The great migration is known and famous for two specific events. These events make Tanzania one of the most popular safari-countries in the world and cause thousands of safari-lovers, wildlife-enthousiasts, scientists and tv channels like Animal planet and National Geographic to travel here each year to experience these unique sightings.

The rivercrossing of the wildebeest, northern Serengeti

The most known one is the annual rivercrossing of the wildebeest at the Mara river in northern Serengeti. Here wildebeest, along with other grazers risk their lives and battle with crocodiles patiently waiting for their lunch in the rivers. The wildebeest and other members of the Great Migration have to cross this river to further their journey for fresh food and is often considered one of nature’s most spectacular events!

The river crossing usually happens between July and October, but greatly depends on rainfall and the availability of fresh food sources. 

Calving season in Southern Serengeti, Ndutu

Around February, all the big herds come together and go southwards in the Ndutu area. This area is often called Southern-Serengeti. During the calving season, the Great Migration makes a small pause. During this pause, thousands of baby’s are born each day. This makes it a beautiful and memorable event. For as the river crossing is a time of death and action, this is a time of life. However, lion’s and other predators surely like a taste of easy, freshborn pray.

The Great Migration calving season is the only time of year that you’re almost guaranteed to see the big herds together. Since the migration is in the south, it’s cheaper and takes significantly less time to visit the Great Migration, making it an easier and more affordable option than the famous river crossing. 

The Great Migration knowns different periods, as they migrate throughout Serengeti on an annual base. We made a short list of these periods which shows where the Great Migration can usually be found. We also listed the pro’s and con’s of visiting the migration in this period. 

July – October

• Pro’s: Around this time the wildebeest migration is around the northern plains of Serengeti National Park. Here you have a chance to experience the so famous mara-river crossing. This is often considered the most spectacular event of the Great Migration and undisputed highlight of your Tanzanian safari.
• Con’s: On the negative side, visiting the Great Migration up north brings the necessary costs. Due to the great distances in Tanzania and off-road roads, it takes up to 3-4 days to only travel in Serengeti, making the whole trip about 7 days from Arusha. This can be quite expensive. So visiting the northern parts of Serengeti certainly takes away from your time and budget. Also, the actual rivercrossing is quite unreliable and you could end up being let down, even after spending all that time and money and with professional advice. 

December – March

• Pro’s: Within these months the wildebeest are in the Southern area of the Serengeti, called the Ndutu area. Here the wildebeest take a short break from migrating as calving season is about to start. During this time thousands of babies are born which promises some hearthwarming moments. February is the most reliable time to visit the Great Migration and almost always guarantees a sight of it’s big herds. Compared to the river crossing it’s relatively cheap to experience, as you’ll only need 1-2 days to reach the Ndutu and get a decent amount of safari. 
• Con’s: It might not be the safari-enthousiasts first choice and it can get quite crowded as it’s easier to reach, so more people will gather around the same area. 

November, April & May (rain season)

• Pro’s: In these months the migration is either going north or south. They travel trough beautiful, green surroundings while happy, young wildebeest jump around in the tall grasses. Due to the rain season there are few tourists and you often get the experience all to yourself!
• Con’s: The herds are more dispersed than in other months, due to the plentiness of fresh food sources. Meaning actually finding the Great Migration might not be as spectacular as in other months. Also, there’s quite a bit of rain, which can lead to some difficulties.

Don’t be disappointed if your travel date doesn’t exactly fit with the Great Migration! There are plenty of animals to see. People often ask us; ‘If I don’t come at the right time of year, will I not be able to see any wildlife’? Don’t think you won’t be able to find wildebeest or lions, if you can’t find the migration. Wildebeest, along with zebras and other members of the Great Migration can be found throughout the Serengeti, many of these animals are not part of the migration and can be found in any area throughout the year. There is no need to worry.

Staying right in the center of the Great Migration of wildebeest and seeing them from your camp is every safari-enthousiast’s dream. With our professional advice, we can make that happen.

Serengeti offers several mobile camps who change their location according to the wereabouts of the Great Migration, making sure you’re always close to the action. Camps like these will give you the best chance of finding yourself amidst of the Great Migration.

Arusha Trips has close relationships with many of these camps, making us an excellent choice for your Great Migration safari in every price-range. Our professional safari-experts create completely tailor-made experiences, ensuring you with the best chance of experiencing the migration. We base our advice on years of experience and data of the whereabouts of the migration from the past years.

Need professional advice on your Great Migration safari? Let us make a tailor-made proposal for you or check out some of our great migration safari’s.