Exploring the Wonders of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro in Tanzania
Best Time to Visit Tanzania
Over 1,500,000 wildebeest, plus hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, move in a continuous loop between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara, tracking fresh pastures and seasonal rains. The most dramatic spectacles include the calving season in Ndutu (southern Serengeti) and river crossings in the Grumeti and Mara systems. Timing varies by year based on rainfall, grass quality, and herd decisions—precision planning beats fixed-date assumptions
The loop typically flows from southern Serengeti (Jan–Mar) up through central and western corridors (Apr–Jun), into the northern Serengeti/Mara (Jul–Oct), and back south (Nov–Dec). River crossings on the Grumeti (usually around Jun) and Mara (usually Jul–Sep) are the high-risk chapters where currents and crocodiles test the herds, and patience pays off for observers.
Live trackers and sightings confirm that each year brings surprises—early rains can trigger premature movements, and localized conditions shift herd density. Following current updates is the most reliable way to align your safari with specific events.
Month-by-month guide and where to go
January–February: Calving season, Ndutu/Southern Serengeti
- Highlights: Mass calving on nutrient-rich short-grass plains; intense predator action in morning/evening.
- Base: Ndutu, Kusini, and southern Serengeti mobile camps.
- Plan tip: Short-grass plains can be muddy—select vehicles and camps with excellent off-road capability.
- Expect variability: Calving peaks depend on grazing and rains; watching current field notes improves success.
March: Southern to central Serengeti transition
- Highlights: Large nursery herds; frequent movement as grass depletes.
- Base: Ndutu/Naabi Hill to central Serengeti (Seronera).
- Plan tip: Combine predator tracking with wide-angle herd scenes.
April–May: Central and western corridor build-up
- Highlights: Herds push northwest as the long rains feed grass.
- Base: Seronera to Western Corridor (Grumeti).
- Plan tip: Rain can affect roads—choose camps with flexible game-drive routing and consider extended stays.
June: Grumeti River crossings
- Highlights: First major river-testing chapter in the Western Corridor.
- Base: Grumeti Reserve/Western Corridor camps.
- Plan tip: Crossings are unpredictable; spend multiple days near crossing points and remain patient.
July–September: Mara River crossings, Northern Serengeti/Masai Mara
- Highlights: The most iconic crossings in Kogatende/Lamai and the Mara Triangle; explosive herd surges and re-crossings.
- Base: Northern Serengeti (Kogatende, Lamai), Masai Mara (Triangle, Musiara).
- Plan tip: Book early and stay close to the river; be ready to wait through midday lulls and sudden afternoon rushes.
October: Late crossings and northern residency
- Highlights: Herds straddle the border areas; smaller crossings and lingering concentrations.
- Base: Lamai/Kogatende and adjacent Mara zones.
- Plan tip: Excellent for fewer crowds and long-lens photography.
November–December: Southbound return
- Highlights: Herds drift south with short rains, re-filling central/southern plains.
- Base: Central Serengeti down to Ndutu.
- Plan tip: Agile itineraries help you intercept the southbound waves as conditions shift
- Live migration trackers: Real-time maps and sightings offer current positions in Serengeti and Masai Mara, with frequent updates that reflect the day-to-day movements and weather-driven behavior.
- Recent sightings reports: Seasonal roundups highlight calving timing, early surges, and notable crossings—use them to tune your dates and camp selection. Year-to-year unpredictability means trackers are essential to avoid “just missed it” trips
If you want calving action (Jan–Feb)
- Choose: Ndutu/southern plains; two game drives daily.
- Allocate: 4–6 nights.
- Gear: Fast prime/zoom lenses for predation and low light.
If you want river crossings (Jul–Sep)
- Choose: Northern Serengeti (Lamai, Kogatende) or Mara Triangle.
- Allocate: 5–7 nights near crossing points; add buffer days.
- Mindset: Crossings are not guaranteed—patience wins. Currents and crocodiles make this the most dramatic chapter.
If you want fewer crowds
- Choose: Shoulder months (Oct, Mar).
- Allocate: 4–5 nights with flexible routing.
Camps, logistics, and timing tips
- Mobile vs. permanent camps: Mobile camps shadow the herds; permanent lodges offer comfort and fixed access. Mix both to hedge against movement.
- Vehicle strategy: Prioritize camps with skilled guiding, radios, and river proximity in Jul–Sep, and excellent off-road access in Jan–Feb.
- Book windows: River-crossing season sells out 9–12 months in advance; calving needs weather-aware flexibility.
- Ethics and safety: Keep distance at crossings; respect ranger instructions and do not pressure herds.