The Great Migration is the largest overland movement of animals on earth. More than 1.5 million wildebeest, 500,000 zebra, and 250,000 gazelle move in a continuous clockwise circuit across the Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara — driven by rainfall and the search for fresh grass. Witnessing it is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences the planet has to offer. Our Serengeti migration safaris are designed to put you in exactly the right place at the right time.
The Great Migration Month by Month
January – March: Calving Season (Ndutu, Southern Serengeti)
This is one of the most dramatic periods of the migration. Around 8,000 wildebeest calves are born every day in the short-grass plains of Ndutu. Predators — lions, cheetahs, hyena — are everywhere. It is raw, visceral, and unforgettable.
April – May: Green Season Migration (Central Serengeti)
The herds move north through the central Serengeti. Rains bring lush green scenery. Fewer tourists, lower prices, and excellent predator activity make this a hidden gem for experienced safari travelers.
June – July: River Crossings Begin (Western Corridor)
The first dramatic Grumeti River crossings happen in June and July as the herds push west and north. Nile crocodiles lie in wait. This is when the migration drama truly begins.
August – October: Peak River Crossings (Northern Serengeti)
The Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti are the most spectacular moments of the migration. Thousands of wildebeest plunge into crocodile-filled water in a chaos of dust, noise, and survival instinct. This is peak season — book well in advance.
November – December: Return South
As the short rains arrive, the herds begin moving south again toward Ndutu, completing the circuit. A quieter time to visit with beautiful light and less competition for game drives.
Best Parks for the Serengeti Migration Safari
.Serengeti National Park — the heart of the migration year-round
.Ngorongoro Conservation Area — world-famous crater with resident Big Five
.Tarangire National Park — huge elephant herds and ancient baobab trees
.Lake Manyara — tree-climbing lions and vast flamingo flocks
Browse our complete northern Tanzania safari packages to see all park combinations available.
Combining the Migration with Other Tanzania Experiences
Many travelers pair their Serengeti migration safari with a Zanzibar beach holiday — the classic bush-and-beach combination. Others choose to add a Kilimanjaro trek for the ultimate Tanzania adventure. If you are already on Zanzibar, it is easy to fly over for a short safari — see our Tanzania safari from Zanzibar options.
Fly-In vs Road Safari for the Migration
Road safaris from Arusha are a great way to take in the landscape at a slower pace, but the northern Serengeti is a long drive. For time-limited travelers, our Tanzania fly-in safari packages offer direct bush flights between camps, maximizing your time in the field and minimizing road hours.
Honeymoon Migration Safaris
Watching the Great Migration with someone you love from a private camp in the Serengeti is an experience that stays with you forever. Our Tanzania honeymoon safari packages include private vehicle options, romantic bush dinners, and seamless Zanzibar extensions.
Book Your Serengeti Migration Safari
SafariBando operates in the Serengeti year-round with experienced naturalist guides who know the park intimately. We monitor herd movements in real time and position our clients for the best possible wildlife encounters.
View all migration safari packages at safaribando.com/serengeti-migration-safaris.
Contact our team to build your perfect migration itinerary.