The Great Migration is the largest mass movement of land animals on Earth. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras and thousands of gazelles travel a circular route through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, following the rain in search of fresh grass and water.
It isn't a single event. There is no one day when the migration "happens". It is a continuous cycle of birth, movement and survival, which means there is something remarkable to see in almost every month.
The annual cycle
- December to March: calving season in the southern Serengeti. Thousands of calves are born each day on the short-grass plains around Ndutu.
- April to May: the herds begin moving north-west through the centre of the park.
- June to July: the first dramatic river crossings, at the Grumeti River in the Western Corridor.
- August to October: the most famous crossings, at the Mara River in the northern Serengeti.
- November: the herds begin their return south, completing the cycle.
Timing shifts with the rain, sometimes by several weeks. Use our interactive Great Migration calendar to see where the herds usually are each month.
Calving or river crossings?
These are the two great moments of the migration, and they are very different experiences.
Calving season is about life and predators. The plains are open, the herds are spread out and big cats are active. It is easier to reach by road, and the green landscapes are beautiful. Our 6-day Ndutu calving safari is built around it.
River crossings are about drama. Thousands of animals gather on the bank, sometimes for hours, before plunging into the crocodile-filled water. It is a peak-season experience, best reached by a short flight. See our 3-day river-crossing safari.
How to give yourself the best chance
- Choose your month first. The month decides which part of the Serengeti you should visit.
- Stay for at least two or three nights. Herds move and crossings can't be predicted, so time is your greatest advantage.
- Book peak dates early. Camps close to the Mara River can fill up well in advance for July to October.
- Travel with a guide who knows the herds. Good guides read the animals and stay in touch with each other through the season.
Common questions
How many animals are in the Great Migration?
Over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with some 200,000 zebras and thousands of gazelles, travel a circular route through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.
Why do the wildebeest migrate?
They are following the rain, moving in search of fresh grazing and water throughout the year.
