Month-by-month guide · 2026
The Great Migration in the Serengeti
Where the herds are each month, when the river crossings and calving happen, and how to time your safari so you're in the right part of the Serengeti.
- Calving: January and February
- River crossings: July to October
- Based in Arusha
Last updated
When is the best time to see the Great Migration?
The Great Migration moves through the Serengeti all year. The herds are always somewhere in the park. What changes is where. For calving, go in January or February, when the herds are on the southern plains around Ndutu and predators hunt among the newborn calves. For river crossings, go between July and October, when the herds reach the Mara River in the northern Serengeti. June brings earlier crossings on the Grumeti River in the Western Corridor. April has the heaviest rain, and some camps close. Nobody can promise you a crossing. The herds gather on the bank, hesitate, and cross when they're ready, so plan four or five nights in the north. Check the calendar below or the migration tracker map.
Month by month
Great Migration calendar 2026
Where the herds usually are each month, what's happening there, and what the weather does. The rains shift the timing a little every year, so use this as a guide, not a timetable.
Peak marks the months with the most action. They're also the busiest, and the best camps book up first. The quieter months cost less and you'll share sightings with fewer vehicles.
- 01
January
PeakWhere the herds are
Southern Serengeti & Ndutu
Calving Season Begins
The herds gather on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area. Calving season begins with thousands of wildebeest giving birth.
- Weather
- 25-30°C · Short rains ending
- Good for
- Predator action, Baby animals, Photography
- Camps nearby
- Ndutu Safari Lodge, Serengeti Safari Lodge, Ubuntu Camp
- 02
February
PeakWhere the herds are
Southern Serengeti & Ndutu
Peak Calving Season
Peak calving with up to 8,000 wildebeest born daily over 2-3 weeks. Predators are at their most active, making this prime time for dramatic wildlife encounters.
- Weather
- 25-30°C · Dry
- Good for
- Calving, Predator-prey action, Photography
- Camps nearby
- Ndutu Safari Lodge, Serengeti Under Canvas, Lemala Ndutu
- 03
March
Where the herds are
Southern to Central Serengeti
Herds Begin Moving
As the southern plains dry up, the mega-herds begin their journey northward. The rains start and the landscape transforms to lush green.
- Weather
- 24-28°C · Long rains begin
- Good for
- Green season photography, Fewer tourists, Lower prices
- Camps nearby
- Serengeti Serena, Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
- 04
April
Where the herds are
Central Serengeti (Seronera)
Green Season
The long rains are at their peak. Some camps close, but those that stay open offer exceptional value. Herds are scattered but present.
- Weather
- 22-26°C · Heavy rains
- Good for
- Budget travel, Dramatic skies, Bird watching
- Camps nearby
- Serengeti Serena, Four Seasons Serengeti
- 05
May
Where the herds are
Central to Western Serengeti
Rains Easing
Rains begin to ease. The herds consolidate in the central and western Serengeti, preparing for the push toward the Grumeti River.
- Weather
- 23-27°C · Rains easing
- Good for
- Value season, Pre-crossing positioning
- Camps nearby
- Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp, Serengeti Bushtops
- 06
June
PeakWhere the herds are
Western Corridor (Grumeti)
Grumeti River Crossings
The herds reach the Grumeti River. Early crossings begin, with massive crocodiles lying in wait. This is a rehearsal for the Mara River drama to come.
- Weather
- 20-26°C · Dry season begins
- Good for
- River crossings, Predator action, Photography
- Camps nearby
- Singita Grumeti, Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp, Mbalageti Serengeti
- 07
July
PeakWhere the herds are
Northern Serengeti / Mara River
Mara River Crossings Begin
The herds reach the Mara River. The most dramatic crossings of the year begin — wildebeest plunging into crocodile-filled waters in scenes straight out of nature documentaries.
- Weather
- 15-23°C · Dry
- Good for
- River crossings, Photography, Once-in-a-lifetime moments
- Camps nearby
- Sayari Camp, Lamai Serengeti, Mara River Camp
- 08
August
PeakWhere the herds are
Northern Serengeti / Mara River
Peak Mara Crossings
Peak crossing season. Multiple crossings per week as herds ping-pong across the Mara between Tanzania and Kenya. Camps in northern Serengeti are at maximum demand.
- Weather
- 15-24°C · Dry
- Good for
- Once-in-a-lifetime moments, Photography, Documentary
- Camps nearby
- Sayari Camp, Lamai Serengeti, Mara Under Canvas
- 09
September
PeakWhere the herds are
Northern Serengeti & Maasai Mara
Crossings Continue
Crossings continue but with less frequency. The herds split between northern Serengeti and Kenya's Maasai Mara. Excellent game viewing throughout the north.
- Weather
- 15-25°C · Dry
- Good for
- Game viewing, River crossings, Photography
- Camps nearby
- Sayari Camp, Singita Mara River Tented Camp
- 10
October
Where the herds are
Northern Serengeti
Last Crossings
The last river crossings of the year. Herds begin moving south as the short rains approach. Beautiful golden light and clear skies.
- Weather
- 17-26°C · Dry / short rains starting
- Good for
- Late-season crossings, Quieter camps
- Camps nearby
- Lamai Serengeti, Mara River Camp
- 11
November
Where the herds are
Central to Southern Serengeti
Heading South
The short rains arrive. Herds move quickly south through the central Serengeti, following the rain and fresh grass back to the calving grounds.
- Weather
- 20-28°C · Short rains
- Good for
- Migration in motion, Quieter camps
- Camps nearby
- Serengeti Serena, Mbuzi Mawe, Serengeti Under Canvas
- 12
December
Where the herds are
Southern Serengeti & Ndutu
Pre-Calving
The herds arrive back on the southern plains. Pregnant cows graze on the lush short grasses, fattening up for the calving season just weeks away.
- Weather
- 22-30°C · Short rains tapering
- Good for
- Pre-calving, Holiday safaris, Predator action
- Camps nearby
- Ndutu Safari Lodge, Lake Masek Tented Camp
The two big moments
River crossings and calving
Most people plan their trip around one of these. They happen at opposite ends of the park, months apart.
- River crossingsJuly to OctoberNorthern Serengeti, Mara River
- The herds reach the Mara River in the northern Serengeti, around Kogatende and Lamai, and crocodiles wait in the water. August is usually the busiest month, for crossings and for the camps up north. In June there are earlier crossings on the Grumeti River in the Western Corridor. Stay four or five nights in the north and book six to twelve months ahead.
- Calving seasonJanuary and FebruarySouthern Serengeti, Ndutu
- The herds gather on the short-grass plains around Ndutu in the southern Serengeti. In February, up to 8,000 calves are born a day over two or three weeks. Lions, cheetahs and hyenas follow the herds, and predators are at their most active. Camps near Ndutu fill early, so book ahead.
Migration safaris
Trips that follow the herds
9 days · from $6,800 per person9-Day Great Migration SafariFollow the great wildebeest migration across the Serengeti on this expert-guided safari. With 5 nights in the Serengeti positioned in the migration's path, this trip maximizes your chances of witnessing river crossings and predator action.
7 days7-Day Classic Tanzania SafariOur most popular Tanzania safari takes you through the legendary Serengeti, the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, and elephant-rich Tarangire. Perfect for first-time visitors wanting to experience the best of Tanzania in one week.
10 days10-Day Wildlife Photography SafariDesigned for serious photographers, this safari features optimal timing for golden hour, extended time at key locations, and a vehicle configured for photography with bean bags, extra space, and charging stations.
Common questions
Great Migration FAQs
When is the best time to see the Great Migration river crossings?
The most dramatic Mara River crossings typically occur between July and October in the Northern Serengeti (Kogatende/Lamai area). The Grumeti River crossings happen in June-July in the Western Corridor. However, exact timing varies each year depending on rainfall patterns.
Can you guarantee seeing a river crossing?
No. Crossings depend on where the herds decide to go, and that changes every year. Five or more days in the northern Serengeti between July and September gives you a good chance.
How much does a Great Migration safari cost?
A Great Migration safari typically costs $350-$800 per person per day, depending on accommodation level. Budget camping safaris start around $250/day, while luxury lodges run $800-$1,500/day. A typical 5-7 day migration safari ranges from $2,000-$6,000 per person all-inclusive.
Can you see the Great Migration year-round?
Yes. The herds are always somewhere in the Serengeti ecosystem. They move in a loop: calving in the southern Serengeti from January to March, through the Western Corridor from April to June, river crossings in the north from July to October, and back south in November and December.
How many days do you need for a migration safari?
We recommend a minimum of 4-5 days for a migration-focused safari, with 7 days being ideal. This allows time to reach the herds (locations change), enjoy multiple game drives, and potentially witness river crossings. Longer trips can combine migration with other parks.
Where is the best place to stay during the Great Migration?
The best location depends on the month. January-March: Ndutu area lodges. April-June: Central Serengeti or Western Corridor camps. July-October: Northern Serengeti camps near Kogatende. Mobile tented camps that follow the herds offer the best experience.
How many animals are in the Great Migration?
Approximately 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and 350,000 gazelles make the annual journey. It's the largest terrestrial mammal migration on Earth.
Keep planning
Migration planning guides
- Migration tracker mapSee where the herds usually are each month, on a map.
- The migration, month by monthThe longer read: each month in detail, with tips on timing your trip.
- Serengeti National ParkThe park where the migration happens, area by area.
- Ngorongoro CraterOften added to a migration safari for Big Five viewing.
- Best time to visit TanzaniaTanzania's seasons, park by park.
- Safari cost guideWhat a migration safari costs, and what pushes the price up.
Plan your migration safari
Tell us your month. We'll find the herds.
Say when you can travel and what you most want to see. We'll suggest where to base yourself and send a quote.
- Camps chosen for where the herds usually are that month
- Straight answers on crossing odds and crowds
- Add Ngorongoro Crater or Zanzibar to the trip
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