When Does the Great Migration Take Place in Serengeti National Park?

One of the most frequently asked questions by travelers planning Tanzania Safaris is, When does the Great Migration take place in Serengeti National Park? The Great Migration is widely regarded as one of the most extraordinary wildlife spectacles on Earth, attracting safari enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, filmmakers, conservationists, and nature lovers from across the globe. Every year, more than 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras, gazelles, and other herbivores, undertake a continuous circular journey through the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water.

Located in northern Tanzania, Serengeti National Park forms the heart of this incredible migration. Rather than occurring on a single fixed date, the migration follows seasonal rainfall patterns, meaning the location of the herds changes throughout the year. Understanding When does the Great Migration take place in Serengeti National Park? allows travelers to choose the best travel period based on the particular wildlife event they wish to witness, whether it is the calving season, predator action, dramatic river crossings, or the return of the herds to the southern plains.

At Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd, we help travelers plan unforgettable Tanzania Best Safaris by matching travel dates with the migration’s seasonal movements. With expert local knowledge, carefully selected accommodations, and professionally guided itineraries, we ensure every guest enjoys an authentic safari experience that showcases the very best of Tanzania’s world-famous wildlife.

Great Wildebeest Migration

Month-by-Month Guide: When Does the Great Migration Take Place in Serengeti National Park?

The answer to When does the Great Migration take place in Serengeti National Park? is that it is a year-round natural cycle rather than a single event. The migration constantly moves across the Serengeti ecosystem, offering different experiences depending on the season.

January to March – Calving Season

During the early months of the year, the herds gather on the southern plains of the Serengeti and surrounding conservation areas. This is the calving season, when hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves are born within a few weeks. The abundance of newborn animals attracts predators such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards, making this one of the most exciting times for wildlife photography and predator-prey interactions.

April to June – Journey North

As seasonal rains diminish, the migration gradually moves northwest through the central and western Serengeti. Massive columns of wildebeest stretch across the plains as they search for greener grazing areas.

July to October – River Crossing Season

This is often considered the highlight of the migration. The herds reach the northern Serengeti, where they cross the crocodile-filled Mara River. These dramatic crossings are among the most iconic wildlife experiences in Africa and are a major reason many travelers choose this period for Tanzania Safaris.

November to December – Return to the South

With the arrival of the short rains, the herds gradually begin moving back toward the southern Serengeti, completing the annual migration cycle.

Can You Combine the Great Migration with Other Tanzania Safari Destinations?

Travelers asking When does the Great Migration take place in Serengeti National Park? often wish to combine this unforgettable wildlife event with visits to other iconic destinations in northern Tanzania. Fortunately, the Serengeti is part of the famous Northern Safari Circuit, making it easy to include several remarkable parks within one itinerary.

Popular destinations include:

• Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Tarangire National Park
• Lake Manyara National Park

Combining these parks offers exceptional wildlife diversity. Visitors can observe large elephant herds in Tarangire, tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara, the famous Ngorongoro Crater, and the spectacular migration in the Serengeti—all within a single safari.

This combination creates one of the finest Tanzania Best Safaris, blending diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable experiences.

Safari Lodges, Inclusions, and Exclusions

Selecting the right accommodation is an important part of planning your migration safari.

Which Safari Lodges Are Recommended?

Excellent accommodation options include:

• Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
• Melia Serengeti Lodge
• Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
• Lahia Tented Lodge
• Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

What Is Included in Most Tanzania Safari Packages?

Most safari itineraries arranged by Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd typically include:

• Professional English-speaking safari guide.
• Comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle.
• National park entrance fees.
• Accommodation throughout the safari.
• Meals according to the itinerary.
• Airport transfers.
• Bottled drinking water during game drives.

What Is Usually Excluded?

Travelers should also budget for:

• International flights.
• Tanzania visa fees.
• Travel insurance.
• Personal shopping and souvenirs.
• Tips and gratuities.
• Alcoholic beverages unless specified.
• Optional activities such as hot-air balloon safaris.

Understanding these inclusions and exclusions allows travelers to plan their safari budget with confidence.

Conclusion: When Does the Great Migration Take Place in Serengeti National Park?

The answer to When does the Great Migration take place in Serengeti National Park? is that the migration is a continuous, year-round journey shaped by seasonal rainfall and the search for fresh grazing. Each stage of the migration offers something unique—from the remarkable calving season in the south to the dramatic Mara River crossings in the north—ensuring there is no single “best” month, only the best time for the experience you wish to enjoy.

Whether you are planning your first African safari or returning to witness another chapter of this incredible natural phenomenon, the Serengeti remains one of the world’s greatest wildlife destinations. Combining the Great Migration with visits to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara creates a comprehensive Tanzania Safaris experience filled with breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

At Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd, we specialize in designing tailor-made itineraries that follow the migration’s seasonal movements. Our experienced team provides expert guidance, carefully selected safari lodges, transparent safari inclusions and exclusions, and personalized service to ensure every traveler experiences the very best of Tanzania. From planning to departure, we are committed to creating authentic African adventures that leave lasting memories and inspire future journeys.