Best Time for Great Migration Safari in Serengeti Tanzania

Best time for Great Migration safari depends on what part of this awe-inspiring journey you wish to witness. For dramatic river crossings packed with action and tension, July to September along the Mara River is ideal. If you prefer seeing vast herds calving and predators on the hunt, the lush plains of the southern Serengeti from January to March offer an unforgettable spectacle. No matter when you go, timing your safari to match the migration’s rhythm ensures an extraordinary and deeply moving experience in one of the world’s greatest wildlife adventures.

What is the Great Migration?

The Great Migration is a yearly journey where more than 2 million wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, move across Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara. They travel to find fresh grass and water, following the rains and must cross dangerous rivers.

Best Time for Great Migration Safari (By Event)

Period	Location	Highlights
December – March	Southern Serengeti (Ndutu Area)	Calving season: Thousands of baby wildebeest are born daily, attracting predators like lions and cheetahs.
April – May	Central Serengeti	Herds migrate north. The landscape is lush during the “Green Season,” but rain can make travel muddy.
June – July	Western Serengeti (Grumeti River)	Early River crossings at the Grumeti River bring dramatic encounters with crocodiles.
July – September	Northern Serengeti / Masai Mara	Iconic Mara River crossings — thrilling scenes as wildebeest face off against crocodiles. This is the peak viewing season.
October – November	Masai Mara / Heading south	Heading south Herds begin moving back toward the Serengeti with the start of the short rains. Good sightings, though herds are more scattered.

Absolute Peak Moments

July – September: Experience the iconic and dramatic crossings of the Mara River.

February: Best time to see newborn wildebeest and intense predator action.

Tips for Planning

Book early — lodges fill up quickly during peak river crossing season (July–September).

Each stage of the migration presents a distinct spectacle, from calving season to dramatic river crossings and vibrant, green migrations.

Weather affects travel ease — rainy months (April–May and November) bring fewer crowds but can make logistics more challenging.

Sample Packages for Great Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safaris

Though most of our packages which include Serengeti can still offer the Wildebeest Migration Safari experience but these one are tattled for the Wildebeest Migration tours:-

6 Days Great Wildebeest Migration Safari

8 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Calving Season

10 Days Affordable Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Package

10 Days Kenya & Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Combined Safari

For more packages please visit our page Tanzania Safari Packages & Prices

The Great Migration is one of nature’s most spectacular events, and timing your safari right is key to witnessing it at its most dramatic. Typically, the best time to experience the migration in the Serengeti and Masai Mara is between July and October, when massive herds cross the Mara River amid thrilling predator encounters. However, depending on what aspect of the migration you wish to see — calving season, river crossings or endless plains filled with wildebeest — different months offer unique experiences. Join us for the adventurous of a life time based on Best Time for Great Migration Safari. Karibu Sana!