The Great Migration in Tanzania | When and Where to See It
The Great Migration in Tanzania is one of the most breathtaking wildlife spectacles on Earth — a timeless rhythm of life, movement, and survival that defines the East African savanna. Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of zebras, and antelopes embark on an epic circular journey across the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water. Following ancient instincts, they traverse rivers teeming with crocodiles, endure predators on the prowl, and move in harmony with the changing seasons.
To witness this grand parade of life is to experience Africa at its most raw and magnificent. But to catch it at the right time and place requires a little understanding of nature’s calendar.
Understanding the Great Migration
The Great Migration is a year-round phenomenon, not a single event. The herds move continuously through Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Masai Mara, following seasonal rainfall and the growth of new grass. Though their movements vary slightly each year depending on weather patterns, their general route remains remarkably predictable.
Tanzania hosts the majority of the migration — roughly 80% of its cycle — making it the best country to witness every stage of this extraordinary journey, from calving to crossings.
December to March – Calving Season in Southern Serengeti
From late December to early March, the herds gather in the Ndutu Plains of the southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is the season of new beginnings, when around 500,000 calves are born within a few weeks.
The lush short-grass plains offer rich nutrition for nursing mothers and open visibility that helps protect newborns from predators. Yet, it’s also a time of high drama — lions, cheetahs, and hyenas take full advantage of the abundance of prey, offering photographers some of the most thrilling predator-prey scenes imaginable.
Best Places to Stay: Ndutu Safari Lodge, Lake Masek Tented Camp, Lemala Ndutu Tented Camp
April to June – The Long March North
As the rains fade, the herds begin their slow, majestic movement northwest toward the Grumeti River. This leg of the journey stretches through the central and western Serengeti, where woodlands and grassy plains create breathtaking landscapes.
The herds can stretch for miles, creating what looks like a moving ocean of life — an awe-inspiring sight best viewed from the air or during guided drives. The Grumeti River crossings in May and June are the prelude to the famous Mara crossings, featuring powerful crocodiles and tense encounters at the water’s edge.
Best Places to Stay: Kirawira Serena Camp, Singita Grumeti, Mbalageti Serengeti Lodge
July to October – River Crossings in Northern Serengeti
This is the pinnacle of the migration and one of the most dramatic wildlife events in the world. Between July and October, the herds reach the Mara River in northern Serengeti — their final major obstacle before crossing into Kenya’s Masai Mara.
Thousands of wildebeest plunge into the river’s raging currents, some making it across safely, others falling to crocodiles or exhaustion. The air is charged with tension, the roar of hooves and splashes echoing across the plains. It’s a spectacle of courage, instinct, and survival that leaves every visitor spellbound.
Even after the initial crossings, herds continue to move back and forth between the Serengeti and Masai Mara, creating endless photographic opportunities.
Best Places to Stay: Sayari Camp, Lemala Kuria Hills, andBeyond Kichakani Serengeti Camp
November – The Return South
As short rains begin to fall, the herds turn southward once again, retracing their steps toward the Seronera Valley and Ndutu Plains. This period marks the quiet return — the landscape is fresh and green, the predators have followed, and the circle of life begins anew.
For travelers seeking fewer crowds and softer light for photography, November is a peaceful yet rewarding time to visit.
Best Places to Stay: Serengeti Serena Lodge, Dunia Camp, Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Why Tanzania is the Best Place to Witness the Migration
While the Great Migration crosses into Kenya for a few months each year, Tanzania offers the longest and most diverse experience — from birthing and nurturing in the south to migration crossings in the north. The Serengeti’s vastness ensures you’re never far from action, while its variety of luxury camps and mobile safaris lets you follow the herds comfortably and sustainably.
Tanzania’s national park network also makes it easy to combine the migration with other destinations like Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, or Tarangire National Park, creating a rich and unforgettable safari circuit.
A Natural Wonder That Inspires the Soul
The Great Migration is more than just movement — it’s Africa’s heartbeat, a living symbol of endurance and renewal. To watch it unfold in Tanzania is to feel the pulse of the wild, to witness nature’s power and poetry united in motion.
Every sighting — from a calf’s first steps to a lion’s silent hunt — reminds us that we are guests in an ancient cycle that has played out for millennia.
