Tanzania

Month by Month Breakdown of the Migration in Tanzania

January – Calving Season Begins (Southern Serengeti & Ndutu Plains)

As the new year begins, the vast short grass plains of the Southern Serengeti and the Ndutu area (part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area) transform into one of nature’s greatest nurseries. By mid-January, the wildebeest herds have gathered here in huge numbers to prepare for calving. The grasses are lush thanks to the recent rains, providing the ideal environment for heavily pregnant females to nourish themselves and safely deliver their young.

Predators such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards lurk nearby, drawn by the easy pickings. Yet the open plains work in the wildebeests’ favor, giving them a clear view of danger. This is a prime time for dramatic predator-prey interactions and a dream period for wildlife photographers. The air is fresh, the landscape is green, and life begins in abundance.

February – Peak Calving Season (Ndutu Region & Southern Serengeti)

February is the peak of calving season, when more than 8,000 calves are born each day over a period of just 2 to 3 weeks. The spectacle is nothing short of astonishing, with tiny calves taking their first steps mere minutes after birth and quickly joining the safety of the herd.

The presence of so many young makes this a thrilling month for predator activity. Big cats, especially cheetahs, take advantage of the vulnerable newborns, resulting in heart pounding scenes of survival. For safari-goers, this is an emotional and action filled time to visit. The weather is warm, the skies are often clear, and the landscape is at its most scenic.

March – Herds Begin to Move Slowly (Ndutu to Central Serengeti)

As the grasses in the southern plains start to dry out, the herds begin gradual movement northward, though they often linger in the area depending on rainfall. This transitional phase offers a less crowded safari experience and continued predator activity, especially near waterholes and open plains where stragglers attract attention.

By late March, the wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles start to move toward the central Serengeti, marking the beginning of the migration’s northward phase. Thunderstorms may still roll in occasionally, but the landscapes remain beautiful and photogenic.

April – Northward Push Intensifies (Central Serengeti)

In April, the herds move with greater urgency. The central Serengeti, especially the Seronera Valley, becomes a hotspot for massive grazing herds. The long rains have begun, painting the savannah green and providing enough food to sustain the journey.

The muddy tracks and frequent rain may make travel slower, but this is an underrated safari season for seeing the migration without crowds. Predators follow the herds, and the open terrain offers excellent sightings. The atmosphere feels raw and untamed, with epic scenes playing out beneath dramatic stormy skies.

May – Mating Season & Western Serengeti Corridor

By May, the herds reach the Western Corridor, an area stretching along the Grumeti River. The long rains continue, but dry spells appear more frequently, and the grasses are rich. This month marks the start of the wildebeest mating season, with males becoming more aggressive and territorial.

The river crossings at Grumeti begin in late May or early June, though they are not as dramatic as those in the north. Still, large crocodiles lie in wait, and herds hesitate nervously before plunging into the water. Birdwatching is also exceptional during this time, and the landscapes are dotted with acacia woodlands and riverine forests.

June – Grumeti River Crossings (Western Corridor)

June is the prime month for Grumeti River crossings as the bulk of the migration gathers in the western Serengeti. The crossings are unpredictable but thrilling, as wildebeests plunge into crocodile infested waters in their push north. With the mating season ongoing, you’ll also see energetic chases, fights between bulls, and mating behavior in the open plains.

This is a wonderful time to visit if you want to combine action with moderate safari traffic. The weather is pleasant, the scenery still green, and wildlife is abundant, not just migratory species but resident populations as well.

July – Migration Reaches Northern Serengeti

As the dry season tightens its grip, the wildebeest herds move steadily into the northern Serengeti, especially around Kogatende and Lamai. This is where the migration builds tension, with herds accumulating along the Mara River in preparation for the most iconic part of their journey.

Although some groups have already crossed into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, many still remain in Tanzania. This is a top tier safari month, with fantastic weather, clear skies, and ideal conditions for game drives, walking safaris, and photography. Lodges and camps tend to fill up quickly, so booking early is essential.

August – Peak Mara River Crossings (Northern Serengeti)

August is peak season for the legendary Mara River crossings, and the drama reaches its highest point. Thousands of wildebeests charge down steep, dusty banks into the swirling river, often met by the jaws of crocodiles or waiting big cats on the opposite shore. Chaos reigns as some animals drown, others are taken by predators, and the majority press on relentlessly.

This is one of the most sought after experiences in all of Africa. While some herds move back and forth between Tanzania and Kenya, large numbers remain on the Tanzanian side, especially near Lamai. It’s a thrilling, emotional time to be in the Serengeti.

September – Late Crossings and Mara Grazing (Northern Serengeti)

In September, the herds continue to cross back and forth across the Mara River as they follow the patchy rains and chase fresh grazing. Predator activity remains intense, with lions and leopards often staking out strategic spots near riverbanks or grassland corridors.

While the drama of August may have peaked, September still offers plenty of river action, epic herds, and excellent weather. It’s a great month for travelers looking for excitement without the peak season crowds. The air is dry, the grass is short, and wildlife is everywhere.

October – Beginning of the Return Journey (Northern & Central Serengeti)

By October, the rains in Kenya begin to fade, and the herds slowly begin their return southward. The movement is less dramatic but equally essential, with large groups stretching across the northern and central Serengeti. Calves born earlier in the year are now sturdy juveniles, and the herds seem calmer, focused on grazing and building strength for the journey ahead.

The weather remains favorable, with warm days and cool nights. This is a good time for travelers who want to witness the migration in a more peaceful, introspective phase, before the chaos of calving begins again.

November – Short Rains & Rapid Southward Movement

The short rains arrive, and the landscape quickly responds. The wildebeests pick up speed, covering great distances each day as they make their way toward the Ndutu plains and southern Serengeti. The herds are less concentrated but still impressive in size, and their movement makes for exciting sightings as they pass through transitional areas like Lobo and Moru Kopjes.

This is a shoulder season, with fewer tourists and the return of green grass. The first signs of the new calving season are on the horizon, and the ecosystem begins to buzz with life once more.

December – Arrival in Ndutu & Southern Serengeti

By mid-December, the herds begin to settle in the Ndutu and southern Serengeti region, drawn by the lush grasses and the early stages of the long calving season. Pregnant females grow heavy with life, and the air becomes electric with anticipation.

Although the peak birthing hasn’t begun yet, the southern plains already host massive herds, offering classic wide angle views and exceptional predator sightings. It’s a beautiful time to visit, with blooming wildflowers, clear skies, and wildlife preparing for the cycle to begin again.