of the Serengeti.

Why Go: This is the first of the major river crossings, often featuring massive crocodile populations awaiting the herds.

North: The Mara River Crossings (Jul – Oct)

This is the most famous location and the most important for those seeking the dramatic river crossings. The herds congregate in the Kogatende area of the Northern Serengeti.

Why Go: The intense, dramatic chaos of the Mara River crossings is unforgettable. However, viewing is dependent on the herds' movement, which is never guaranteed.

Central: Seronera Valley (Year-Round Base)

The Seronera Valley is the heart of the central Serengeti. While the migration only passes through briefly (typically April/May and November/December), it is the premier year-round safari destination.

Best For: Excellent resident wildlife populations and guaranteed year-round game viewing, even when the migration is elsewhere.

Planning Your Migration Safari

To maximize your chances of witnessing the migration's key phases, booking with local experts who understand the seasonal movements is vital. The best safari companies use mobile camps that track the herds, ensuring you are always in the center of the action