Month-by-Month Guide: Chase the Great Migration in Mara & Serengeti

The Great Migration stands as one of Earth's most extraordinary natural spectacles. Nearly two million wildebeest, alongside hundreds of thousands of zebras, gazelles, and eland, undertake a relentless 1,000-mile journey between Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara in search of fresh grazing lands. This is the largest mass movement of mammals on the planet—and it's a phenomenon that demands strategic planning to witness firsthand. [1]

Whether you're dreaming of witnessing dramatic river crossings, newborn calves dotting the plains, or the raw drama of predator-prey interactions, timing is everything. This comprehensive month-by-month guide will help you understand where the migration is throughout the year, what you can expect to see, and—most importantly—when to book your safari adventure to maximize your experience.

Understanding the Great Migration: A Natural Calendar

Unlike typical wildlife viewing seasons, the Great Migration operates on a continuous cycle. The herds are in a near-constant state of movement, following rainfall patterns and fresh vegetation across the ecosystem. [1] This means the migration doesn't have a true "off season"—rather, it presents different spectacles and experiences throughout the year.

The migration typically follows this pattern: calving in the south (February-March), breeding in the central regions (April-May), dramatic river crossings in the north (June-August), and a southward journey (September-November) back to the original calving grounds.

Understanding this cycle is crucial when you're ready to book your safari package. Climate variability means the exact timing shifts year to year, which is why partnering with experienced safari specialists—rather than booking independently—can make the difference between an unforgettable experience and disappointment.

December to March: The Southern Serengeti Spectacle

December to January: The Ndutu Plains Gathering

As the year turns, the migration herds begin their southward journey from the north, arriving in the Serengeti's southern plains. The landscape transforms into a verdant paradise following the short rains, creating ideal conditions for the imminent calving season.

What to expect: Massive concentrations of wildebeest across the Ndutu and Ngorongoro plains, with fewer tourists than peak season months. While river crossings are unlikely, the abundance of herbivores attracts significant predator activity. [4]

Best for: Photographers seeking dramatic predator-prey interactions, wildlife enthusiasts seeking solitude, and those with flexible budgets looking for premium rates without peak-season crowds.

February to March: Calving Season Magic

February and March mark the most poignant chapter of the migration story. The southern Serengeti becomes a maternity ward for nearly 500,000 calves born within a concentrated six-week window. [7]

What to expect: Birth sightings are remarkably common, particularly in the morning hours. The landscape is lush, visibility is excellent, and the abundance of vulnerable newborns triggers intense predator activity. Lions, leopards, and wild dogs are highly active, making this one of the best periods for predator encounters. [8]

Best for: First-time safari travelers seeking diverse wildlife experiences beyond just the migration itself. The combination of births, predator interactions, and stunning green landscapes creates photographic opportunities rivaling any other season.

Booking consideration: Many luxury operators move their camps seasonally to follow the herds. [9] This is an ideal time to reserve packages that include private guides and flexible itineraries—our Kenya-based team can arrange exclusive access to premium positions with significantly better value than direct bookings.

April to May: The Breeding Season

As dry conditions emerge across the southern plains, the migration shifts westward and into central Serengeti. The herds spread across the Western and Central Serengeti regions, triggering the rutting (breeding) season that will determine next year's calf cohort.

What to expect: While less dramatic than river crossings, this period offers exceptional wildlife diversity. The herds move steadily, predators follow, and the landscape provides stunning backdrops. Vegetation remains green in patches, and crowding is minimal compared to July-August. [1]

Best for: Travelers seeking authentic safari experiences without peak-season tourism. Accommodations are readily available, and rates are significantly lower than during migration spectacles.

Hidden advantage: These transition months offer an excellent balance of wildlife action and comfort—premium lodges often offer special rates during this period. When you book through specialist operators, you'll access curated packages designed for this specific season with carefully positioned camps.

May to June: The Grumeti River Crossings Begin

As June approaches, the drama intensifies. The migration reaches the Grumeti River in central Serengeti, where the first major river crossing spectacle unfolds. This is when the herds face their first serious obstacle—massive Nile crocodiles, treacherous currents, and steep riverbanks. [7]

What to expect: Not every herd crosses successfully. Many wildebeest perish attempting to ford the river, while others circle back multiple times before committing to the crossing. Grumeti crossings are typically less predictable and less photographically accessible than Mara River crossings, but they're equally dramatic and significantly less crowded. [1]

Best for: Experienced safari travelers seeking authentic experiences away from lodge concentrations. Photographers willing to wait for natural moments rather than guaranteed "photo ops."

Booking advantage: Late May into June represents a particularly excellent time to visit—these transition months often experience a fantastic balance of wildlife action and fewer tourists. [1] Our team specializes in positioning clients for these premium periods before peak July crowding begins.

July to August: The Iconic Mara River Crossings

July: The Northern Approach

By early July, the main herds have reached northern Serengeti and gather courage at the Mara River's banks. Thousands accumulate, sensing the danger ahead but driven by hunger to cross into Kenya's greener pastures. July marks the beginning of the most photographed and famous phase of the entire migration.

What to expect: Massive concentrations of wildebeest at river crossings, dramatic predator interactions, and occasional crossings throughout the month. Weather is dry and favorable. However, this is also peak tourist season with significant lodge crowding. [2]

Best for: Travelers with bucket-list ambitions prioritizing the famous river crossing spectacle regardless of crowds. First-time safari visitors wanting guaranteed migration sightings.

August: Peak Crossing Season

August is widely considered the single best month to witness the Great Migration in its most dramatic form. [8] As dry season approaches, desperation drives the herds into the water. Multiple crossings occur daily at various points, with thousands of animals attempting simultaneously.

What to expect: Herds surge across the Mara River in spectacular fashion. Some make it. Many don't. The calves born in February and March are now strong enough to attempt the crossing themselves, with survival rates creating genuine tension. After crossing, herds spend weeks enjoying Masai Mara's grasses, though significant numbers remain in northern Serengeti, moving back and forth across the river. [1]

Important note: July and August are the busiest months in the Masai Mara, with numerous lodges concentrated along river crossings. [4] While iconic, the experience can feel crowded. Many lodges track herds to ensure clients don't miss crossings, which can create competitive positioning between safari vehicles.

Premium alternative: Book through exclusive conservancies surrounding the Masai Mara—Mara North, Naboisho, and Olare-Orok—where mini migrations occur with significantly fewer vehicles and Kenya's best wildlife watching. Our team has exclusive relationships with premium properties offering concierge-level service and superior sightings. [4]

September to October: The Secondary Crossing & Return Journey

September: Lingering in the Mara

The herds are mostly concentrated in the Masai Mara in Kenya during September, though many still remain in northern Serengeti, creating opportunities across both parks. [6] Weather remains favorable, with dry conditions persisting.

What to expect: River crossings become less frequent as most herds have already crossed and are settled in the Mara. However, exceptional opportunities exist for predator interactions, bird watching, and intimate wildlife encounters. Late September through October offers excellent river crossing visibility outside the peak June-July period. [2]

Best for: Sophisticated travelers seeking to avoid July-August peak crowds while still witnessing migration dynamics. Photography enthusiasts willing to focus on predator behavior and landscape rather than guaranteed crossing spectacles.

October: The Return Crossing

As October progresses, the cycle turns. The wildebeest begin their southern migration, facing the swollen waters of the Mara River for the second time, now crossing from Kenya back into Tanzania. [6]

What to expect: Secondary crossings with less fanfare but equally dramatic circumstances. The journey south has begun in earnest. By late October, herds are positioned between the Mara and central Serengeti.

Booking insight: This is an underrated period offering premium value. Tour operators have better availability, accommodations offer special rates, and you'll experience genuine migration drama without peak-season premium pricing.

November: The Southward Transition

November brings significant changes. The spectacle is largely over or much harder to see as the migration moves steadily southward along the Serengeti's eastern border. You can typically still find odd wildebeest herds crossing the Mara River from Kenya back into Tanzania until mid-November. [2]

What to expect: Few migration tracks in remote southern regions, possible rain, limited accommodations, and challenging logistics. This is one of the least promising months for seeing concentrated migration movements, though predator interactions intensify as animals spread across new territories. [4]

Best for: Adventurous travelers unconcerned with guaranteed spectacles, willing to experience the raw, unglamorous reality of animal migration. Budget-conscious planners seeking exceptional value with minimal tourism infrastructure.

Planning Your Perfect Migration Safari: Expert Recommendations

The Reality of Migration Timing

Here's what luxury travel operators won't always emphasize: the exact timing of migration events varies significantly year to year. Climate change has made traditional patterns less predictable. Rains can be early or late, throwing the entire wildebeest calendar out of synchronization. [7]

This unpredictability is precisely why attempting independent bookings during peak migration periods can be risky. If conditions shift and herds are elsewhere than expected, you're left with non-refundable reservations and disappointment—unless you've partnered with experienced operators who manage these contingencies.

The silver lining: Both the Serengeti and Masai Mara offer exceptional year-round wildlife experiences as considerable compensation. If the migration isn't where you expected, you'll still encounter world-class game viewing. [4]

Peak Season Realities (July-August)

July and August deliver the most reliable, dramatic migration spectacles—but with caveats. These are peak tourism seasons with premium pricing and crowded conditions. Many lodges concentrate along river crossings, potentially creating up to 20+ vehicles at single crossing locations.

To maximize July-August experiences:

• Book exclusive conservancy properties rather than main park lodges for superior positioning and fewer vehicles
• Secure flexible itineraries allowing movement based on real-time herd positions
• Arrange private guide services ensuring personalized pacing and sighting optimization
• Partner with operators managing relationships with multiple properties, enabling last-minute repositioning

The Underrated Sweet Spots

Transition months (late May into June and late October into early November) offer particularly excellent value and experience combinations. These periods often experience fantastic wildlife action with significantly fewer tourists, though you may need to travel further to locate herds depending on their precise position. [1]

Similarly, February-March calving season provides extraordinary wildlife density, dramatic predator interactions, and abundant photographic opportunities—often at 40-50% lower cost than peak July pricing.

Why Expert Guidance Matters: The Case for Curated Packages

The migration's unpredictability creates real risk for independent bookers. Hotels and lodges often have non-refundable policies. Flight schedules are fixed. Tour operators, however, manage these variables through:

• Real-time herd tracking: Experienced operators monitor migration positions daily, repositioning clients and adjusting itineraries based on actual conditions rather than historical averages
• Multi-property relationships: Premium packages include flexibility to move between strategically positioned camps following the herds
• Expert guide positioning: Skilled trackers position safari vehicles for optimal sightings, understanding crossing patterns and predator behavior better than general tourism infrastructure
• Exclusive rates and packages: Operators maintain relationships with premium properties, accessing rates and experiences unavailable through direct bookings
• Concierge management: From flight coordination to dietary requirements to photographic positioning, experienced teams handle logistics, freeing you to experience the spectacle

Ready to Book Your Migration Adventure?

We're one of Kenya's leading travel specialists, founded and operated by experienced safari guides who understand every nuance of the migration cycle and both parks intimately. Rather than offering generic packages, we create curated experiences aligned with your specific interests, timeline, and budget.

Partnering with our team unlocks better value than direct bookings—we access exclusive rates, secure optimal lodge positioning, and manage all contingencies, ensuring your investment delivers the experience you deserve. Whether you're targeting July's dramatic crossings, February's calving spectacle, or transitional months' underrated combinations, we'll position you perfectly.

Your Great Migration journey is too significant for guesswork. Contact our specialist team to discuss your vision, timeline, and budget. We'll design a package that promises not just sightings, but transformation through Africa's most magnificent natural phenomenon.

The migration awaits. The question is only: when will you experience it?