The Great Migration Month by Month
Roughly 1.3 million wildebeest, together with about 200,000 zebra and several hundred thousand gazelle, move through the Serengeti ecosystem and Kenya's Maasai Mara in a loop that never really stops. They follow the rain and fresh grass, so the timing changes a little every year.
Where the herds usually are
| Month | Typical location | What is happening |
|---|---|---|
| January | Southern plains: Ndutu, Kusini, Naabi | Herds settle on the short grass; calving begins |
| February | Ndutu and the southern Serengeti | Calving peak: hundreds of thousands of calves are born, most within a few weeks |
| March | Ndutu to Kusini, spreading west | Late calving; the herds start to move |
| April | Moru kopjes and the central Serengeti | Long columns heading north-west through the rains |
| May | Central Serengeti towards the Western Corridor | The rut begins |
| June | Western Corridor and Grumeti | Grumeti River crossings are typical |
| July | Northern Serengeti: Kogatende, Lamai | Mara River crossings can begin |
| August | Northern Serengeti and the Maasai Mara (Kenya) | Mara crossings at their busiest, in both directions |
| September | Northern Serengeti and the Maasai Mara | Crossings continue |
| October | Lobo and the north-east | Late crossings; the herds begin heading south |
| November | Lobo towards the central and eastern Serengeti | The short rains pull the herds south |
| December | Central Serengeti to the southern plains | Herds reach the calving grounds again |
This is the usual pattern, not a timetable. In some years the rains arrive early or late and the herds are weeks ahead of or behind this calendar.
The big moments
Calving season (January to March)
On the green short-grass plains around Ndutu, which lie inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area on the edge of the Serengeti, the wildebeest give birth in a short window, usually peaking in February. Calves stand within minutes and run with the herd soon after. Lions, cheetahs and hyenas follow closely, so this is one of the best times of year for predator sightings.
The rut (May and June)
As the herds move north-west, the males compete noisily for females. It is less famous than the crossings, but lively to watch, and the central Serengeti is often quiet at this time.
Grumeti River crossings (around June and July)
In the Western Corridor the herds must cross the Grumeti River, home to large crocodiles. The river is smaller than the Mara, and crossings are less predictable to see.
Mara River crossings (around July to October)
The dramatic crossings in the far north of the Serengeti happen many times over the season, in both directions, and not only once. Herds can gather on the bank for hours or days before crossing, or turn back. Staying two or more nights close to the river gives you the best chance.
Four common myths
- "Two million wildebeest." Official aerial counts give about 1.3 million. A 2025 study using satellite images counted far fewer, and scientists are still discussing why, so treat any single number as an estimate.
- "Calving happens in the Ngorongoro Crater." It happens on the Ndutu and southern Serengeti plains, not on the Crater floor.
- "From July to October the migration is in Kenya." Only part of the herds cross into the Maasai Mara; large numbers stay in the northern Serengeti.
- "A crossing is guaranteed." No one can promise a crossing on a given day. A good guide, patience and enough nights nearby make it likely, not certain.
How to plan your migration safari
- January to March: base yourself in the Ndutu area for calving. Our 5-Day Ndutu Calving Safari is built for this.
- July to October: stay in the northern Serengeti near the Mara River. See our 6-Day Mara River Crossing Safari.
- April to June and November to December: the herds pass through the central and western Serengeti. A classic safari such as our 4-Day Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro can meet them, depending on the year.
Because the timing moves with the rain, tell us your dates and we will check where the herds are expected before we suggest where you should stay.
Plan your safari with a local team
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