Great Migration is one of the most extraordinary natural spectacles on Earth, captivating wildlife and nature enthusiasts worldwide. This continuous, circular movement of over a million animals across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is a breathtaking display of survival and instinct. Massive herds of wildebeest, accompanied by zebras, topi, and gazelles, traverse ancient routes in search of fresh grazing and water. The journey begins in the southern Serengeti of Tanzania, near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where the wildebeest give birth to their calves.
The Great Migration is the largest movement of animals on the planet, with herds so dense—up to 1,000 animals per square kilometer—that they can be seen from space. This awe-inspiring event involves over 1.2 million wildebeest, 300,000 zebras, and numerous other antelope species, all driven by the need to find nutritious grass and water. Each wildebeest travels an astonishing 800 to 1,000 kilometers during the migration, guided by ancient instincts. The journey is a relentless test of survival, as predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, and crocodiles ensure that only the fittest survive. This natural phenomenon is often referred to as “the greatest show on Earth.”
The migration route begins in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in southern Tanzania, though the herds do not enter the crater itself. From there, they move northward through the Serengeti, cross into Kenya’s Masai Mara, and eventually circle back. The journey is fraught with peril: young calves fall prey to predators, the slowest are hunted by lion prides, steep riverbanks claim the lives of brave individuals, crocodiles lie in wait for stragglers, and the weak or exhausted often drown during river crossings. Despite these challenges, the Great Migration remains a powerful testament to the resilience and beauty of the natural world.
Each year around January, the Great Migration reaches the final stages of its southward journey, moving along the eastern edge of the Serengeti and into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This region is renowned for its nutrient-rich plains, offering the herds ideal conditions for nurturing their newborn calves.
While the migration is a continuous cycle with no true beginning or end—other than the natural cycle of life and death—the calving season is often considered the starting point of this incredible journey. By late January or February, the herds gather on the short-grass plains that stretch across the lower northern slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater highlands and around Olduvai Gorge. During this time, an astonishing 400,000 wildebeest calves are born within just two to three weeks, averaging nearly 8,000 newborns every day.
The arrival of so many vulnerable calves attracts predators, who take full advantage of the abundance of prey. Lions, cheetahs, and other big cats are frequently seen hunting, creating dramatic scenes of survival. For those eager to witness the calving season and the intense predator action, Asilia’s migration camps in the southern Serengeti—Olakira, Kimondo, and Ubuntu—offer prime locations with direct access to this remarkable spectacle.
After the calving season in February and March, the wildebeest herds begin their northwestward drift in April, heading toward the lush grasslands of the central Serengeti. They are joined by thousands of zebras and smaller groups of antelope, all in search of fresh grazing. By May, the migration gains momentum, with columns of wildebeest stretching for kilometers as they gather near the Moru Kopjes, close to Dunia Camp—one of the few camps in the Serengeti offering front-row seats to the migration during this time.
Toward the end of May, the wildebeest mating season, or “the rut,” begins. Male wildebeest engage in head-to-head battles for dominance, while the herds continue their leisurely journey, grazing as they move. Gradually, the migration shifts toward the Serengeti’s Western Corridor. Ubuntu Migration Camp relocates to follow the herds, providing guests with the opportunity to witness wildebeest crossings at the Grumeti River.
Though not as dramatic as the famous Mara River crossings, the Grumeti River presents its own challenges. Massive herds gather along its pools and channels, and crocodiles lie in wait for their chance to feast. May is considered low season at Ubuntu, making it an excellent time for value-driven safaris. With fewer tourists and exceptional wildlife viewing, it’s an ideal period to experience the Serengeti’s wonders.
June marks the start of the dry season, with vast concentrations of wildebeest gathering in the Western Serengeti and along the southern banks of the Grumeti River. Here, the herds face their first major obstacle: crossing the crocodile-infested river. This tense and dramatic event sets the stage for the challenges ahead.
As June transitions into July, the wildebeest and zebra continue their northward trek along the western edge of the park, heading toward an even greater test—the Mara River. These river crossings are among the most thrilling wildlife spectacles on the planet, often beginning in July as high season kicks off. However, the timing depends entirely on nature’s rhythms.
By July, the herds typically reach the Northern Serengeti, where Asilia’s mobile migration camps and the luxurious Sayari Camp offer prime viewing opportunities. Later in the month, the wildebeest that successfully cross the Mara River enter Kenya’s Masai Mara. Guests at Rekero Camp can witness daily river crossings from the camp’s main deck, with the Mara and Talek rivers serving as the backdrop for unforgettable scenes of survival and drama. This period is a highlight for any safari enthusiast, offering unparalleled access to one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events.
By August, the wildebeest herds have navigated the perilous crossings of the Mara River and are dispersed across the northern regions of the Masai Mara and the northern Serengeti. In years when the river flows strongly, the crossings are marked by chaos and confusion, with predators lurking and powerful currents claiming many lives. Even in years with gentler waters, crocodiles and predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas take a heavy toll on the herds. The crossings are unpredictable—some involve small groups of wildebeest, while others see thousands of animals surging across the river for hours on end, creating a breathtaking spectacle of survival.
As September and October arrive, the intensity of the crossings subsides, and the herds begin their gradual movement eastward. However, the wildebeest must once again confront the Mara River as they prepare to cross back into Tanzania, marking the start of their journey south.
Following the short rains of East Africa in late October and early November, the wildebeest herds begin their southward trek from Kenya into the eastern Serengeti. They move past Namiri Plains, an area renowned for its exceptional cheetah sightings, and by December, they are spread across the eastern and southern regions of the Serengeti.
As the new year approaches, the southern Serengeti’s grasses flourish with the seasonal rains, drawing the wildebeest, zebras, and other plains animals to the nutrient-rich plains. This signals the start of the calving season once again, as hundreds of thousands of wildebeest give birth to their young. The cycle of life continues, and the Great Migration begins anew, perpetuating one of nature’s most extraordinary phenomena.
Linda M / Feb 2025 • Couple
Very knowledgeable about wildlife and a perfect safe driver who pays respect to wildlife 🐆
Lameck is the owner of this wonderful safari agency. He is born and raised a little outside Serengeti and knows tremendous much about the wildlife in Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire…..
Peter M / Jan 2025 • Family
Amazing Safari with African Diurnal Safaris
After good advices for our custom made Safari we had a wunderful time in Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire! With our very kind driver Samson we spot the Big Five in 5 amazing days! We higly recommend African Diurnal Safaris !!
Audley S / Sept 2024 • Couple
Amazing 7 day safari experiences in Northern Tanzania
Unforgettable safari experience with African Diurnal Safaris . I and my husband went on a 7-days safari adventure covering Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara national park and had the most spectacular experience….
African Diurnal Safaris is accredited by leading international travel associations, including TATO. As a result, you can travel with complete peace of mind since your trip is financially protected.
