Best Time To See The Great Migration

Most herds concentrate on the southern short-grass plains around Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek, often extending into the Kusini sector. These plains sit on mineral-rich volcanic soils, keeping grass low and visibility open. Calving can begin late in the month, which increases predator activity around the main nursery groups. Expect mixed sun and showers; clay pans and lake-edge tracks can turn soft after rain, slowing longer drives.

Calving is usually at its peak on the Ndutu and southern Serengeti plains, with large nursery groups spread across open grassland and around kopjes such as Gol and Simba. Predator encounters often increase because vulnerable calves draw lions, hyena and cheetah onto the plains. Vegetation remains low, aiding scanning and photography. Afternoon storms are common; allow extra time where black cotton soils hold water and vehicles must stay on firmer tracks.

Calving tapers and herds start pushing north-west, moving from the southern plains towards the Seronera area and the southern reaches of the Western Corridor. Grass grows quickly as the long rains build, and animals can spread out to follow localised green flush along drainage lines. Visibility drops in taller grass. Road conditions can change day to day; plan shorter, flexible loops rather than long point-to-point drives that assume firm ground.

Long rains are often at their strongest. Herds are generally moving through central Serengeti and towards the Western Corridor, but distribution can be wide because fresh grazing appears in patches. Expect taller grass, reduced visibility in some habitats, and slower driving on black cotton soils after heavy rain. Cloud cover can soften light, but storm build-up can limit long distances. Plan for fewer long transfers and more local game drives around all-weather routes.

Rain usually eases and tracks begin to firm up. Herds consolidate and move north and west through central Serengeti, using corridors between Moru Kopjes, the Seronera Valley and onward towards the Western Corridor. This is a key transition month because position can shift quickly across large distances. Visibility improves as grass starts to dry, while dust is still limited. Driving becomes more predictable, and flight logistics are generally more reliable than in April.

The Western Corridor becomes important, with herds often tracking along the Grumeti and Mbalageti river systems and adjacent plains. This period can include the first major river barriers, but crossings are not guaranteed and may be brief. Conditions are drier; roads are faster and dust begins to build. For photography, mornings can be clear with harder contrast later. Plan several nights in one base rather than chasing daily movement across the corridor.

Herds continue moving north through the Western Corridor and central-to-northern routes, with increasing presence around Lobo and the broader northern plains. By late July, some groups may reach the Mara River and a proportion can cross into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, so the overall system can sit on both sides of the border. Conditions are generally dry; roads are faster and dust increases, which affects long-lens work and backlit photography.

Northern Serengeti is commonly the focus, particularly the Mara River corridor around Kogatende and the Lamai Wedge. Parts of the herds are often in Kenya’s Maasai Mara during August, while other groups remain on the Tanzania side, so sightings can vary over short periods. Crossings can occur, but timing and crossing points are unpredictable; tracks are dry and vehicle numbers are higher near the main river access points.

Many herds remain in the northern Serengeti, still using the Mara River around Kogatende and the Lamai Wedge, while some groups continue to range in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Movement can be spread across plains and riverine woodland, with animals crossing north or south depending on grazing and water, so density at any single crossing site can change quickly. Conditions stay dry with short grass and persistent dust; visibility is good, but fine haze can soften distant detail.

Early October can still hold herds in the far north, with some animals continuing to use Kenya’s Maasai Mara while others are already drifting south within Tanzania. Return movement is driven by where the first short rains fall, so timing varies and “return crossings” are not a reliable planning anchor. Vehicle density often eases after peak months, but dust remains; plan for broader northern wildlife and flexible drives rather than waiting at one river point.

Short rains typically restart green growth across central and eastern Serengeti, drawing herds away from the far north and onto wider grazing blocks, including the Soit Le Motonyi / Namiri area in some years. Movement can be rapid and less concentrated than in peak river months. Expect storm build-up, changing light, and occasional soft patches on tracks after heavy showers. Visibility varies with grass height, especially along small drainage lines and seasonal pools.

Herds continue trending south and east as fresh grazing develops, often passing through central Serengeti and into the southern plains towards Ndutu by late month. The short rains can leave the landscape greener, improving grazing but also raising grass height in some areas. Bird activity increases around seasonal pools. Roads are usually workable but can be patchy after storms, especially on clay. December is often more about positioning for calving than targeting river crossings.