The Great Wildebeest Migration Calendar
Follow Nature’s Greatest Show Across the Serengeti The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet—over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, move in a year-round clockwise journey across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, in search of fresh grazing and water. Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you plan your safari around this awe-inspiring phenomenon: 📅 Migration Calendar Overview January – March: Calving Season (Southern Serengeti / Ndutu Region) Location: Ndutu plains (part of Ngorongoro Conservation Area) & southern Serengeti Highlights: The wildebeest gather in huge numbers to give birth. Around 8,000 calves are born daily! This season draws predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas—making for dramatic sightings. April – May: Green Season & Movement Toward Central Serengeti Location: Moving from Ndutu to central and western Serengeti Highlights: Lush scenery with fewer crowds. As rains fall, herds begin moving northward. Roads can be muddy, but this is a quieter time to enjoy the Serengeti. June – July: Grumeti River Crossings (Western Serengeti) Location: Western corridor & Grumeti River Highlights: The herds cross the Grumeti River, where large crocodiles lie in wait. The dry season begins, and wildlife becomes easier to spot. July – August: Mara River Crossings (Northern Serengeti) Location: Northern Serengeti & Mara River (bordering Kenya’s Maasai Mara) Highlights: The most dramatic and iconic scenes of the migration! Thousands of wildebeest risk it all crossing the crocodile-infested Mara River—often considered the migration’s peak. September – October: Northern Serengeti Grazing Location: Northern Serengeti Highlights: Herds remain in the northern reaches of the park, grazing before slowly moving back south. Great game viewing with fewer travelers than July–August. November – December: Return to the South Location: Heading from north to south Serengeti Highlights: The short rains begin, and the herds migrate back to the lush plains of Ndutu and the southern Serengeti, completing the cycle and preparing for calving season again. 🗺️ Where to Be, When to Go Month Location Key Event Jan – Mar Southern Serengeti / Ndutu Calving season & predator action Apr – May Central to Western Serengeti Green season movement Jun – Jul Western Serengeti / Grumeti Grumeti River crossings Jul – Aug Northern Serengeti / Mara Mara River crossings Sept – Oct Northern Serengeti Grazing in the north Nov – Dec Southern movement Return migration to Ndutu plains 🌟 Plan Your Migration Safari With Confidence Witnessing the Great Migration is a bucket-list experience. At Peregrinate Afri Safaris, we’ll help you be in the right place at the right time for the best possible view of this unforgettable natural event. 📩 Get in touch today to design your custom migration safari!
