The Great Migration is a continuous movement of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle across the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem. Herds follow rain, water and grazing, so there is no exact calendar and no guaranteed location for a particular date.
Approximate movement through the year
Early in the year, southern plains often hold large herds and calving. During subsequent months animals move towards central Serengeti and the western corridor. Later, some herds reach northern Serengeti and the Mara area before gradually returning south. Timing differs every year.
River crossings
A crossing can happen without warning or fail to occur for days. Staying near a river does not guarantee one, and drivers must never pressure animals to provoke movement. The best approach is to stay in the right region for several nights and appreciate resident wildlife as well.
Planning a migration safari
- Choose the region before choosing a particular camp.
- Allow enough time not to depend on one day.
- Consider internal flights where road distances are excessive.
- Ask for realistic transfer times between camps and tracks.
- Keep expectations flexible.
How many nights?
For a migration-focused journey, several nights in the selected region provide a reasonable margin. Moving accommodation every day reduces observation time and increases driving. The exact duration depends on month, flights and budget.
More than the migration
Serengeti National Park supports lion, leopard, elephant, giraffe and many other species all year. Depending on season, a route may also include Ngorongoro, Maswa or Ikorongo.
Tell us your month and available days. We will explain which part of the ecosystem makes most sense without promising unpredictable scenes.
