Great Migration Calendar by Month (Serengeti & Masai Mara)
Planning a Great Migration safari? The wildebeest and zebra move in a broad loop between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara. Exact timing shifts each year with rainfall, but this month-by-month calendar helps you choose the best window for your priorities—calving, big herds, dramatic river crossings, or predator action.
Quick note: nature doesn’t follow a fixed schedule. For the most accurate guidance, tell us your travel dates and we’ll recommend the best parks, camps, and routes for that week.
Great Migration calendar (by month)
January
Where: Southern Serengeti + Ndutu (Tanzania).
What to expect: Large herds on the short-grass plains; excellent predator sightings; great light and open landscapes.
February
Where: Ndutu + Southern Serengeti.
What to expect: Peak calving season (often late Jan–Feb). Thousands of newborns attract lions, cheetahs, hyenas—high-action game viewing.
March
Where: Southern to Central Serengeti.
What to expect: Herds begin moving north; dramatic skies as rains build; strong predator activity continues.
April
Where: Central/Western Serengeti.
What to expect: Long rains (varies). Fewer crowds, lush scenery, and moving herds—excellent for photographers who don’t mind occasional showers.
May
Where: Western corridor (toward Grumeti) + Central Serengeti.
What to expect: The ‘migration highway’ forms—long columns of wildebeest on the move. Great value season in many camps.
June
Where: Western Serengeti + Grumeti River area.
What to expect: Early river crossings can begin (Grumeti). Big herds, crocodiles, and classic migration scenes.
July
Where: Northern Serengeti (Tanzania) + Mara River region.
What to expect: Start of the most famous crossings (timing varies). Expect intense predator pressure and dramatic river moments.
August
Where: Northern Serengeti + Masai Mara (Kenya).
What to expect: Prime river-crossing season for many years. High demand—book early for the best camps and locations.
September
Where: Masai Mara.
What to expect: Huge herds spread across the Mara; excellent big-cat sightings; generally drier conditions and strong all-day game viewing.
October
Where: Masai Mara (late season) + Northern Serengeti (as herds begin drifting south).
What to expect: Great wildlife with slightly fewer crowds than peak months; good chance of late crossings depending on water levels.
November
Where: Northern Serengeti moving toward Central Serengeti.
What to expect: Short rains may start; herds transition south. Beautiful green landscapes and excellent photography conditions.
December
Where: Central to Southern Serengeti + Ndutu.
What to expect: Herds return to the southern plains ahead of calving. Great time to combine Serengeti with Ngorongoro.
How to choose the best month for you
- Calving + predators: late January–February (Ndutu/Southern Serengeti).
- River crossings: July–September (Northern Serengeti + Masai Mara).
- Big herds with fewer crowds: May–June or October–November (varies by year).
Plan your migration safari with Nyota Tours & Travel
Share your travel dates, budget, and preferred style (mid-range lodge, luxury tented camp, or private mobile camp). We’ll recommend the best migration area for that period and build a stress-free itinerary including transfers, park logistics, and handpicked stays.
Start with our Maasai Mara safaris, or send us your dates and we’ll suggest the best week to go.
