Best Time to See the Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania

The Great Migration is not an event; it is a permanent, rotating river of two million animals. The only question is where the herds are when you arrive.

January–March: Calving Season (Southern Serengeti)

Half a million calves are born on the short-grass plains near Ndutu — up to 8,000 a day in the February peak. Predator action is the most intense of the year, and lodges cost less than in crossing season. Our quiet favourite.

April–May: The Long Rains

The herds push north-west through green, empty parkland. Some camps close; prices drop sharply. For photographers who tolerate showers, it is dramatic and crowd-free.

June–July: The Western Corridor

The first great obstacle: the crocodile-filled Grumeti River. Columns mass and cross in chaotic surges.

July–October: Mara River Crossings (Northern Serengeti)

The images you know — thousands plunging down dust-cliff banks into crocodile water. Patience is everything: a crossing can take minutes or days to trigger. This is peak season; the best camps sell out a year ahead. The herds straddle the Kenya border, so many guests pair this with the Masai Mara.

November–December: The Return South

Short rains pull the herds back to the southern plains to begin again.

Booking Strategy

Decide crossing season vs calving season first — everything else follows. Our Tanzania guide covers the parks, and the planning guide covers budgets and routing. Enquire with your month and we will tell you exactly where the herds will be.