The Great Migration in Tanzania is one of the most breathtaking natural events on Earth a dramatic journey of over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles as they traverse the Serengeti in search of greener pastures. Driven by the rhythm of the rains, this ancient cycle of movement brings with it unforgettable scenes: thundering herds across endless plains, tense river crossings teeming with crocodiles, and predator-prey encounters that showcase the raw power of the wild. If witnessing this spectacle is on your bucket list, timing is everything. In this guide, we’ll reveal the best times to experience the Great Migration and what each season has to offer.
Best Times to See the Great Migration in Tanzania
The migration’s location and activity vary by season, with each offering unique experiences. Here’s a breakdown of the best times to visit Tanzania for the Great Migration:
1. January to March: Calving Season in the Southern Serengeti
What to Expect
This is one of the most remarkable and emotionally powerful phases of the Great Migration. Between January and March, over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born across the vast short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti, particularly in areas like Ndutu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The landscape comes alive with the sight of newborn calves taking their first shaky steps often just minutes after birth as their survival instincts kick in.
But where there’s new life, danger also lurks. The abundance of vulnerable calves attracts predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas, making this season one of the best for witnessing dramatic predator-prey interactions. It’s a dynamic mix of innocence and raw survival, offering an authentic glimpse into nature’s cycle of life and death.
Why Visit During Calving Season
- Abundant Wildlife: Thousands of newborn wildebeest and zebra calves are born almost simultaneously, offering rare wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Predator Action: With so many vulnerable young animals, predators are on high alert this is prime time for witnessing hunting behavior in action.
- Ideal Photography Conditions: The short grass makes it easier to spot wildlife and offers clean, unobstructed backgrounds perfect for photography.
- Less Crowded: Compared to the peak Mara River crossing season, the southern Serengeti is quieter, offering a more intimate and serene safari experience.
Where to Stay
Mobile Tented Camps in the Ndutu region offer close-up access to the action and the ability to move with the herds.
Lodges in and around the southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area provide comfortable stays with sweeping views over the calving plains.
Weather
Climate: Warm temperatures with relatively dry conditions, though occasional short rains may occur.
The rains bring fresh grass growth, creating ideal conditions for calving and grazing.
2. April – May: The Green Season (Central Serengeti)
As the long rains nourish the plains, the Central Serengeti transforms into a lush, vibrant landscape. During this time, the wildebeest herds begin their slow journey northwards, grazing on the fresh, green grass left behind by the rains.
This period is known as the Green Season, and while it’s considered the low season for tourism, it offers unique advantages. The landscape is at its most beautiful lush, alive, and perfect for photography. The dramatic skies, vivid colors, and blooming vegetation provide a stunning backdrop for wildlife sightings.
Large herds can still be seen in motion across the central plains, and predator activity remains high, especially around areas like Seronera where wildlife is abundant year-round.
One of the biggest perks of visiting in April and May is the tranquility. With fewer tourists in the parks, you’ll enjoy more intimate wildlife encounters, quieter game drives, and better value on accommodations and tours. For travelers seeking a more peaceful safari experience without sacrificing wildlife sightings, this season is an ideal choice.
3. June to July: Grumeti River Crossings
Wildebeest leaping into the Grumeti River with crocodiles lurking beneath the surface
What to Expect
As the rains end in May, the Serengeti Nationa Park begins to dry, driving massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles toward the Western Corridor and their first major challenge the Grumeti River. Though less dramatic than the Mara crossings, these moments are still intense, with massive Nile crocodiles lurking in the deep pools. Wildebeest gather nervously at the banks before making a frenzied dash, showcasing raw instinct and survival. Meanwhile, predators like lions, hyenas, and leopards take advantage of the rich hunting opportunities in this vital migration route.
4. August to October: Mara River Crossings
What to Expect:
From August through October, the Great Migration reaches its most intense and iconic phase: the Mara River crossings. During this period, vast columns of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles flood into the northern Serengeti, particularly the Kogatende and Lamai regions, as they make their way toward Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
Here, the animals must face one of the most dangerous obstacles of their journey the Mara River. The scene is nothing short of cinematic: clouds of dust fill the air, hooves thunder across the plains, and the river churns with panic and splashing water. Crocodiles, some of the largest in Africa, lie in wait just beneath the surface. Lions and other predators patrol the banks, ready to strike at any sign of weakness or hesitation.
Not every animal survives the crossing, but for the herds, it’s a necessary risk in their quest for greener pastures.
Why Visit During This Time:
It’s the most dramatic and visually striking period of the migration. Wildlife photographers and documentary crews often time their visits to this exact season.
The unpredictability and raw intensity of the crossings make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience no two crossings are ever the same.
Excellent predator sightings: Aside from crocodiles, you’re likely to encounter lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and other hunters capitalizing on the chaos.
Where to Stay:
To maximize your chances of seeing a river crossing, location is key. Consider staying in or near:
- Kogatende – Northern Serengeti; closest access to the main crossing points
- Lamai Wedge – Offers a more exclusive, less crowded crossing experience
- Mobile tented camps – These move with the migration and often set up near the river during this period for real-time access
5. November to December: Return to the South
As the short rains begin in November, the Great Migration enters its final phase of the yearly cycle. This period marks the herds’ southward return from the northern reaches of the Serengeti and Maasai Mara back to the lush southern plains near Ndutu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area the site of the upcoming calving season.
What to Expect
During this time, wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles begin a steady but scattered movement southward through the central Serengeti, particularly the Seronera Valley. Although the migration is less concentrated than during river crossings, you’ll still witness large columns of animals on the move, often with dramatic skies and beautiful green backdrops as the landscape rejuvenates after the dry season.
The wildlife viewing is still excellent not just of herbivores, but of predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas, which follow the herds closely. Birdlife also becomes more vibrant with migratory species arriving.
Why Visit During This Time
Fewer Crowds: This is considered a shoulder season, meaning fewer tourists in the parks and a more serene safari experience.
Lower Costs: Lodges and camps often reduce their rates during this time, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Scenic Beauty: The Serengeti transforms into a lush, green paradise after the rains perfect for photography and travelers who enjoy vibrant, changing landscapes.
Good Game Viewing: Though rain may be intermittent, wildlife is still abundant, and the visibility is generally excellent with cooler temperatures and clear air.
Where to Stay
Central Serengeti (Seronera region): A reliable base with year-round wildlife, permanent water sources, and high predator density.
Mobile Migration Camps: Some camps shift locations to follow the herds and provide front-row views of the migration.
Southern Serengeti/ Ndutu area (if you’re visiting in late December): Ideal for witnessing the beginning of the calving season, with many camps setting up in anticipation.
Why Tanzania for the Great Migration?
Tanzania hosts the majority of the Great Migration’s route, with the Serengeti offering unparalleled access to this natural wonder. Whether you’re captivated by the calving season’s new life, the drama of river crossings, or the sheer scale of the herds, Tanzania delivers an unforgettable safari experience.
Plan your trip around these key seasons, and you’ll witness one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles in all its glory.
Planning Your Great Migration Safari
Witnessing the Great Migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and proper planning ensures you get the most out of it. Here’s how to prepare for a seamless and unforgettable safari:
Book Early
The peak migration season (particularly July to October) is extremely popular, especially around dramatic river crossings. To secure your ideal lodges or mobile camps, it’s highly recommended to book at least 12–18 months in advance, especially for locations in the northern Serengeti. View Wildebeest Migration Packages>>
Pack Smart
To enjoy your safari comfortably, make sure you pack:
Lightweight layers: mornings can be chilly, while afternoons warm up
Neutral-colored clothing (greens, khakis, browns) for game drives
Binoculars for spotting distant wildlife
A good camera with zoom lens for those action shots
Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
Combine Destinations for a Richer Experience
Maximize your trip by combining the Serengeti with other top Tanzanian highlights:
Tarangire and Lake Manyara: Great add-ons for shorter safaris or bird lovers.
Ngorongoro Crater: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with dramatic landscapes and dense wildlife.
Zanzibar: Relax on white-sand beaches or explore the cultural richness of Stone Town after your safari.
The Great Migration is not a one-time event, but a continuous journey of life, death, and survival. No matter when you go, Tanzania offers front-row seats to one of the greatest wildlife shows on Earth. The key is choosing the right time based on what you want to experience newborns, river crossings, or the raw circle of life. Ready to Witness the Great Migration Click here >>
