01 · May – October
Northern Migration
Herds move through the Western Corridor and Northern Serengeti toward dramatic river crossings and open grassland.
Understanding the Migration
One herd. Two routes.
Twelve months of movement.
The Great Migration is a continuous year-round journey. The wildebeest never stop — they follow rainfall and fresh grass across the Serengeti ecosystem in a vast clockwise loop.
Understanding the two route segments — Northern and Southern — is essential for choosing the right travel dates and the right camp locations for your safari.
2M+
Wildebeest
Plus 500,000 zebra & gazelle
1,800
km Loop
Annual migration distance
12
Months
Year-round movement
2
Key Routes
Northern & Southern
Route Comparison
Northern vs. Southern Route
Both routes offer extraordinary wildlife experiences. The right choice depends entirely on your travel months and what you most want to see.
Migration Story
Follow the movement through the year.
Each migration segment needs different camp positioning, timing, and expectations. These visuals are controlled through the Admin Image Manager.
02 · November – April
Southern Migration
The herds return to Ndutu and the short-grass plains, creating beautiful green-season wildlife scenes.
03 · January – February
Calving Season
Thousands of newborn wildebeest arrive on the plains, drawing predators and creating emotional safari moments.
04 · June – September
River Crossing Movement
River crossings and daily movement patterns are never guaranteed, but careful route planning gives you the best chance.
Monthly Calendar
When to travel — month by month
Hover or tap a month to see migration details.
Northern Route (May–Oct)
Southern Route (Nov–Apr)
Regions & Crossing Points
Key locations along each route
↑
Northern Route
Grumeti River
First major crossing — May/June. Giant crocodiles await.
Western Corridor
Herds pass through lush woodland heading north — May/June.
Mara River Crossings
Most dramatic crossings. July–September. Multiple crossing points.
Lamai Wedge
Northern tip of Tanzania — herds at Kenya border. Aug/Sep peak.
Masai Mara Border
Herds cross into Kenya before returning south in October.
↓
Southern Route
Ndutu Plains
Calving epicentre — Jan/Feb. Flat, open, rich in predators.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Short grass plains along the boundary. Excellent photography.
Southern Serengeti
Herds spread across vast open grasslands in December–March.
Seronera / Central Serengeti
Herds moving north March–April. Resident wildlife year-round.
Ndabaka Gate (Western entry)
Entry into Western Corridor as herds build up April–May.
Safari Planning Guide
Which route is right for you?
?
I can travel July–October
Northern Route. Book as early as possible — this is peak migration season. River crossing camps fill up 6–9 months ahead. Focus on Mara River crossing points in the Northern Serengeti.
↑ Northern Route
?
I can travel December–March
Southern Route — Calving Season. This is an extraordinary and underrated time. Thousands of wildebeest calves born daily in January and February, with intense predator activity on the open Ndutu Plains.
↓ Southern Route
?
I can travel April–June
Transition period — the herds are moving north. April and May offer beautiful green Serengeti with fewer tourists. June brings the Grumeti River crossings in the Western Corridor.
↑ Northern Route
?
I want the most dramatic scenes
Northern Route — Mara River Crossings (July–September). Nothing compares to witnessing thousands of wildebeest leaping into a crocodile-filled river under an East African sky.
↑ Northern Route
?
I am travelling with children
Southern Route — Calving Season (January–February) is ideal for families. Newborn wildebeest calves are gentle and accessible. The open Ndutu Plains allow long-range wildlife viewing.
↓ Southern Route
?
I want a quieter, less expensive time
March–June (Green Season) and November–December offer excellent wildlife on beautiful green plains with far fewer tourists and better accommodation rates.
↓ Southern Route
Gallery
Migration moments
A premium visual gallery for river crossings, calving, herd movement, and Serengeti atmosphere — all managed from the Admin Image Manager.
