Vion Africa Travel
Wildebeest plunging down a steep, dusty riverbank into a muddy river, sending up spray

Serengeti Ecosystem

The Great Migration

Migration Overview

A Year-Round Cycle Across the Serengeti Ecosystem

The Great Migration is the year-round movement of wildebeest, zebra and other grazing animals through the wider Serengeti ecosystem. The herds move mainly in response to rainfall, water and fresh grazing, following a broad annual cycle rather than a fixed route or timetable.

Much of that cycle takes place in Tanzania, from the southern plains to the western and northern Serengeti, and for part of the year it can extend across the border into Kenya's Maasai Mara. Timing varies between years, so it helps to know the general pattern when choosing your travel dates.

The seasonal pattern below is planning guidance, not live herd tracking. Wildlife movements vary from year to year with rainfall and local conditions.

A vast herd of wildebeest spread across golden grassland, with zebras and a gazelle in the foreground
Wildebeest with a young calf standing on green grassland
Wildebeest crowding a steep riverbank and crossing a river

When & Where

The Great Migration Through the Year

Choose your travel month or a seasonal phase to see where the herds are typically found in Tanzania. Dates are approximate, and the phases overlap because the herds move gradually rather than on a fixed date.

When are you planning to travel?

Or explore the five seasonal phases

Phase 1 of 5

Southern Plains & Calving

Southern Serengeti & Ndutu / Ngorongoro short-grass plains

What happens

With the return of the rains, the herds gather across the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Calving generally takes place from January to March, with the main concentration around February.

Safari experience

This season is known for large herds spread across open plains, newborn calves and increased predator activity around the grazing areas. Wildlife movements still depend on rainfall and local conditions.

Where Vion guides will take you

Our guides will take you through the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu area, the main locations for exploring the calving grounds and the surrounding short-grass plains.

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Illustrative seasonal pattern, not live herd tracking. Movement varies each year with rainfall and local conditions.

  • Seasonal area (numbers match the phases)
  • Selected phase
  • Illustrative annual cycle

Good to Know

Great Migration FAQ

What is the Great Migration?

The Great Migration is the year-round movement of wildebeest, zebra and other grazing animals through the Serengeti ecosystem. Their movement follows changing rainfall, water and fresh grazing, so exact timing varies from year to year.

When is the best time to see the Great Migration in Tanzania?

There is no single best month. December to March focuses on the southern plains and calving, May to July on the western movement and breeding season, and August to October often brings large herds into northern Serengeti. The best time depends on the Migration experience you want to focus on.

Are Mara River crossings guaranteed?

No. Mara River crossings may occur while the herds are in northern Serengeti, often between August and October, but the timing and location are unpredictable. Some herds may remain on the Tanzanian side or move between different areas without crossing when you are there.

When is the Great Migration calving season?

The herds generally gather across the southern Serengeti and Ndutu/Ngorongoro short-grass plains from December into March. Calving usually takes place from January to March, with the main concentration around February.

Where will Vion guides take me during the Migration?

It depends on the season. Our guides may take you through the southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains, Central Serengeti, the Western Corridor, Northern Serengeti around Kogatende and Lamai, or eastern and central areas as the herds begin returning south.

How early should I plan a Great Migration Safari?

Planning early is recommended if your travel dates are fixed, particularly during popular calving and northern Serengeti periods when preferred camps and lodges can have limited availability.

Still have questions? Read our full FAQ or contact our team.

Explore With Vion

Safaris for the Migration Season

These Safaris include time in Serengeti National Park, where much of the Great Migration takes place. Our team can adjust any itinerary around your travel dates.

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Plan Your Safari

Plan Your Safari Around the Migration

Tell us your travel dates and what you would most like to experience, from the calving season to the northern Serengeti, and our team will help plan a Safari around where the herds are typically found at that time of year.

Lets's Plan Your Migration Safari