I'm Milly, East Africa travel Expert at Go Africa Tours.
As a safari travel planner , some of the most common questions I get are:
“When is the best time to see the Great Migration? Is it better in the Masai Mara or Serengeti / Will I see the River Crossing?”

These question deserve nuanced answers. The Great migration is a year-round ecological cycle. Understanding it allows you to design exceptional safaris. If, like me you like digest information better on a chart or table, the below overview is perfect for you. The below table explains this cyle in a nutshell. If you prefer longer, more comprehensive explationation (still have a look at the table), but then proceed further.  

Month Location / Region Migration Stage Wildlife Highlights Crowds & Safari Experience Photography / Key Moments Travel Advice
Jan–Feb Southern Serengeti & Ndutu Calving Season Over 500,000 calves born; lions, cheetahs, hyenas highly active Low crowds; dispersed wildlife; open plains Newborn calves walking, predator-prey behavior, expansive green landscapes Best for photographers, repeat travelers; immersive behavior-focused safari
Mar–Apr Central Serengeti Transition Herds start moving north and west; lush green plains; predators dispersed Moderate crowds; quieter than peak season Herd movement, predator-prey interactions, flowering plains Underrated period; perfect for mobile safaris and storytelling photography
May–Jun Western Corridor (Grumeti River) First River Challenges Early river crossings; predators track herds; smaller, dispersed groups Low to moderate crowds Small crossing clusters, dramatic light, predator activity Ideal for exclusivity; early preview of migration before Mara
May–Jun Northern Serengeti – Masai Mara Ecosystem Migration in Motion Herds test tributaries and pools; predators follow closely Less crowded than Mara peak; intimate encounters Early river-crossing action, mother-calf behavior, predator strategy Multi-night stays increase chance of witnessing crossings; immersive safari
Jul–Sep Masai Mara & Northern Serengeti Peak Mara Crossings Herds concentrated at rivers; iconic Mara River crossings; predators abundant Higher crowds at prime crossings; Northern Serengeti quieter Dust clouds, panoramic herds, predator-prey drama Multi-night stays essential; combine Mara & Northern Serengeti for best chance at crossings
Oct–Nov Northern Serengeti Southbound Return Herds drift south; occasional late crossings; predators active Moderate crowds; quieter than peak Soft light, expansive plains, predator-prey action Favored by photographers seeking atmosphere; more relaxed safari
Dec Southern Serengeti / Ndutu Cycle Resets Herds move south with short rains; calving preparations begin Low crowds Pre-calving behavior, lush landscapes Excellent for planning early-season safaris; prepares for next calving cycle

The Engine Behind the Migration: Rain, Grass & Survival

  • Migration is driven by rainfall and nutrient-rich grass.

  • Wildebeest track protein, calcium, and phosphorus, essential for lactation and calf survival.

  • Southern Serengeti & Ndutu are calving grounds due to nutrient-rich volcanic soils.

The Great Migration Month by Month


January–February: Calving Season (Southern Serengeti & Ndutu)

  • What’s happening: 500,000 wildebeest calves are born in a 2–3 week window. This synchronized birthing overwhelms predators, increasing survival chances.

  • Remarkable adaptation: Calves are on their feet within 3–7 minutes and walking confidently within 15–30 minutes to evade predators.

  • Predator dynamics: Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals are active but spread across vast plains, not concentrated at bottlenecks.

  • Bottleneck vs open-plain movement: Calving season has no choke points, making wildlife encounters continuous, immersive, and less crowded.

  • Photography highlights: Open plains, clear sightlines, predator-prey interactions, mother-calf behavior, and dramatic green landscapes.

  • Advisor insight: Fewer vehicles and constant wildlife action make this period ideal for repeat safari travelers, photographers, and those seeking behavior-focused experiences.

March–April: The Transition (Central Serengeti)

  • What’s happening: Herds move north and west following seasonal rains. Plains are lush and green, dotted with kopjes, waterholes, and flowers.

  • Wildlife insight: Herds are dispersed; predators hunt naturally across the plains, creating authentic, ongoing predator-prey interactions.

  • Photography highlights: Expansive green landscapes, frequent predator encounters, dynamic herd movement, perfect for storytelling.

  • Advisor insight: Fewer vehicles, quieter viewing, and passable roads make this an underrated period for mobile safaris.

  • Best for: Photographers, repeat safari travelers, and clients who want migration in motion rather than a single spectacle.

May–June: Western Corridor & Grumeti River

  • What’s happening: Herds funnel into the Western Corridor. Early Grumeti River crossings occur at scattered tributaries and pools, smaller and less dramatic than Mara crossings.

  • Wildlife insight: Predators track herds along the corridor, creating intimate predator-prey encounters without crowds. Crocodiles are present, but crossings are moderate and educational.

  • Important distinction:

    • Less predictable: Herds may wait or cross multiple times

    • Less crowded: Few vehicles compared to Mara peak

    • More immersive: Guests can observe mother-calf interactions and herd dynamics up close

  • Photography highlights: Small herd clusters, dynamic predator interactions, dramatic light on Western Corridor plains.

  • Advisor insight: Ideal for travelers seeking exclusive, immersive experiences; early rains make road access and guide expertise important.

  • Best for: Seasoned safari travelers and repeat clients seeking privacy and high-quality wildlife observation.

May–June: Northern Serengeti–Masai Mara Ecosystem

  • What’s happening: Herds enter the Northern Serengeti–Mara ecosystem, testing riverbanks and tributaries, previewing the iconic Mara River crossings.

  • Wildlife insight: Predators follow herds, but smaller, scattered crossings allow intimate, authentic wildlife viewing without large crowds. Crocodiles are present but crossings are moderate.

  • Important distinction:

    • Less predictable: Herds pause or cross in small groups

    • Less crowded: More private than Mara peak

    • More immersive: Observe mother-calf interactions, herd movement, and predator strategy

  • Photography highlights: Early crossing action, predator-prey interactions, expansive plains with dramatic lighting.

  • Advisor insight: Multi-night stays here dramatically increase the chance of witnessing migration and allow clients to track herd movement over several days.

  • Best for: Seasoned safari travelers, repeat clients, and those seeking privacy and early-season Mara River previews.

July–September: Mara River Peak & Northern Serengeti

  • What’s happening: Dry season peaks; herds concentrate near permanent water sources. Mara River crossings occur but remain unpredictable. Northern Serengeti offers extended herd presence before and after crossings.

  • Critical advisor reality check:

    • River crossings are not daily or guaranteed

    • Camps cannot control timing; patience is required

    • Crowds are higher at prime crossing points, but planning reduces congestion

  • Masai Mara vs Northern Serengeti:

    • Masai Mara: Iconic crossings, higher herd and vehicle density

    • Northern Serengeti: Fewer vehicles, longer herd presence, quieter viewing

  • Advisor insight: Multi-night stays in the Mara maximize sightings, allow tracking herd movement, and create flexibility for photography and observation.

  • Photography highlights: Dust clouds, predator-prey action, herd panoramas, dramatic morning/evening light.

  • Best for: First-time migration viewers, photographers seeking dramatic action, and clients who want classic Mara River moments.

October–November: Southbound Return

  • What’s happening: Herds begin moving south into Northern Serengeti; occasional late crossings occur. Predator activity and dramatic light make this ideal for photography.

  • Advisor insight: Fewer crowds, softer light, and expansive plains offer immersive safari experiences for clients who value atmosphere over spectacle.

December: The Cycle Resets

  • What’s happening: Short rains pull the herds south toward Ndutu, completing the annual cycle.

Managing Expectations around River Crossings - It's highly likely but not guaranteed 

  • Many travel agent guarantee river crossing, I opt not to: It depends on herd pressure, water levels, predator presence, and weather

  • Herds normally cross during the day, but they may hesitate & turn back, or even cross at night

Are you planning your next safari, get in touch!
We'll be more than happy to assist! Reach out to us on hello@goafricatour.com