A Wildlife Spectacle of a Lifetime

The Great Migration in Serengeti National Park is one of the most incredible wildlife phenomena on Earth. This dramatic and awe-inspiring event features over 1.5 million wildebeest and 300,000 zebras, accompanied by gazelles and other grazers, as they travel across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in a continuous cycle in search of fresh pasture and water. Along the way, predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and Nile crocodiles lie in wait, making this spectacle both beautiful and brutal—earning it the title, "The Greatest Show on Earth."

About Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park, located in northern Tanzania, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. Covering over 14,763 square kilometers, the park comprises endless plains, woodlands, and riverine forests. It is home to a rich variety of wildlife including the Big Five, over 500 bird species, and massive numbers of grazers and predators.

The name "Serengeti" comes from the Maasai word "Siringet", meaning “the land that runs on forever”, perfectly capturing the park’s vast, open landscapes.

The Great Migration Calendar: Month-by-Month Guide

January – March: Calving Season in Southern Serengeti

From December to March, herds gather in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu region of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is calving season, when around 500,000 wildebeest calves are born within a short 4 to 6-week period. The abundance of young prey attracts predators, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.

April – May: The Move Towards Central Serengeti

As the rains fade, the herds begin their journey north. During April and May, they head toward the Central Serengeti (Seronera region), spreading out across the landscape. This is also mating season, with male wildebeests engaging in dramatic territorial battles.

Some herds may begin to veer west towards the Western Corridor, while others continue straight north, depending on rainfall patterns.

June – July: Grumeti River Crossings in the Western Corridor

June marks the start of the dry season. Herds gather in the Western Serengeti, preparing for the Grumeti River crossing—their first major obstacle. The river is filled with massive crocodiles, making this one of the most dangerous parts of the journey.

By July, the animals start heading toward the Mara River in the northern Serengeti, preparing for another perilous crossing.

August – October: Mara River Crossings and Northern Serengeti Drama

In August, the migration spills into the northern Serengeti and crosses into Kenya’s Masai Mara. The Mara River crossings are often chaotic, with stampedes, predators, and strong currents creating dramatic scenes.

By September and October, the migration begins to move back southward, crossing the Mara River once again as they prepare to return to the Serengeti.

November – December: Return to Southern Serengeti

As short rains begin in November, the herds make their way back to the Southern Serengeti, passing through Namiri Plains, known for its high cheetah population. By December, they arrive at their calving grounds, completing the epic circle of life.

Why the Great Migration Happens

The migration is triggered by seasonal rains and the availability of nutrient-rich grasses. Wildebeests are thought to have the ability to detect distant rainfall and thunderstorms, guiding them toward greener pastures. Their movement is not linear, and weather patterns significantly influence their path year after year.

These migratory patterns help them find safety during calving, avoid depleted grazing areas, and maintain the ecological balance of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.

Top Safari Activities in Serengeti National Park

Besides witnessing the Great Migration, Serengeti offers a wide range of safari experiences, including:

• Guided Game Drives

• Hot Air Balloon Safaris

• Bird Watching (500+ species)

• Cultural Tours with the Maasai

• Walking Safaris in specific regions

Best Time to Witness the Great Migration

While Serengeti is a year-round destination, the best times to witness different phases of the Great Migration are:

• December to March – Calving season in the south

• June to July – Grumeti River crossings in the west

• July to October – Mara River crossings in the north

For optimal viewing and weather, many travelers choose June to October, the dry season.

Getting to Serengeti National Park

By Road:

Most tours begin in Arusha, approximately 325 kilometers (7 hours) from the Serengeti by road. This route typically includes a stop at Ngorongoro Crater, making it a scenic and adventurous journey.

By Air:

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the park. You can fly into:

• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – 46 km from Arusha

• Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) – from Dar es Salaam

From Arusha, several daily scheduled flights go to Serengeti airstrips such as Seronera, Kogatende, Ndutu, and Grumeti.