Migration Safari Timing Tips

The Great Migration is a year-round phenomenon, but the best time to see it depends on which part of the cycle you want to witness.

Key Phases and Timing:

January – March (Calving Season): Southern Serengeti (Ndutu area). Millions of wildebeest congregate on the short-grass plains to give birth. Excellent for predator sightings.
April – May: The herds begin to move north, passing through the central Serengeti.
June – July: The migration moves into the Western Serengeti and starts to cross the Grumeti River. River crossings are dramatic but not guaranteed.
August – September: The herds are typically in the northern Serengeti and cross the Mara River into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. River crossings are a major highlight.
October – November: The herds begin to move south again, back into the Serengeti.
December: The herds spread out across the southern Serengeti.

Tips for Timing Your Migration Safari:

Choose Your Focus: Decide which phase of the migration you most want to see (calving, river crossings, etc.).
Book Well in Advance: The popular migration periods are very busy, so book your accommodation and tours well in advance.
Be Flexible: The migration is unpredictable, so be prepared for some flexibility in your itinerary.
Consider a Mobile Camp: Mobile camps move with the migration, putting you in the best possible location to see the herds.