When is the Great Migration in Tanzania?

The great migration in Tanzania is one of nature’s most thrilling spectacles. We look at the best time to see the great migration in Tanzania.

Every year adventurers flock across the globe to witness the awe-inspiring journey of over two million wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes through the Serengeti and into the Masai Mara. 

If you’re planning a safari in East Africa to see the great migration in Tanzania, then you’ll need to understand the timing and cycle of this phenomenon.

What is the Great Migration?

The great migration is one of the largest land-based wildlife migrations on the planet.

Every year, almost 2 million animals - mostly wildebeest, zebra, gazelles and antelopes - cross the open plains of this vast national park and into the Masai Mara in Kenya, chasing the rains that bring fresh grazing lands.

The herds move clockwise from their calving grounds in the southern Serengeti, moving north as the plains dry out, before heading south again, to repeat the annual cycle.

Along the way, the herds encounter predators like lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and crocodiles, adding an edge-of-your-seat intensity to the journey.

Their crossing of the Mara River is the climax of this journey and is filled with drama, as these animals try to escape the jaws of waiting crocodiles and other predators.

One of the greatest wildlife phenomena on earth, the sheer scale of the migration and the dramatic encounters between the migrating herbivores and their predators make for an unparalleled spectacle.

Seeing it firsthand is a privilege and one at the top of most safari enthusiasts' bucket lists.

To understand more about this incredible phenomenon, this article can answer all your Great Migration in Tanzania FAQs.

Or, read here for more info about the animals in Serengeti you can expect to see.

When is the Great Migration in Tanzania?

The great migration in Tanzania is a year-round event, with the herds constantly moving in a cyclical pattern, as they follow the seasonal rainfall.

Here’s a breakdown of the yearly cycle:

●      January to March: The herds gather in the southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is calving season, with thousands of wildebeest born daily during the peak. The number of newborns draws predators, creating thrilling wildlife encounters/safari opportunities.

●      April to May: The rains drive the herds to the central Serengeti and the Moru Kopjes area of the Serengeti. This period is the region’s longest wet season. It offers a quieter, more intimate safari experience.

●      June to July: Some herds move to the western Serengeti, facing their first major challenge: crossing the Grumeti River. Watching thousands of wildebeest and zebras navigate crocodile-infested waters is a breathtaking sight.

●      August to October: Herds of wildebeest reach the northern Serengeti and cross the Mara River, the climax of the migratory journey. The crossing is filled with drama, as these animals try to escape the jaws of waiting crocodiles and other predators - thought by most to be the highlight of the great migration in Tanzania. These dramatic crossings are a bucket-list moment for many safari-goers.

●      November to December: The short rains prompt the herds to disperse and return south to the Serengeti, completing the cycle and beginning the journey anew.

So, as you can see from this, while the migration is always happening, certain times of the year are better for seeing more dramatic elements, such as the river crossings or the calving season.

When is the Best Time to See the Great Migration in Tanzania?

The best time to witness the great migration in Tanzania depends on what you’re hoping to experience.

Here’s a breakdown of the migration’s main phases and the safari opportunities each offers:

●      Calving Season (January to March): If you want to see baby animals or the excitement of the predator activity this brings, the southern Serengeti during calving season is a must-see. Thousands of wildebeest calves are born daily, attracting predators and creating dramatic scenes.

●      River Crossings (June to October): For heart-pounding great migration action, visit between June and October. The Grumeti River crossings in June and July, and the Mara River crossings in August and September, offer some of the most iconic moments of the great migration in Tanzania.

●      Shoulder Seasons (April to May and November to December): These quieter months bring some rain, but also lush landscapes, and fewer crowds, and are still often excellent for game viewing though you may miss the huge herds that the great migration is famous for. This is an ideal time for travellers seeking a more serene and budget-friendly safari.

Want to know more about the best times to see the great migration in Tanzania?

Check out this comprehensive Best Time to Visit Serengeti guide, which also gives tips on the best time to find a budget-friendly Tanzania safari.

Plan Your Great Migration Safari to Tanzania

Witnessing the great migration in Tanzania is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that promises unforgettable moments.

Whether it’s the drama of a river crossing, or the magic of calving season, every part of the migration cycle brings its own unique safari moments.

Ready to start planning your adventure? Let us help you plan the safari of your dreams.

Explore our free Tanzania safari travel guide for more info on the safari tours we run in Tanzania.

You can also use our handy tour search tool or speak to one of our Africa travel experts to start planning your dream trip today.

Stephanie Parker Author

Stephanie Parker is a travel addict and creator of the budget travel blog Big World Small Pockets. Never one for staying still, she's always had to travel cheap to maintain her nomadic lifestyle … even into her 30s! Originally from the UK, Stephanie likes nothing more than adventuring around Africa on a shoestring, collecting stories she loves to share with a smile.

Steph's Profile