30/06/2026
The Great Migration of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth. It involves over 1.5 million wildebeests, accompanied by zebras, gazelles, and other herbivores, moving in search of fresh grazing and water. This migration follows an annual cycle, driven by rainfall patterns across Tanzania and Kenya. Below is a month-by-month breakdown of their movement and activities from January to October:
January – February: Calving Season (Ndutu Plains, Southern Serengeti, Tanzania)
Location: Ndutu region, Southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Activity: This is the calving season, where over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born within a span of 2-3 weeks.
Predators: Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards take advantage of the vulnerable young wildebeest.
Landscape: Lush grasslands provide nutrition for lactating mothers and growing calves.
March – April: Start of the Migration (Southern Serengeti & Moving North)
Location: Southern Serengeti, slowly moving towards the central Serengeti.
Activity: As the short rains end, the grass dries up, prompting herds to begin their long journey northward.
Predators: Big cats remain active, preying on the young and weak.
Weather: Occasional rains, but grass starts to diminish.
May: Gathering in Central Serengeti (Seronera Region)
Location: Seronera (Central Serengeti).
Activity: Large herds begin forming mega groups as they move towards the Western Corridor.
Mating Season: Bulls start competing for mates, leading to dramatic fights.
Landscape: Grass is still available but diminishing.
June: Grumeti River Crossing (Western Serengeti)
Location: Western Serengeti & Grumeti River.
Activity: The first major river crossing happens at Grumeti River, though it's not as dramatic as the Mara River crossings.
Crocodiles: Large Nile crocodiles lie in wait for weak and desperate wildebeest attempting to cross.
Weather: The dry season begins, pushing the herds further north.
July – August: Mara River Crossing (Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara, Kenya)
Location: Northern Serengeti (Tanzania) and Masai Mara (Kenya).
Activity: This is the most dangerous and famous stage—the Mara River crossing. Thousands of wildebeests and zebras risk drowning, stampedes, and crocodile attacks.
Survival Struggle: Many die in the river, but the survivors reach the lush grasslands of the Mara.
Predators: Lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas hunt actively in the open savannah.
Tourism Peak: This is the best time for wildlife viewing as dramatic chases and hunts unfold.
September – October: Grazing in the Masai Mara (Kenya)
Location: Masai Mara, Kenya.
Activity: The herds enjoy the green grasslands of the Mara, where they regain their strength.
Predators: Lions and other carnivores continue hunting, but the danger is lower compared to river crossings.
Weather: The dry season intensifies, making the wildebeests prepare for their journey back south.
What Happens After October?
From November onwards, the herds begin moving south back to the Serengeti as the short rains start, completing their annual cycle.
Summary of Key Activities
1. January – February: Calving season in Southern Serengeti.
2. March – April: Herds move north as grass dries up.
3. May: Mega herds gather in Central Serengeti.
4. June: Grumeti River crossing in Western Serengeti.
5. July – August: Mara River crossing into Masai Mara (Kenya).
6. September – October: Grazing in Masai Mara before the return south.
This cycle repeats every year, making the Great Migration a continuous survival struggle between herbivores, predators, and nature.
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Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA)
