When To Go On Your Great Migration Safari | Worst/Best Time
When To Go On Your Great Migration Safari | Worst/Best Time (A Month by Month Guide). To observe the remarkable wildebeest migration, one must consider the best timing for this event. The wildebeest migration in Kenya and Tanzania occurs annually, hence it is possible to witness the migration at any time throughout the year. During the migration, various behaviours and events occur as they traverse from Serengeti South to Serengeti North and ultimately to Masai Mara, Kenya.
When To Go On Your Great Migration Safari is contingent upon your specific interests. Many individuals appreciate the renowned wildebeest crossings in Serengeti North and Masai Mara, while others favour the wildebeest calving in Ndutu and Serengeti South.
The best time to witness the Great Migration is generally July to October, when herds cross the Mara River in Kenya. The peak spectacle, including dramatic river crossings, occurs between late July and September. For calving season (less crowded), January to February in Southern Serengeti is ideal.
When To Go On Your Great Migration Safari
We will provide guidance on the best time for wildebeest migration in Kenya and Tanzania. The following Month-to-Month Wildebeest Guide, utilising our Wildebeest Migration Map, illustrates the movement of wildebeests throughout seasons and months. We possess an additional guide that delineates a month-by-month overview of wildebeest migration, spanning from January to December, detailing their activities, movements, and optimal viewing locations for each month.
- July – October (Peak): Herds are in the Masai Mara (Kenya) and Northern Serengeti (Tanzania). July–August is best for Mara River crossings.
- January – March (Calving): The herds are in the Southern Serengeti/Ndutu area of Tanzania. This is optimal for viewing predator action.
- June – July (Western Corridor): The migration moves through the Western Corridor, featuring the Grumeti River crossing.
- November – December (Return Journey): The herds move south from Kenya back into the Serengeti, driven by short rains.
January To March: Wildebeest Calving in Ndutu
The optimal period for wildebeest migration calving season occurs from January to March. The wildebeest calving occurs in the Ndutu Conservation Area and the southern Serengeti. Following a spectacle of wildebeest in the Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara, they arrive in Ndutu, anticipating and prepared to give birth.
Between January and March, around 500,000 wildebeest calves are born, averaging more than 8,000 calves daily. For an immersive experience in wildlife activities and big cat hunting, visit between January and March.
These months are characterised by high temperatures and aridity, yet they provide ample sustenance and hydration, creating an optimal environment for wildebeest calving. The short rains from November to December offer essential food and water, while the long rains commencing in mid-February and March also supply vital sustenance and hydration.
April to June: Wildebeest Calving in Central Serengeti
From April to June, the period is characterised by precipitation, with minimal activity except from the significant migration of wildebeests from Serengeti South and Ndutu to Central Serengeti. The movement consists of various herds traversing in distinct directions.
Upon their arrival in Central Serengeti, they often scatter and graze on the extensive grassland flora throughout the eastern and central regions of Serengeti. The optimal period for wildebeest migration in central Serengeti occurs from April to June.
Booking our wildebeest safari packages during these months ensures numerous sightings of wildebeests and zebras traversing safari camps and lodges, as well as grazing on the grasslands in the Seronera, Moru Hills, and Rongai Regions of Serengeti.
July to October: Wildebeest Migration and Crossings in North Serengeti
This period marks the pinnacle and most captivating months of the big wildebeest migration in both the Serengeti and Masai Mara. During this season, millions of wildebeests inhabit the Serengeti and Masai Mara. The period from July to October provides an optimal environment for wildebeests to mate and conceive; thereafter, upon their arrival in Ndutu, they will give birth to robust offspring.
The optimal period for wildebeest migration and crossings occurs in the Masai Mara, Kenya, and the Serengeti, Tanzania. The excitement and significant anxiety escalate as you observe the wildebeests leaping from steep river cliffs and traversing the perilous Mara River. This is the most anticipated wildlife event of the year, as everyone eagerly awaits the wildebeest crossings.
The wildebeest migration and crossing is a much anticipated wildlife phenomenon occurring in the Masai Mara and Serengeti as they seek lush pastures and water sources.
This is the optimal period to observe the wildebeest migration and crossings in Kenya and Tanzania. It is advisable to reserve our wildebeest safaris at the earliest opportunity to get prime seating.
November to December: Wildebeest Migration Back to South Serengeti
This marks the commencement of the wildebeests’ trek southward, following a series of exhilarating events. From November to December, the wildebeests are significantly pregnant and will arrive in Ndutu in preparation for the calving season.
The brief rains commence in November and continue through December, rejuvenating the terrain in Ndutu and South Serengeti with verdant pastures and water sources. The wildebeest migration progresses rapidly throughout these months, aiming to reach the south.
The Best Wildebeest Migration Crossings Points
Wildebeest migration river crossings, primarily occurring between July and October, are most dramatic at the crocodile-filled Mara River (connecting Tanzania’s Northern Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara) and the Grumeti River. Key crossing points include the Mara Triangle, Kogatende, Sand River, and Lookout Hill, with herds following rains and fresh grazing.
Great Migration Crossing Points in Masai Mara
The wildebeests possess numerous crossing places along the Mara River, located in both the Serengeti and Masai Mara. One exists, the Kichwa Tembo Crossing Point, located within the Mara North Conservancy. There are two crossing locations within the Masai Mara National Game Reserve: the Lookout Crossing Point and the Sand River Crossing Point, along with the Serena Crossing Point.
These crossings may be inaccurate, as some exclude specific spots as previously indicated; they serve just as guidelines to highlight prominent crossing locations in Masai Mara.
Great Migration Crossing Points in Serengeti
The wildebeest crossing locations in the Serengeti are designated from 1 to 10, with points 4, 7, and 10 being the most frequented by wildebeests.
The wildebeests migrating from location 10 in the Serengeti ultimately cross at the Sand River in the Masai Mara, whilst those from locations 6, 7A, 7B, and 8 in the Serengeti cross at either the Lookout or Sand River Crossing Point in the Masai Mara. The majority of those that traverse from Numbers 1 to 5 ultimately cross at Serena, Lamai Wedge into Masai Mara.
These crossings may be inaccurate, as some do not align with specific sites previously indicated; they merely serve as indicators of popular crossing locations in the Serengeti.