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Here is a month-by-month breakdown of the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania and Kenya including where to be at each stage for the best wildlife viewing. This guide will help you plan your safari at the right time and place to witness this natural wonder.
Great Wildebeest Migration Calendar: Month-by-Month Guide
Main Regions Involved:
- Southern Serengeti (Ndutu and Kusini) – Tanzania
- Central & Western Serengeti – Tanzania
- Northern Serengeti – Tanzania
- Maasai Mara – Kenya
January – March: Calving Season
- Location: Ndutu Plains (Southern Serengeti & Ngorongoro Conservation Area)
- Highlights:
- Over 500,000 calves are born in 2–3 weeks (February peak)
- Excellent predator action – lions, cheetahs, hyenas
- Best For: Calving, photography, predator-prey drama
- Where to Stay: Ndutu area, Kusini, southern Serengeti camps
April – May: Green Season & Slow March
- Location: Moving northwest through Southern to Central Serengeti
- Highlights:
- Herds begin migrating slowly toward Western Corridor
- Lush landscapes and fewer tourists
- Best For: Peaceful safari experience, birding, photography
- Note: It is the rainy season some roads may be muddy
- Where to Stay: Moru Kopjes, Central Serengeti, Seronera
June: Grumeti River Crossings Begin
- Location: Western Serengeti (Grumeti Reserve and Western Corridor)
- Highlights:
- First river crossings begin (Grumeti River – fewer but dramatic)
- Crocodiles lie in wait for crossing wildebeest
- Best For: Early river crossing action without big crowds
- Where to Stay: Grumeti Reserve, Kirawira, Western Corridor
July – August: Mara River Crossings (Peak Drama)
- Location: Northern Serengeti (Kogatende and Lamai) into Kenya’s Maasai Mara
- Highlights:
- Most dramatic river crossings at the Mara River
- Thousands of wildebeest leap into crocodile-filled waters
- Best For: Iconic river crossings, dramatic predator scenes
- Where to Stay: Kogatende, Lamai (Tanzania side) or Maasai Mara (Kenya)
September – October: Northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara
- Location: Border region of Northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara
- Highlights:
- Herds split between Tanzania and Kenya
- Daily crossings still occur, but smaller and more scattered
- Best For: Flexibility to see herds in either country
- Where to Stay: Still Kogatende or Mara River camps
November – December: Return South
- Location: Southward movement into Eastern and Southern Serengeti
- Highlights:
- Herds begin their journey back to Ndutu
- Scenic short rains begin, new grass starts growing
- Best For: Quieter season, great light for photography
- Where to Stay: Central and Southern Serengeti
Summary: Where to Be and When
| Month | Location | What to Expect |
| Jan–Mar | Southern Serengeti (Ndutu) | Calving, predators, newborns |
| Apr–May | Central to Western Serengeti | Migration starts, green season |
| Jun | Western Serengeti | Grumeti River crossings |
| Jul–Aug | Northern Serengeti and Mara | Peak Mara River crossings |
| Sep–Oct | Northern Serengeti and Mara | Mixed herds, scattered crossings |
| Nov–Dec | Eastern to Southern Serengeti | Return migration, lush plains |