The Serengeti’s Great Migration is one of nature’s most spectacular events. Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, undertake a perilous journey through Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara, driven by the instinctive need to find fresh grazing lands and water. This endless cycle of movement across the Serengeti’s vast plains is punctuated by dramatic river crossings, thrilling predator chases, and new life during the calving season.
If you’re planning to witness the Great Migration in 2024, timing and location are crucial. The herds are constantly on the move, and knowing when and where to go can make the difference between a life-changing experience and a missed opportunity. This guide will help you plan the perfect migration safari by breaking down the best times, routes, and tips to ensure you catch the highlights of this natural phenomenon.
Francisco Raymond
Tanzania Safari Specialist
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Serengeti Migration Safari 2024
Why the Great Migration is a Must-See Experience
The Great Migration is often called the “Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth,” and for good reason. It’s not just about witnessing massive herds of wildebeest and zebras moving in unison—this journey is fraught with life-and-death struggles that define the survival of these species, from the dramatic Mara River crossings, where thousands of wildebeest risk crocodile-infested waters, to the predator-rich regions where lions, cheetahs, and hyenas lie in wait, the Great Migration is a thrilling display of nature’s raw power and beauty.
With the right planning, you can position yourself at the heart of this action. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect and where to go to experience the migration in its full glory.
Month-by-Month Guide to the Serengeti Migration in 2024
January to March: Calving Season in Southern Serengeti
The year begins in the southern Serengeti, particularly in the Ndutu Plains and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where the herds settle for the calving season. During these months, around 500,000 wildebeest calves are born, attracting numerous predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas that feast on the vulnerable newborns.
- Best Areas to Visit: Ndutu Plains, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Wildlife Highlights: Thousands of newborn wildebeest, intense predator-prey interactions, and stunning birdlife.
- Recommended Camps: Ndutu Safari Lodge, Lemala Ndutu Tented Camp, Serengeti South Camp.
- Travel Tip: Opt for a mobile tented camp to stay as close to the herds as possible. Mobile camps move with the migration, offering a front-row seat to the calving action.
April to May: The Green Season and Transition Period
As the rains set in, the southern plains turn a lush green, and the herds start moving northward. This period is known as the “Green Season,” offering a quieter safari experience with fewer crowds and spectacular scenery. While the rains can sometimes make travel challenging, it’s a photographer’s dream with dramatic skies and vibrant landscapes.
- Best Areas to Visit: Central Serengeti, Moru Kopjes, Seronera Valley
- Wildlife Highlights: The herds slowly gather and move north, creating mesmerizing scenes of mass movement across the plains.
- Recommended Camps: Dunia Camp, Serengeti Serena Lodge, Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge.
- Travel Tip: Take advantage of the lower prices and special offers during this off-peak period. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended as some tracks can get muddy.
June to July: Grumeti River Crossings
By June, the herds reach the Western Corridor and the Grumeti River. This period marks the first major river crossing of the migration, where wildebeest and zebras brave the river’s strong currents and lurking crocodiles. While not as famous as the Mara River crossings, the Grumeti River offers a less crowded yet equally thrilling spectacle.
- Best Areas to Visit: Western Serengeti, Grumeti Reserve
- Wildlife Highlights: Grumeti River crossings, crocodile hunts, and large predator populations.
- Recommended Camps: Singita Faru Faru Lodge, Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp, &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge.
- Travel Tip: Book a lodge or camp near the Grumeti River to increase your chances of witnessing a crossing, as the exact timing can be unpredictable.
August to September: The Mara River Crossings
The Mara River crossings are the most famous and dramatic stage of the Great Migration. By August, the herds reach the northern Serengeti and begin crossing the Mara River into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. These crossings are fraught with danger, as crocodiles lie in wait and big cats stalk the herds on both sides of the river.
- Best Areas to Visit: Northern Serengeti (Kogatende, Lamai Wedge), Mara River
- Wildlife Highlights: The iconic Mara River crossings, intense predator action, and large congregations of wildebeest and zebras.
- Recommended Camps: Sayari Camp, Lemala Kuria Hills, Serengeti Bushtops.
- Travel Tip: Timing is everything! Plan at least 3-4 days in the northern Serengeti to increase your chances of seeing a river crossing, as the herds’ movements depend on rain patterns.
October to November: Migration Returns South
As the short rains begin in October, the herds start making their way back south through the central Serengeti. This period sees the migration spread out across the Serengeti’s vast plains, offering great game viewing with fewer crowds.
- Best Areas to Visit: Central Serengeti (Seronera), Lobo Valley, Moru Kopjes
- Wildlife Highlights: The herds moving southward, large lion pride, and beautiful green landscapes.
- Recommended Camps: Namiri Plains, Seronera Wildlife Lodge, Ole Serai Luxury Camp.
- Travel Tip: This is a fantastic time for photographers, as the dramatic skies and fewer tourists make for stunning, unobstructed shots.
December: Southern Serengeti and Ndutu Plains
By December, the herds complete their annual cycle and return to the Ndutu Plains and southern Serengeti for the next calving season. This is a great time to witness large gatherings of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles as they prepare for the arrival of newborns.
- Best Areas to Visit: Ndutu Plains, Southern Serengeti
- Wildlife Highlights: The beginning of the calving season, large herds gathering in the open plains, and fantastic predator sightings.
- Recommended Camps: Ndutu Under Canvas, Serengeti Migration Camp, Lake Masek Tented Camp.
- Travel Tip: Combine your safari with a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater for a diverse experience of the region’s landscapes and wildlife.
Francisco Raymond
Tanzania Safari Specialist
Plan a memorable Tanzanian adventure?
Save time and ensure an incredible safari experience by getting quotes from our Tanzania safari and trekking specialist
Insider Tips for Planning Your 2024 Serengeti Migration Safari
- Book Early: The Serengeti’s most coveted camps and lodges fill up quickly, especially during peak migration times. Book your accommodations and safari packages at least 6-9 months in advance.
- Stay Mobile: Consider staying at mobile camps that move with the migration. These camps offer flexibility and ensure that you’re always close to the action, no matter where the herds are.
- Choose the Right Guide: An experienced guide is invaluable when tracking the migration. They’ll know the best spots to find the herds and have an intimate understanding of animal behavior.
- Time Your Visit Wisely: The migration’s timing is influenced by unpredictable rainfall patterns, so staying for several days increases your chances of witnessing a major wildlife event.
Final Thoughts: Witnessing the Greatest Show on Earth
The Serengeti Migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that every wildlife enthusiast should see. By understanding the movements of the herds and planning your safari carefully, you’ll have the opportunity to witness nature at its most raw and magnificent. Whether it’s the nail-biting river crossings or the tender moments of new life during the calving season, the Serengeti Migration is a spectacle that will leave you with lifelong memories.
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