Serengeti Migration: Month-by-Month Location Guide

The Migration Cycle: The Big Picture

The migration follows a predictable annual pattern, though exact timing shifts slightly year to year based on rainfall:

• January–February: Calving in southern Serengeti (Ndutu).
• March–May: Grazing in central plains, moving north.
• June–July: River crossings at Grumeti River (western corridor).
• August–October: River crossings at Mara River (northern Serengeti into Kenya's Masai Mara).
• November–December: Return south to Ndutu, heavy rains begin.

January — Calving Season in the South

Where Are the Herds?

Southern Serengeti and Ndutu area (between Lake Ndutu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area). The plains are lush from November–December rains. Wildebeest are spread across the grasslands.

What Happens?

Peak calving season. Mother wildebeest give birth to hundreds of thousands of calves in a 2–4 week window (late December through mid-January). This synchronized birth is a predator survival strategy — lions and hyenas cannot eat all the calves at once.

What You Will See

• Millions of wildebeest with newborn calves.
• Predator activity: lions, hyenas, wild dogs feast on weak calves.
• Massive herds, dramatic predation.
• Lush green grassland.

Best For

Photography, predator action, and the drama of birth and death in nature. January is one of the best months for big cat sightings (lions are feeding). Heat can be intense. Mosquitoes are active. Fewer tourists than July–August.

Cost

Low to mid-range. Not peak season, so discounts available. January 15–31 prices rise as word spreads about calving.

Best Base

Ndutu (between Serengeti and Ngorongoro), Lake Natron area, or eastern Serengeti.

February — Calving Continuation and Green Season

Where Are the Herds?

Still in the south (Ndutu, Lake Magadi, southern plains). Rains continue. Grass is abundant.

What Happens?

Calving winds down by mid-month. The herds have just given birth; adults are nursing calves. Movement is slow and local.

What You Will See

• Mothers with young calves (3–4 weeks old, standing and following).
• Continued predation.
• Lush vegetation.
• Good bird watching (migrant species arrive).

Best For

Wildlife photography, predator interaction, fewer crowds. Less dramatic than peak season but more intimate viewing.

Cost

Low. Off-peak pricing. Rain may interrupt drives some days.

Best Base

Ndutu, southern Serengeti lodges.

March–May — Green Season Migration North

Where Are the Herds?

March: Still in south. April–May: Slow movement north toward central and western Serengeti.

What Happens?

The herds are grazing on new grass in the central plains. Rains are heaviest in April–May (long rains). The landscape is at its greenest. Grass depletes as millions of animals eat simultaneously, so herds gradually move toward fresh pasture.

What You Will See

• Enormous herds (millions of animals visible at once).
• Landscape is lush and green.
• Calves are now 3–4 months old, strong enough for longer distances.
• Rain squalls (beautiful but disruptive to drives).

Best For

Landscape photography (green is stunning), birding, fewer tourists. Not ideal for wildlife viewing consistency (rain, clouds reduce visibility). Some days no game drives possible.

Cost

Lowest of the year. Heavy rain deters tourists. Operators discount significantly.

Best Base

Central Serengeti (Seronera area) or western Serengeti (Grumeti region).

Warning

Not recommended for first-time safari visitors. Roads are muddy, visibility is poor, and unpredictability is high.

June — Crossing Preparation and Grumeti River

Where Are the Herds?

Western corridor of the Serengeti, approaching Grumeti River. Rains taper off. Grass has been eaten down, so herds are concentrated.

What Happens?

The herds' instinct is to move north toward Kenya for dry-season grazing. They begin to mass and cross the Grumeti River. River crossings are chaotic: crocodiles, swift currents, thousands of animals. Not all herds cross in June; some wait until July.

What You Will See

• Massive herds (visible for miles).
• Potential river crossings (not guaranteed).
• Crocodile attacks (spectacular but violent).
• Excellent predator action (lions, hyenas, wild dogs).

Best For

Extreme wildlife action. River crossings are among the most dramatic wildlife events on Earth. This is peak safari drama.

Cost

High. This is the start of peak season. Prices rise sharply in late June.

Best Base

Western corridor lodges near Grumeti River (Kusini, Serengeti River Camp, etc.). You need to be positioned at the river to witness crossings.

Guarantee?

No. Crossings are unpredictable. Even if you are at the river, the herds may take weeks to cross or may cross at a different point. This is nature, not a scheduled event.

July — Peak Migration and River Crossings

Where Are the Herds?

Grumeti River (western corridor) is still active. Most of the herds have crossed or are crossing. Some herds move into the northern Serengeti heading toward the Mara River.

What Happens?

This is THE peak month. Herds are in mass movement. Grumeti crossings may continue, but the main drama shifts to the northern Serengeti and Mara River. Weather is dry and clear. Grass is depleted, so herds must move or starve.

What You Will See

• Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra in visible herds.
• River crossings at Mara River (northern Serengeti into Kenya).
• Predator activity is intense (lions, hyenas, wild dogs feast on exhausted animals).
• Clear skies, perfect game viewing conditions.

Best For

First-time safari visitors who want to see the migration with the highest probability. July is the safest bet for dramatic crossings, massive herds, and big cat sightings.

Cost

Highest of the year. Peak season. Lodges are fully booked. Premium pricing. Book 4–6 months in advance.

Best Base

Northern Serengeti (Kogatende area, Kati Kati Mobile Camp, Grumeti River Camp) or northern lodges with Mara River access. Being positioned at the river is critical.

Caveat

Everyone and their safari company is here. Some lodges have 200+ guests. Vehicle crowding at crossings is intense. The experience is memorable but crowded.

August — Peak Continues, Mara River Crossings

Where Are the Herds?

Northern Serengeti and crossing into Kenya's Masai Mara. The bulk of the herds are crossing the Mara River (the final major river crossing on the northern route).

What Happens?

Similar to July — rivers are full, crocodiles are active, predators are concentrating on weak animals. Grass in Kenya is still good, so herds keep moving north.

What You Will See

• Mara River crossings.
• Equally dramatic wildlife action as July.
• Clear, dry weather.
• Fewer tourists than July (relatively).

Best For

High-quality migration viewing with slightly lower crowds than July. Equally worth doing.

Cost

High, but slightly lower than July. Still peak season. Book in advance.

Best Base

Northern Serengeti (Lamai Serengeti, Four Seasons Serengeti, Ngorongoro) or Kenya's Masai Mara if you want to cross the border.

September — Migration Declines, Return Begins

Where Are the Herds?

Masai Mara (Kenya) and northern Serengeti. Some herds are already beginning the return journey south.

What Happens?

The herds split. Many stay in Kenya's Masai Mara where grass is still good. Others begin moving back south toward Tanzania (rainfall is expected). The migration is less a single event and more scattered movement.

What You Will See

• Smaller herds than July–August.
• Continued predator activity.
• Some river crossings still possible.
• Clearer weather than June or March–May.

Best For

Mid-range migration viewing. Not as concentrated as July–August but still worthwhile.

Cost

Lower than July–August but still mid-to-high range. September is a good compromise month.

Best Base

Northern Serengeti or Masai Mara. Road conditions are good.

October — Return South Underway

Where Are the Herds?

Northern Serengeti and beginning to move south through central Serengeti. Rains are expected (short rains) so herds instinctively return toward southern Serengeti where fresh grass will grow.

What Happens?

The return migration is less dramatic than the north movement. Herds are scattered. The final river crossings of the Mara are happening. Movement is slower and less concentrated.

What You Will See

• Herds in motion but less concentrated than July–August.
• Good predator sightings.
• Landscape transitioning from dry to green.
• Fewer tourists.

Best For

Experiencing migration movement without the crowds and cost of July–August.

Cost

Lower. Not peak season. Mid-range pricing.

Best Base

Central or southern Serengeti.

November–December — Return Complete, Preparing for Calving

Where Are the Herds?

Southern Serengeti and Ndutu area. Rains arrive (short rains in November, building to long rains in December). Grass explodes across the southern plains.

What Happens?

The herds have completed the return journey. They disperse across the green southern plains. Females begin congregating in Ndutu, preparing for January calving. The cycle starts again.

What You Will See

• Scattered herds across lush grassland.
• Good general wildlife viewing.
• Green landscape.
• Fewer tourists.

Best For

A quieter, green-season safari. Good for those who want wildlife viewing without the migration spectacle.

Cost

Low to mid-range. Off-peak pricing.

Best Base

Southern Serengeti or Ndutu.

Month-by-Month Quick Comparison Table

Which Month Should You Choose?

• If you want the most dramatic wildlife action: July or August. Accept crowds and high costs. This is THE migration month.
• If you want to see migration with fewer crowds: June or September. Still good, less crowded, lower cost.
• If you want the most incredible predator action: January (calving). Fewer tourists, lower cost, intense wildlife drama.
• If you want the greenest, most beautiful landscape: February, March, or November. Migration is less visible but scenery is stunning.
• If you have a tight budget: March–May or November–December. Accept less reliable visibility and higher rain probability.
• If you are visiting for the first time: July or August. Maximize your probability of seeing the migration as described in documentaries.

The Reality Check

No month guarantees a river crossing. Migration timing shifts 2–4 weeks year to year based on rainfall. The best operators position themselves to follow the herds, but they cannot control nature. Choose your month based on probability, not certainty. Then enjoy whatever the Serengeti offers you that day.

Ready to plan your migration safari? Let us help you choose the right month.