October to November

The wildebeests cross from the Masai Mara Kenya moving towards the Serengeti national park Tanzania at the start of October. This is where the great wildebeest migration Serengeti begins from.

Why do the Wildebeest Migrate

The Serengeti migration safari in Tanzania occurs because the Maasai Mara Kenya plains are no longer able to meet their needs. These include suitable climatic condition and reliable water and food supply. Also their lives at-risk because of the increase in number of carnivores, such as cheetahs, hyenas and leopards. Therefore, these wildebeests move and cross the Mara River and settle around the Loliondo conservation area. This area is also in proximity to the Lobo area and it is one of the areas with lush greenery in Serengeti. Additionally, it has a lot of the Maasai People inhabitants.

December

In December, the great wildebeest migration Serengeti safari continues as they leave the Loliondo area. These wildebeests move towards the Southern plains of Serengeti np around the Naabi hill and part of the Ngorongoro conservation area around the Ndutu region.

January- March

By the beginning of January, most of the herds of the animals would have settled in the southern plains of the Serengeti. So, they would have covered the whole of the Ngorongoro conservation area. Hence, scattering in the verdant golden grasses of the Southern Serengeti. One of the main wildebeest occasion begins which is the calving season.  The wildebeest calving season in Serengeti Tanzanija is where there’s an approximate of 8000  new born of the wildebeests per 24 hours. In addition, the reason why they give birth from the Serengeti plains is because the grasses’ have adequate nutrients. Also, these nutrients are enrich the breast milk that is fed to the calves for about 3 months.  The birth of the young wildebeests enhances the numbers of the herds. However, this wildebeests calving season in the Serengeti attracts attention from the predators. Hence, resulting in the attacks towards the herds become numerous and by the end of March the wildebeests start moving.

Predator prey experinces during the great Migration in Serengeti np

April

The great wildebeest migration in this Tanzania National Park continues as the wildebeests move towards the central region of the Serengeti. So they as well make temporary settlements around the Moru Kopjes. Here, the grasses are short which the wildebeests in Tanzania normally feed on. Another reason as they move with the zebras is because they don’t eat the tall grasses. So, the zebras eat the tall grasses and the short grasses remain for the wildebeests. During this Serengeti migration season, some of the herds extend towards the Seronera valley. So these dispersed settlements, help them cover large grazing areas hence reduced competition for food.

May and June

By the end of May, the great wildebeest migration in Serengeti continues westwards towards the Western corridor. Additionally, the wildebeests settle around the Grumeti reserve. By the beginning of June during the Serengeti migration safari, the wildebeests are now crossing through the Grumeti River. So around this Serengeti great migration timing, it is good to witness the predator-prey interactions. Here,wildebeests herds face a threat of the Nile crocodiles in the river and the cheetahs and lions on land. Most of the visit Serengeti during this time because it is optimal for game viewing and being a dry season, game, drive experiences and nature photography are ideal.

July

By June, most of the herds will have crossed via the Grumeti river and will now be grazing around the Kogatende airstrip. By the end of July they will be traversing northwards towards the Mara River. This marks the end of the animal migration safari in Serengeti. It also marks the start of the Masai Mara migration in the Kenya migration season from July to October.

Serengeti Masai Mara Safari provides detailed wildebeest migration map resources below for the great wildebeest migration in Serengeti Africa.

For the river crossings:

The best time to go to the Serengeti for the big migration in Africa’s Tanzania characterised by river crossings is from October to December. During that Serengeti migration time, large herds of animals are seen crossing over from the Masai Mara National Reserve to Serengeti np. The other river crossings are from mid-July to late September. Duting these migration dates, Serengeti migration animals are crossing over from the Northern plains of Serengeti. They head to the River Mara region of Masai Mara Kenya.

For the wildebeests calving season.

The best time of year to go to serengeti to witness the wildebeests giving life to their new born is between January to March. This wildebeests calving happens in the Southern plains of the Serengeti around the Ngorongoro conservation area and the Ndutu region.

Best time for witnessing the predator- wildebeest chases in Serengeti

The Serengeti migration time of year for predator-wildebeest chases is when the wildebeests are calving between February and March. Additionally, this is because the predators are usually on the chase for them during this great migration Tanzania. Also, the periods of river crossings when the wildebeests are crossing from the Maasai mara reserve to Serengeti from October to November. Lastly, the East Africa great migration from the Serengeti NP to Masai Mara from late July to September.

A lion attacking wildebeests in Serengeti Tanzania

• April–May (Long Rains)
  • Why It’s Tricky: The long rainy season from April to May is the worst time for Serengeti Migration safaris. So this rain makes roads muddy and tough to navigate. Also, the herds are spread out across the central Serengeti, so they’re harder to find. Thick vegetation can hide animals too.
  • Should You Go?: If you’re okay with rain and want a budget-friendly trip, you can still have fun in places like Seronera. Although but it’s not the best for migration fans iin Serengeti.
  • How to Plan: Book flexible Tanzania trips and stick to central Serengeti lodges like Dunia Camp. You might score last-minute deals due to lower demand.

• November (Short Rains)
  • Why It’s Tricky: The short rains in Tanzania scatter the herds as they head south, making them harder to track. Also, the rain can mess with Serengeti safari game drives too.
  • Should You Go?: It’s a low season with cheaper rates and fewer people. So, it’s not a bad time for budget travelers who don’t mind missing the big migration moments in Africa’s Serengeti. Focus on resident wildlife or add a side trip to Tarangire for birds.
  • How to Plan: Book 2-3 months ahead for Lobo or central Serengeti lodges and keep your wildebeest migration Serengeti itinerary flexible.

• October (Late Dry Season)
  • Why October is Less Ideal: The wildeebeests are spread out across the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara in Kenya, and river crossings are less frequent. The landscape’s dry and dusty, so it’s not as pretty.
  • Should You Go?: It’s still decent for game viewing, especially in the northern Serengeti. Also, there are fewer crowds than in August. It’s a good middle-ground option.
  • How to Plan: Book 3-5 months ahead for northern camps like Kichakani and aim for Kogatende to catch any late crossings.

Below are the alternative Tanzania safari experiences to do other than the Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti. So these are the top things to do in Tanzania during your Serengeti migration safari.

• Tour of the Maasai village

Here, you are able to meet with the Maasai people and be exposed to their unique culture and traditions. These include the Maasai traditional wear, cultural dances and their traditional way of housing. Also, design making of art crafts like their handmade necklaces and bangles. These Tanzania cultural tours are add ons to your animal migration in Serengeti national park.

• Hot air balloon Serengeti safari

Envision yourself ascending into the sky as you get to see the wild activities beneath you such as the wildebeest migration Serengeti. And also see the lions in Serengeti Tanzanija chasing their prey in an aerial view during your Serengeti balloon safari in Tanzania. You are also engulfed in the beauty of the charismatic boundless landscape of the Serengeti National Park Tanzania.

• Bush/ wilderness meals.

Taste flavorful delicacies with African cuisines on the sides in the middle of the wild and get to enfold oneself into the African way of life. You can have your wilderness meals at the end of your Tanzania wildebeest Migration in Serengeti.

• Sunset watching.

Get to observe the charms that the sun sets down to the landscape of the Serengeti beautifying it to a breathtaking out looking. Also,making your Serengeti safari tour adventure so distinguished and memorable.

• Follow the Serengeti national park’s rules for better conservation of the eco system during your Serengeti migration safari in Tanzania.
• If one is driving themselves through the Serengeti, they are not to exceed a speed limit of 50km/hr. Also, don’t go off the marked pathways for driving in the Serengeti Park.
• Unnecessary noise, littering and feeding the animals without permission is not around in Serengeti np. In addition, it doesn’t go hand in hand with wildlife conservation efforts in Serengeti National Park.
• Follow the Serengeti safari guide’s instructions to be on the safe side and keep a distance of at most 7m from the wild animals during your Serengeti migration tour.

• Serengeti National Park entrance fees;Serengeti Tanzanija has many entrance gates. However, if you want a great wildebeest migration Serengeti safari, take note of these costs which vary with season. Firstly, for the main gate, foreigners (adults) pay 60$-70$ per person for a day. Children pay 20$ but for the East African resident (adults) pay Tshs10, 000 and children pay Tshs2000.
• Guide fees. Guide fees are usually part of your Serengeti migration safari package cost from our Serengeti Masai Mara Team. However, the guide fees per day can range from20$-50$ per day according to the specifics of the traveler.
• Ranger fees. The ranger fees are also usually included in the Serengeti safari tour packages. However, payment for them is made in Tanzanian local currency and will all be handled by our team during your great wildebeest migration safari in Serengeti.

Wondering where to stay for the Serengeti great wildebeest migration in Tanzania. Accommodations for during your Great Migration in Tanzania are available for all classes ranging from budget to luxury Serengeti lodges.

Serengeti Lodges: Budget and Luxury Options

• Book Early with Serengeti Masai Mara safari company: The best affordable and luxury camps and lodges in Serengeti get snapped up fast. Especially for July–September and December–March during the peak great wildebeest migration season in Serengeti. So, plan 6-8 months ahead for peak times for a perfect great migration Serengeti safari in Tanzania.
• Stay a While: Give yourself at least 4–7 days to boost your chances of seeing river crossings or calving. The herds don’t follow a strict schedule!
• Go with Pros: Pick a safari operator like Serengeti Masai Mara, Kilimanjaro Rwenzori, Tanzania National Parks, or Goar Africa Safari Tours with expert guides who track the herds in real-time. Also, can book with Car Rentals 4×4 company for bespoke self drive safaris for the great migration in Tanzania. Mobile camps that move with the migration are your best bet.
• Mix It Up: Add Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and more to your trip for a mix of wildlife and landscapes.
• Pack Right: Bring binoculars, a good camera, and neutral-colored clothes. Be ready for hot days, cool nights, and maybe some rain.
• Tread Lightly: Choose eco-friendly camps in Tanzania to support conservation and keep the Serengeti pristine for future adventurers.

Choose from custom Serengeti migration safari packages that match your travel style. Do you want budget, mid-range, or high end or luxury Serengeti animal migration safari in Tanzania? Customise your great wildebeest migration Tanzania safari with Serengeti Masai Mara Safari. 

Below are the popular great wildebeest migration safari packages for Serengeti National Park.

Plan your Serengeti animal migration in Tanzania Today!