Serengeti Migration Calendar

January – March: Calving Season

• Location: Southern Serengeti, Ndutu Region, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Highlights: This period marks the calving season, with over 500,000 calves born within a few weeks. The abundance of newborns attracts numerous predators, offering dramatic scenes of predator-prey interactions. The lush plains provide ample grazing for the herds.

April – May: The Long Rains

• Location: Moving from the Southern to Central Serengeti
• Highlights: As the rains begin, the herds start to move northward. The landscape transforms into a verdant paradise, making it a beautiful time for photography. However, travel can be challenging due to muddy conditions.

June – July: Grumeti River Crossing

• Location: Western Corridor and Grumeti Reserve
• Highlights: The herds face the first major obstacle—the Grumeti River. This period is characterized by dramatic river crossings, where wildebeest brave crocodile-infested waters. It’s a thrilling time for observers.

August – September: Mara River Crossing

• Location: Northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara (Kenya)
• Highlights: One of the most famous and perilous stages of the migration, the Mara River crossing involves huge herds plunging into the river, facing strong currents and predators. This event is a bucket-list experience for many safari-goers.

October – November: Northern Serengeti to Eastern Serengeti

• Location: Northern Serengeti to Eastern Serengeti and Loliondo
• Highlights: After crossing the Mara River, the herds move back towards the Serengeti. This period is less chaotic but offers excellent game viewing opportunities as the herds spread out and graze.

December: Return to Southern Serengeti

• Location: Southern Serengeti, Ndutu Region
• Highlights: The herds complete their cycle, returning to the southern plains as the short rains begin. This time sets the stage for the next calving season, with lush green pastures and a high concentration of wildlife.