Tanzania Migration Safari

January – March: The Calving Season & Southern Plains (Ndutu & Southern Serengeti)

The Miracle of New Life:

This period sees the vast herds congregate in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains. Triggered by the short rains, the nutrient-rich grasses here provide the perfect nursery.

Ndutu’s Bounty:

February is the peak calving season, with over half a million wildebeest born within a few weeks – sometimes 8,000 calves a day! This incredible influx of vulnerable newborns creates intense predator action, offering dramatic viewing of lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.

Why visit? Witnessing birth, the wobbly first steps of calves, and prolific predator-prey interactions. The landscape is lush and green.

April – May: The Rut & Central/Western Serengeti

The Long Trek Begins:

With the long rains concluding, the herds begin their northward journey, often forming immense columns stretching for miles.

Mating Season:

As they move through the central and western Serengeti, the ‘rut’ or breeding season commences. Male wildebeest engage in fierce, testosterone-fueled displays to win mates.

Why visit? Witnessing enormous moving columns of animals and the powerful spectacle of the rut. Lower tourist numbers in April/May can offer a more exclusive experience.

June – July: The Grumeti River Crossing & Western Corridor

First Major Challenge:

As the dry season progresses, the herds converge in the Western Corridor, facing their first major obstacle: the crocodile-infested Grumeti River.

The Build-Up:

Animals gather in massive numbers on the riverbanks, creating incredible tension and dramatic crossings. While less famous than the Mara, Grumeti crossings offer raw, unpredictable action.

Why visit? The thrill of river crossings, large herd congregations, and excellent predator action along the river.

August – October: The Mara River Crossing & Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) & Kenya Season

The Ultimate Spectacle:

This is arguably the most famous and dramatic period. The herds push further north into the northern Serengeti (Kogatende region) to face the Mara River.

Life and Death:

Here, the iconic, chaotic river crossings unfold, with wildebeest plunging into treacherous waters, battling strong currents and the formidable Nile crocodiles. Many perish, but the sheer volume is astounding.

Into Kenya:

From August to October, the migration spills over into Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. While a significant portion of the herd crosses into Kenya, a substantial number remain in the northern Serengeti, often crossing the Mara River back and forth depending on rainfall.

Why visit? The pinnacle of migration viewing – the Mara River crossings. High predator density and a relentless cycle of survival.

November – December: The Return South & Eastern Serengeti

Following the Rains:

With the short rains commencing, the herds begin their southern migration from the Masai Mara and northern Serengeti back into the eastern plains of Tanzania.

New Growth:

They seek out the fresh, green shoots that emerge in the eastern and southern Serengeti, replenishing their energy for the upcoming calving season.

Why visit? Experiencing the migration’s return, often with fewer crowds, and observing the herds spread across vast, rejuvenated landscapes.