What is the Best Month to Visit Serengeti for the Great Migration?
The best month to visit Serengeti for the Great Migration depends on the experience you are looking for. If you want to witness the dramatic Mara River crossings, August and September are the top months. For the incredible calving season with predator action, January to March is ideal. With Hilltop Travel, you can plan your safari at the perfect time to enjoy this world-famous wildlife spectacle.
The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is one of the world’s most famous safari destinations, and the highlight for many travelers is the Great Migration — a natural spectacle where over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, move in search of fresh grazing lands. Witnessing this movement is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but timing is everything. So, what is the best month to visit Serengeti for the Great Migration?
January – March: Calving Season in Southern Serengeti
From January to March, the wildebeest settle in the Southern Serengeti and the Ndutu plains. This is calving season, where nearly half a million calves are born within weeks. It’s an excellent time to witness dramatic predator-prey interactions, as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are on the hunt. Travelers who love raw wildlife action and lush green landscapes will find this period fascinating.
April – May: Migration on the Move
During April and May, the herds start moving northwest toward the central Serengeti. This is the low season, which means fewer tourists and more affordable safari options. The rains make the park greener and more scenic, though some roads can be muddy. For those seeking fewer crowds and great photography opportunities, this period is ideal.
June – July: Grumeti River Crossings
By June, the wildebeest reach the Western Corridor, where they face the first major challenge — crossing the crocodile-infested Grumeti River. July marks the start of one of the most thrilling migration moments. If you want to see dramatic river crossings with fewer crowds than in the north, June and July are excellent months to visit.
August – September: Mara River Crossings in Northern Serengeti
August and September are considered the best months to visit the Serengeti for the Great Migration. The herds reach the northern Serengeti and attempt the dangerous Mara River crossings into Kenya’s Masai Mara. This period offers the most spectacular scenes — thousands of wildebeest plunging into crocodile-filled waters while predators wait nearby. For travelers seeking the most iconic migration experience, this is the time to go.
October – November: Return to the South
By October and November, the herds begin their journey back south toward the Serengeti plains. While the dramatic river crossings are mostly over, travelers still enjoy large herds spread across the landscape. This period offers great game viewing with fewer tourists compared to peak season.
December: The Cycle Continues
In December, the migration arrives back in the Southern Serengeti. The herds prepare for calving season again, and the cycle continues. This is a great time for travelers who want to experience the Serengeti with fewer crowds while still seeing plenty of wildlife.
Final Thoughts
So, what is the best month to visit Serengeti for the Great Migration? It depends on which stage of the migration you want to experience. For the dramatic Mara River crossings, August and September are unbeatable. For calving season and predator action, January to March is ideal. Each season offers something unique, and with Hilltop Travel’s expert planning, you can time your safari perfectly to witness the Great Migration in all its glory.
