Best Time to Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania

The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles — a continuous, circular journey of over 1.5 million wildebeests, joined by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, across the vast plains of Tanzania and Kenya. This movement follows the rhythm of the rains and the growth of fresh grass, making it one of the most dynamic and breathtaking wildlife experiences on Earth.

If you’re planning a Tanzania safari to witness this natural wonder, timing is everything. The herds are constantly on the move, crossing regions and rivers as they chase the seasons. Understanding where and when to go is key to experiencing the migration at its most dramatic.

Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you plan the perfect safari to see the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania.

December to March – The Calving Season (Southern Serengeti & Ndutu Plains)

Location: Ndutu Plains and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Southern Serengeti)

From December through March, the herds gather in the southern Serengeti, around the Ndutu and Kusini plains, where lush grasses flourish after the short rains. This is the calving season, one of the most magical and emotional times of the year.

Between late January and early March, over 400,000 wildebeest calves are born within just a few weeks — roughly 8,000 every single day. The plains come alive with new life, as newborn calves take their first wobbly steps within minutes of birth. But this miracle of life also attracts predators in large numbers: lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas patrol the plains, creating some of the most thrilling predator-prey interactions on the continent.

Best for: Witnessing newborn wildebeests, predator action, and classic photography under open skies.
Best time to visit: Late January to March.

April to June – The Long March North (Central & Western Serengeti)

Location: Central Serengeti (Seronera) to Western Corridor (Grumeti River area)

As the rains fade in the south, the herds begin their long trek northwest toward the central and western Serengeti. April and May are often quieter months in terms of visitor numbers, but the landscape is lush, green, and stunning — ideal for photography.

By May and June, the wildebeests reach the Grumeti River, where they face their first major obstacle: the Grumeti River crossings. These crossings, though less dramatic than those of the Mara River later in the year, still offer incredible action as herds plunge into crocodile-filled waters, driven by instinct and survival.

Best for: Dramatic Grumeti River crossings, fewer tourists, lush green scenery, and abundant wildlife.
Best time to visit: May to June.

July to October – The Mara River Crossings (Northern Serengeti & Lamai Wedge)

Location: Northern Serengeti (Kogatende & Lamai regions)

This is the most iconic and dramatic phase of the Great Migration — the Mara River crossings. From July to October, the herds reach the northern Serengeti, where they must cross the treacherous Mara River to continue into Kenya’s Masai Mara.

The crossings are spectacular and emotional: thousands of wildebeests bunch along the riverbank, gathering courage before plunging into the water. The scene is chaotic — crocodiles wait in ambush, the current is strong, and panic drives the herd forward. It’s nature’s rawest display of survival, courage, and instinct.

The herds often move back and forth between Tanzania and Kenya, depending on where the rains fall, but the northern Serengeti offers more consistent viewing with fewer crowds than the Kenyan side.

Best for: The iconic Mara River crossings, big cat action, and stunning landscapes.
Best time to visit: July to October.

November – The Return South (Central Serengeti)

Location: Central Serengeti (Seronera Valley & Lobo Hills)

As the short rains return, the herds begin their southward journey, spreading across the central and eastern Serengeti. The grasses rejuvenate and the air is fresh with renewal. This is the migration’s quietest and most peaceful phase — fewer tourists, lush scenery, and excellent resident wildlife viewing. Predators are still active, and the park’s beauty in the green season is unmatched.

Best for: Scenic photography, peaceful game drives, and following the herds in transition.
Best time to visit: November.

Planning Your Migration Safari

Each stage of the migration tells a different story, and there’s truly no “bad” time to visit — only different experiences to match your preferences.

• For calving and predator drama: Visit January to March in Ndutu.

• For river crossings and classic safari: Visit July to October in the Northern Serengeti.

• For lush scenery and fewer crowds: Visit April to June or November.

No matter when you go, the Serengeti offers an unforgettable window into the wild rhythm of Africa — where life, movement, and survival create one of the greatest natural shows on Earth.