Your Guide
To Nature’s Greatest Show
Serengeti Great Migration Safari in Tanzania
The Serengeti Great Migration Safari is widely regarded as the most spectacular wildlife event on Earth — a breathtaking journey of over 1.5 million wildebeest, 300,000 zebras, and thousands of gazelles navigating the vast plains of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water. This continuous, circular movement — guided by rain and ancient instincts — unfolds across Tanzania and Kenya in a clockwise pattern, beginning with mass calving in the nutrient-rich grasslands of southern Serengeti. From there, the herds press northward through central and western Serengeti, facing death-defying river crossings, predator ambushes, and harsh terrain before reaching the Masai Mara in Kenya. Eventually, they return south to complete the cycle — and begin it all over again. More than just a migration, this is a living, breathing spectacle of life, survival, and renewal — where every day brings high-stakes drama: lion chases, crocodile attacks, and the miracle of new life. It’s a must-see for photographers, adventure seekers, and anyone dreaming of an authentic African safari experience in the heart of Tanzania.
What Is the Great Migration?
The Great Migration is the largest and most dramatic terrestrial wildlife movement on Earth — a never-ending cycle of life, survival, and instinct. Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, 300,000 zebras, and thousands of gazelles journey across the vast Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and rain-fed water sources.
This epic 1,800-mile (2,900 km) loop begins in the southern Serengeti, winds through the central and western corridors, crosses into Kenya’s Masai Mara, and returns south again — forming a constant, clockwise motion dictated entirely by the seasons and the rains. It's not a path marked by borders, but a wild pulse guided by instinct and weather patterns.
But this is no ordinary migration. Along the route, the herds face deadly predators — lions, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, and massive Nile crocodiles — waiting at riverbanks and in tall grasses. Calves are born in the thousands, while the weak and slow fall prey. It is often called “The Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth”, and rightly so.
Key Facts at a Glance
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1.5+ million wildebeest
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300,000 zebras and thousands of gazelles
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1,800+ miles (2,900 km) traveled annually
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Guided by rain and weather, not a fixed calendar
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Predators in pursuit: lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, crocodiles
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Follow ancient grazing routes across Tanzania and Kenya
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Visible from space — up to 1,000 animals per square kilometer
Our Top Packages For Great Migration
When and Where to See the Great Migration: A Monthly Breakdown
The Serengeti Great Migration is a year-round journey of life, survival, and spectacle. While the massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles follow an ancient circular path, each month offers a different experience depending on the rains, calving, mating, and dramatic river crossings. Understanding what happens in each stage of the migration helps you choose the best time to visit — whether you’re seeking newborn calves, predator action, or the legendary Mara River crossings. Here's a month-by-month breakdown of where the herds are and what to expect on your Great Migration safari.
1. January – March: Calving Season in Southern Serengeti
From January to March, the Ndutu Plains and the southern Serengeti, which border the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, become the stage for one of the most remarkable events of the Great Migration — the calving season. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest gather here, drawn by the short, nutrient-rich grasses that provide the perfect environment for birthing and nursing. In just a few weeks, more than 400,000 calves are born, with an astonishing 8,000 births taking place daily, offering visitors a rare chance to witness the raw beauty of life beginning in the wild. The region’s lush landscapes and accessibility make it a prime destination for travelers eager to experience this natural wonder.
However, the calving season is not only about new beginnings but also about survival. The sudden influx of vulnerable young wildebeest attracts a wide range of predators, from lions and cheetahs to hyenas, jackals, and leopards, all seizing the opportunity to hunt. This creates some of the most dramatic predator-prey encounters found in the animal kingdom, turning the Ndutu Plains into a hotspot for thrilling wildlife action. For photographers and safari-goers alike, this season offers unparalleled opportunities to witness both the fragility and the intensity of life in the Serengeti.
2. April – May: Green Season & The Journey Begins
In April and May, the Serengeti undergoes a striking transformation as the rains turn the plains vibrant green, marking the "Green Season." During this time, the wildebeest herds begin their gradual journey from the Ndutu Plains toward the central Serengeti’s Seronera Valley and Moru Kopjes, following the growth of fresh grasses and enjoying the cooler air. The landscape becomes not only lush and scenic, dotted with wildflowers, but also alive with activity as the rut, or mating season, begins. Male wildebeest clash in dramatic head-to-head battles for dominance and the right to mate, while young calves remain close to their mothers under the watchful eyes of predators still lingering in the area.
The Moru Kopjes, with their iconic granite outcrops, become a focal point during this season, offering breathtaking contrasts between rocky formations and endless green plains — a paradise for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. As May progresses, the herds extend into the Western Corridor, where the migration gains momentum. Here, they prepare for one of the Great Migration’s most dramatic and perilous events: the Grumeti River crossings. With massive crocodiles lying in wait, this stage marks the beginning of the challenges that will define their long journey northward.
3. June – July: Grumeti River Crossings & Western Serengeti Drama
📍 Location: Western Corridor – Grumeti River, Kirawira & Ikorongo regions
As the Serengeti enters the dry season in June, the Great Migration shifts into high gear. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles form massive columns that stretch across the Western Corridor, heading toward one of their first major challenges: the Grumeti River.
Unlike the more famous Mara crossings later in the year, the Grumeti crossings are quieter but no less dramatic. The river may appear calm in places, but beneath its surface lies danger—massive Nile crocodiles, some over 5 meters long, wait patiently. These stealthy hunters strike with lethal precision as wildebeest plunge into the murky water, unaware of the threat that lurks below. The combination of suspense, natural chaos, and sheer scale makes this moment a hidden gem of the migration.
By July, as the journey progresses northward, herds move closer to the Grumeti Reserve and onward toward the Ikorongo region, preparing for the iconic Mara River crossings still to come. The Western Serengeti at this time is lush and rich in game, with predators such as lions, hyenas, and leopards closely following the migration trail, capitalizing on exhausted animals.
Despite the drama, crowds are fewer than during the peak Mara season, offering visitors a more exclusive and serene migration viewing experience. Mobile camps such as Ubuntu Migration Camp often set up here, following the herds and offering front-row seats to the action.
4. July – September: Mara River Crossings in Northern Serengeti
📍 Location: Kogatende, Lamai Wedge (Northern Serengeti)
This is the climax of the Serengeti Great Migration Safari. From July to September, tens of thousands of wildebeest and zebras gather at the Mara River in Northern Serengeti, preparing to face their most perilous test. With steep riverbanks, fast currents, and massive Nile crocodiles lying in wait, every crossing becomes a life-or-death drama played out in real-time.
Unlike the quieter Grumeti crossings, the Mara River crossings are thunderous, chaotic, and iconic. Hundreds—or even thousands—of animals may plunge into the river in a single rush, hooves pounding, dust flying, and predators lurking. These scenes have made the Kogatende and Lamai Wedge areas world-famous among wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and documentary filmmakers.
This spectacle attracts high predator concentrations: lions and cheetahs stalk the edges, while hyenas and jackals wait to scavenge. With so much action condensed in a single area, it’s no surprise this is a bucket-list experience for safari-goers from around the globe.
5. October – November: Retreat Back South
📍 Location: From Northern to Eastern Serengeti (via Mara River & Namiri Plains)
As the short rains begin in late October, the vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles start their return journey southward from Kenya’s Masai Mara and Northern Serengeti. This marks the final phase of the Great Migration, as the animals respond instinctively to the scent of rain and the promise of fresh grass in the southern plains.
During this period, smaller groups cross back over the Mara River, often less dramatically than in July–September but no less significant. Predators still prowl riverbanks, hoping to seize tired or lagging stragglers. The herds then fan out across the eastern Serengeti, particularly in areas like Namiri Plains, which offer a combination of wide-open savannah and excellent cheetah and lion sightings.
With fewer tourists in the region, this shoulder season is a hidden gem—offering great value for those who want to witness the migration without the crowds. It’s also a transitional time of lush landscapes, dynamic predator-prey interactions, and spectacular photography opportunities.
✈️ How to Plan Your Serengeti Great Migration Safari
Planning your Serengeti Great Migration safari requires the right timing, logistics, and route to ensure you catch the most dramatic wildlife moments. Whether you're flying in from abroad or connecting within Tanzania, here’s how to get there with ease.
Best Camps to Stay In for the Serengeti Great Migration
Choosing the right accommodation is key to being in the heart of the action during the Great Migration. Gnade Safaris partners with a selection of top-rated mobile camps and luxury lodges that move with the herds or are strategically located for optimal viewing. Each region of the Serengeti offers unique experiences based on the season—and the camps below are perfectly positioned to place you front-row to nature’s greatest show.
Why Book with Gnade Safaris
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Expert local guides with deep Serengeti knowledge
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Custom itineraries that follow migration patterns
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Luxury & mid-range packages to suit your budget
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Excellent reviews from past travelers
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Ethical & eco-conscious safari practices
What to Expect on a Migration Safari
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4×4 Game Drives: Two daily drives led by expert guides
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River Crossings: Watch nature’s most dangerous standoff
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Predator Action: Lions stalking, cheetahs sprinting, crocs attacking
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Balloon Safaris: Sunrise flight over migrating herds
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Cultural Add-ons: Maasai village visits, crater tours, or Tarangire day trips
Don’t miss the Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth!
Let Gnade Safaris take you to the heart of the Serengeti migration.
📧 Email: info@gnadesafaris.com