Tanzania Great Migration Safari – Best Time of the Year
The Tanzania Great Migration Safari is a year-round spectacle, with millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moving across the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing. The best time to witness different migration events is:
🔹 January – March: Calving season in the Southern Serengeti (Ndutu area) – Best for baby animals and predator action.
🔹 April – May: Herds move towards Central Serengeti – Green season with fewer tourists.
🔹 June – July: River crossings begin as herds head north – Western Serengeti & Grumeti River crossings.
🔹 August – October: Dramatic Mara River crossings – Best seen in Northern Serengeti.
🔹 November – December: Herds return south as short rains begin – Best in Central & Eastern Serengeti.
For the best experience, timing your safari based on the migration’s movement ensures breathtaking wildlife encounters! 🦓🐃🌿
Tanzania Great Migration – Best Time to Visit
The Great Migration in Tanzania is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet, involving over 1.5 million wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of zebras, and various antelope species as they traverse the vast Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water. This incredible natural phenomenon is a continuous, year-round cycle influenced by seasonal rains and predator movements.
If you want to experience the migration at its peak, it’s essential to understand the different stages of movement throughout the year. Here’s a month-by-month guide on when and where to witness this awe-inspiring journey:
January – March: Calving Season (Southern Serengeti & Ndutu Plains)
🔹 Best For: Witnessing thousands of newborn calves & intense predator action
🔹 Location: Ndutu Plains & Southern Serengeti
🔹 Weather: Warm & dry
During this time, the herds settle in the Ndutu region, located between the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Southern Serengeti. This is the prime calving season, where nearly 500,000 wildebeest calves are born within a span of 2–3 weeks. This abundance of vulnerable young animals attracts numerous predators, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas, making it an exciting time for dramatic predator-prey interactions.
April – May: Green Season & Migration Begins (Moving Towards Central Serengeti)
🔹 Best For: Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and budget-friendly safaris
🔹 Location: Central Serengeti
🔹 Weather: Rainy, green, and fewer tourists
As the long rains begin, the wildebeest herds start moving northward toward the Central Serengeti. Although the migration is in motion, this is considered the low season for tourism, making it an excellent time for quieter game drives, discounted lodges, and stunning green landscapes.
While some roads may become muddy, safaris during this time offer fantastic game viewing opportunities, especially for those who prefer a more private and intimate safari experience.
June – July: Grumeti River Crossings & Northern Migration
🔹 Best For: Dramatic River crossings & large herd movements
🔹 Location: Western Corridor & Grumeti River, moving north
🔹 Weather: Cooler temperatures, start of dry season
By June, the herds gather in the Western Serengeti, preparing to cross the Grumeti River. This is the first major river crossing of the migration, where crocodile-infested waters pose a deadly challenge for the herds.
As July approaches, the herds continue moving northwards toward the Mara River, signaling the start of one of the most thrilling and iconic migration moments.
August – October: Mara River Crossings (Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara)
🔹 Best For: Witnessing the most intense river crossings & predator action
🔹 Location: Northern Serengeti (Mara River) & Masai Mara (Kenya)
🔹 Weather: Dry season, peak safari season
This is the most dramatic and famous period of the Great Migration. As herds reach the Mara River, they must cross dangerous waters filled with massive Nile crocodiles, making for heart-pounding moments. Many wildebeests don’t survive, either falling prey to predators or getting swept away by the strong currents.
The Mara River crossings occur multiple times during this period, depending on rainfall and grazing availability. The herds move back and forth between Northern Serengeti (Tanzania) and Masai Mara (Kenya) in search of better pastures.
Safari-goers during this time witness some of the most breathtaking scenes in nature, as the chaotic river crossings provide unforgettable photo opportunities.
November – December: Return to Southern Serengeti
🔹 Best For: Seeing the herds spread across the plains before calving season
🔹 Location: Central & Eastern Serengeti, moving toward Ndutu
🔹 Weather: Short rains, fresh grazing lands
With the arrival of short rains in November, the herds begin their long journey back south to the Ndutu Plains. This time of year, offers beautiful green landscapes, fewer tourists, and great wildlife sightings as the cycle of the Great Migration continues.
By December, the herds settle in the Southern Serengeti, preparing for another calving season, and the migration cycle starts all over again.
Best Time to Witness the Great Migration – Quick Summary
| Month | Migration Phase | Best Location | Highlights |
| Jan – Mar | Calving Season | Ndutu Plains & Southern Serengeti | Thousands of baby wildebeest, predator action |
| Apr – May | Migration Begins | Central Serengeti | Green season, fewer crowds |
| Jun – Jul | Grumeti River Crossings | Western Serengeti & Grumeti | Dramatic river crossings, start of dry season |
| Aug – Oct | Mara River Crossings | Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara | Most intense river crossings, peak safari season |
| Nov – Dec | Return South | Central & Eastern Serengeti | Short rains, scenic landscapes |
Final Thoughts
Tanzania’s Great Migration is a year-round spectacle, offering unique experiences in every season. Whether you want to witness the thrilling river crossings, the miracle of new life during calving season, or enjoy serene landscapes during the quieter months, there is always an unforgettable moment to experience.
Contact Hazzes Adventure [email protected],to maximize your safari experience, plan your trip based on the specific migration phase you want to see. Whether you’re a photographer, wildlife enthusiast, or first-time safari-goer, the Great Migration in Tanzania is truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! 🦓🦁🌿
Would you like recommendations on the best lodges and camps during specific migration periods? 😊