Whether the wildebeest are dropping calves or attempting to cross rivers while avoiding predators, the migration is constantly on the move throughout the year. Read on to learn where the Great Migration tends to be during different times of year.
Jan to March
In the twilight of January, a grand spectacle unfolds as the migration reaches its southern zenith, meandering along the eastern rim of the Serengeti before venturing into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Here, a verdant expanse of plains awaits, adorned with lush, nourishing grass—a veritable haven for the expectant herds as they prepare to welcome their newest members.
Within the endless ebb and flow of the migratory circuit, punctuated only by the eternal cycles of birth and passing, one particular moment stands out as a symbolic genesis: the commencement of the wildebeests’ birthing season. As late January surrenders to February, the herds stake their claim upon the short-grass plains, which cascade down the lower reaches of the Ngorongoro Crater highlands, embracing the legendary Olduvai Gorge. It is here, amid this natural amphitheater of life, that a breathtaking phenomenon unfolds.
Over the course of a fleeting fortnight, an extraordinary spectacle unfolds as some 400,000 calves enter the world—a staggering procession of new life that adds nearly 8,000 individuals to the swelling ranks of the herds each passing day. This is the vibrant heartbeat of the Serengeti, a testament to the enduring rhythm of nature’s symphony.
April & May
As the sun begins to warm the plains in April, a subtle shift stirs within the wildebeest herds, marking the onset of their northwestern migration towards the verdant heart of the central Serengeti. Accompanied by throngs of zebra and scattered groups of antelope, the great procession unfolds, drawing a living ribbon across the savannah.
By the time May arrives, the landscape transforms into a tableau of movement and life. Stretching across several kilometers, the columns of wildebeest weave their way towards the Moru Kopjes, a landmark punctuating the horizon offering a rare vantage point for witnessing the spectacle of migration.
Amidst this grand migration, nature’s drama unfolds in full force. The air resonates with the echoes of hooves and the primal calls of the wild as the mating season ignites in late May. Male wildebeest, fueled by instinct and adrenaline, engage in fierce battles, locking horns in a display of dominance and determination.
Yet, even amidst the fervor of the rut, life continues its timeless rhythm. Grazing leisurely as they journey, the wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle harmonize with the land, their movement a testament to the enduring bond between creature and environment. Thus, the journey of the Great Migration persists—a timeless odyssey across the vast expanse of the Serengeti, where each step is a symphony of survival and renewal.
As the days lengthen and the rhythm of the migration gains momentum, the wildebeest congregate in the Serengeti’s Western Corridor, forming vast assemblies that herald the next stage of their epic journey. Here,witness one of nature’s most mesmerizing spectacles: the crossing of the Grumeti River.
With the river serving as a natural barrier, the herds gather in formidable numbers along its banks, their presence a testament to the inexorable pull of instinct and necessity. In the timeless dance of survival, they must brave the currents and crocodile-infested waters to continue their relentless pilgrimage across the savannah.
While the Grumeti crossings may lack the sheer scale of their Mara counterparts, the scene remains captivating, with enough wildebeest to satiate the voracious appetites of the resident crocodiles. Indeed, for those fortunate enough to witness this primal drama unfold, it is an experience etched in memory—a testament to the raw power and beauty of the natural world.
Moreover, May heralds the low season, a serendipitous convergence where the convergence of exceptional wildlife sightings and the relative scarcity of tourists offers unparalleled value. Amidst the tranquility of the Serengeti’s golden plains, the stage is set for unforgettable safari adventures, where every encounter is imbued with the magic of Africa’s untamed wilderness.
June and July
As June unfolds, signaling the advent of the dry season, the Western Serengeti becomes a focal point for the Great Migration. Here, amidst the arid plains, vast throngs of wildebeest congregate, their presence a testament to the relentless march of nature’s grand procession. Yet, as they gather on the southern banks of the Grumeti River, a formidable challenge looms before them: the treacherous crossing of crocodile-infested waters—a perilous trial that marks the beginning of their odyssey of survival.
As the sun climbs higher in the sky and June gives way to July, the journey of the wildebeest and zebra continues unabated, leading them ever northward along the western fringes of the Serengeti. Their destination: the Mara River—a barrier that stands as a formidable test of their collective resolve. Here, amidst the swirling currents, the drama of the migration reaches its zenith, as hundreds of thousands of animals brave the waters in a daring bid for passage—a spectacle that rivals any other in the annals of wildlife spectacle.
For those fortunate enough to bear witness to this extraordinary event, the rewards are immeasurable. In the Northern Serengeti, where the herds congregate in July, access is granted by Asilia’s mobile migration camps and the luxurious Sayari Camp—offering unparalleled proximity to the heartbeat of the migration.
Later in July, as the migration spills over into the Masai Mara, the stage is set for yet another chapter in this epic saga. Guests have the rare opportunity to witness daily river crossings from the comfort of the main deck—a front-row seat to nature’s most breathtaking theater. Here, at the Mara and Talek rivers, the pulse of the migration quickens, giving rise to scenes of unparalleled drama and intensity—a testament to the timeless rhythm of life on the African savannah.
September October, November
As August arrives, the saga of the Great Migration reaches a pivotal juncture. Having navigated the formidable Mara River, the herds now sprawl across the verdant plains of the Masai Mara’s northern expanse, their presence a testament to the triumph of instinct and endurance. Yet, amidst the bounty of the land, perils lurk—especially during years when the river surges with unforgiving force. The crossings become scenes of chaos and desperation, as the relentless flow of water, prowling predators, and sheer panic exacts a heavy toll on the migrating throngs.
As September gives way to October, the fervor of the crossings subsides, and the migration’s relentless tide begins to ebb eastward. Yet, the journey is far from over. Once more, the wildebeest must confront the daunting waters of the Mara River, braving the currents anew as they prepare for the arduous journey southward—a ritual of renewal and resilience that echoes through the ages.
November and December
In November, as the East African short rains bless the parched earth, the wildebeest descend from Kenya into the eastern reaches of the Serengeti, where the sprawling plains of Namiri beckon with the promise of abundant prey and unparalleled cheetah sightings. By December, the migration’s vast columns stretch across the eastern and southern expanses, their presence a testament to the enduring pulse of life on the savannah.
As the year draws to a close, the stage is set for a timeless cycle to begin anew. With the arrival of the rains, the grasslands of the deep south teem with vitality, drawing the herds once more to their ancestral grazing grounds. And so, the cycle of life and death, of birth and renewal, continues—a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Great Migration and the eternal rhythms of the African wilderness.