Ultimate Guide to Serengeti Safari: When to Visit for the Great Migration
Witness nature’s greatest spectacle with insider tips from safari experts
The Great Migration in the Serengeti is arguably the most spectacular wildlife phenomenon on Earth. Every year, over 2 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, embark on a circular journey covering 1,800 miles across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.
Planning the perfect safari to witness this natural wonder requires careful timing, strategic location choices, and insider knowledge. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share everything you need to know to experience the Great Migration at its most dramatic moments, based on decades of safari expertise and firsthand observations.
The Great Migration: Over 2 million animals migrate from the Serengeti plains to the Maasai Mara, Kenya, annually.
Best Time to Visit: Month-by-Month Breakdown
The timing of your Serengeti safari can make the difference between witnessing thousands of animals or vast empty plains. The migration follows ancient rainfall patterns, but climate variations mean exact timing can shift by several weeks year to year.
Peak Season (July - September)
This is when the herds are in the northern Serengeti and crossing the Mara River. The dramatic river crossings, where wildebeest brave crocodile-infested waters, occur primarily during these months. However, expect higher prices and larger crowds.
💡 Pro Tip
The best river crossing viewing spots are at Kogatende and Lamai Wedge. Book accommodations in these areas 6-8 months in advance for peak season.
Shoulder Seasons (April-June & October-December)
These periods offer excellent value with fewer tourists and unique migration phases. April-June features the dramatic calving season in the southern Serengeti, while October-December shows the herds moving south again.
The timing of your Serengeti safari can make the difference between witnessing thousands of animals or vast empty plains. The migration follows ancient rainfall patterns, but climate variations mean exact timing can shift by several weeks year to year.
📊 The Great Migration Calendar
Month | Location | Highlights | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|
Jan - Mar | Southern Serengeti | Calving Season, 400,000 calves born | Medium |
Apr - Jun | Central Serengeti | Predator Activity Peaks, Green Landscapes | Low |
Jul - Sep | Northern Serengeti | Dramatic River Crossings | High |
Oct - Dec | Eastern Serengeti | Return Journey of the wildebeest from Maasai Mara to Serengeti | Medium |
“The migration is not just about numbers, it’s about witnessing one of Earth’s last great natural phenomena that has remained unchanged for millennia. Every crossing, every interaction between predator and prey, tells the story of survival itself.”
— Dr. Michael Kaelo, Wildlife Researcher
🏕️ Where to Stay: Strategic Accommodation Choices
Your accommodation choice can dramatically impact your migration viewing opportunities. Mobile camps that follow the herds offer the best positioning, while permanent lodges provide consistency and luxury.
