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Wildebeest Migration 2025
Tanzania & Kenya
The wildebeest migration covers a huge area of the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem, and the exact route of the migrating herbivores depends on the weather and where the grass is greener, be it in Kenya or Tanzania. However, the migration does tend to follow the same, or a similar, pattern year after year, which means that you can have a good idea of where to locate yourself. Each area is good at different times of the year, the Serengeti seeing the migration for around nine months and the Mara for just three.
The river crossing are hugely exciting to witness; thousands of wildebeest battling with each other, and the crocs, to move on to the best grazing plains. The first of these crossings is that of the Grumeti River in Western Serengeti, which happens around mid-May to June. The second, and perhaps the most famous, is that of the Mara River during August and September. However, the mass herds move through the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem throughout the year, and therefore travelling at any time of the year will provide viewing of vast amounts of game.
Month by Month Breakdown: The Wildebeest Migration
Throughout January and February, following the rains, the migration moves onto the Serengeti plains in the south, where the newborns graze along with the herds. This is also the time for the predators to fatten up. With thousands of young, it’s easy pickings for cheetahs and lions, and the hyenas make the most of this abundance of food by picking up what remains of the cats’ kills, as well as picking off their own fresh meals. At this time of year, being located in the Ndutu area will give you the best access to the migration.
February is a fantastic time to travel to the Southern Serengeti as this is the time of year when the thousands of wildebeest begin to give birth; this is an incredible sight to witness, and the big cats are often seen in the area at this time.
March through to April is when the heavy rains set in and the migration begins moving through the Central Serengeti and towards the Western Serengeti, where the long grasses are new and the food is good. This is a beautiful time to travel: flowers cover the Central Serengeti and there are very few people around. However, it being the rainy season, you need to be prepared. Also, the roads get muddy, and therefore access to some of them may be limited. During this time, staying in the Ndutu or Seronera areas will put you in the right place for the migration. The migratory wildebeest and zebra share the land with elephant, giraffe, Thomson gazelle, and a host of other wildlife, including the big cats, with lion prides and cheetah frequently sighted.
March through to April is when the heavy rains set in and the migration begins moving through the Central Serengeti and towards the Western Serengeti, where the long grasses are new and the food is good. This is a beautiful time to travel: flowers cover the Central Serengeti and there are very few people around. However, it being the rainy season, you need to be prepared. Also, the roads get muddy, and therefore access to some of them may be limited. During this time, staying in the Ndutu or Seronera areas will put you in the right place for the migration. The migratory wildebeest and zebra share the land with elephant, giraffe, Thomson gazelle, and a host of other wildlife, including the big cats, with lion prides and cheetah frequently sighted.
As the dry season approaches during May and June, the migrating herds begin moving once again, this time towards the Grumeti River, where the crocodiles wait for an easy meal. Seeing the thousands of wildebeest crossing the river is a sight not to be missed, and has to be one of the highlights of a Tanzania safari. Being located near the Grumeti River is ideal at this time.
As the dry season approaches during May and June, the migrating herds begin moving once again, this time towards the Grumeti River, where the crocodiles wait for an easy meal. Seeing the thousands of wildebeest crossing the river is a sight not to be missed, and has to be one of the highlights of a Tanzania safari. Being located near the Grumeti River is ideal at this time.
July is one of the most exciting months of the great migration as the herds move further into the Northern Serengeti and toward the Mara River. At this time of year, you can witness thousands of wildebeest battling their way through the waters and trying to avoid the crocodiles. The best place to be is in the Northern Serengeti or across the river in the western part of the Maasai Mara.
After the excitement of the river crossings, the migrating herds settle, for a while, in the Masai Mara in Kenya. The Mara is an amazing area of rolling savannah hills cut through with dark green riverine forest areas, making this the perfect habitat for a whole host of wildlife. The rich grasslands support the herds throughout August and September. Their arrival means a time of plenty for the big cats, and you are almost guaranteed some action.
After the excitement of the river crossings, the migrating herds settle, for a while, in the Masai Mara in Kenya. The Mara is an amazing area of rolling savannah hills cut through with dark green riverine forest areas, making this the perfect habitat for a whole host of wildlife. The rich grasslands support the herds throughout August and September. Their arrival means a time of plenty for the big cats, and you are almost guaranteed some action.
As the rain clouds start to build, the wildebeest begin their journey south anticipating the rains. They slowly make their way east through the Masai Mara and back down into the Serengeti National Park. The ideal base during October would be in the south-eastern area of the Masai Mara or in the north-eastern Serengeti. This area comes into its own during the months of September and October, and is the best place for a safari in Tanzania when the wildebeest migration moves southwards through Lobo and down to the Serengeti plains. Lobo encompasses the Mara and Grumeti Rivers, which are bordered by acacia woodlands.
The short rains begin in November, the migration moves quickly south towards the Loliondo area of the Serengeti. The Loliondo area is part of the much larger Serengeti ecosystem, and is on land owned by the Maasai. The area offers a great mix of resident game, and is excellent walking country, with dramatic scenery of open plains, rock kopjes, and woodlands.
As December nears, the migration settles on the short grass plains in the Southern Serengeti. At this time of year, the migration tends to stay around the Seronera and Ndutu area as Seronera provides a constant source of water for the herds. During December you have the privilege of seeing thousands of wildebeest and zebra gathering on the southern plains as the migration gets underway. This is great time to see a huge variety of game as the big cats follow the feast.Now whilst you may have a better idea of the migration movements, the concentration of game is not always as one may expect. You must bear in mind that the huge herds are spread out over the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem, and they may not always be in close proximity to one another.As with the months or January and February, being based at Olakira in the Ndutu area consists of endless grass plains, which keep going for as far as the eye can see, and the plains are at their best during December as the grass is green and the wildlife is plenty.
Where to Stay
Olakira Migration Camp
A mobile tented camp which moves through the Serengeti, staying close to the Great Migration. Wildlife viewing from the camp itself can be spectacular, and game drives offer one of the best opportunities to see the migrating herds.
Singita Faru Faru Lodge
Set on the riverside gives the lodge access to great wildlife viewing. Its location, on a slope with elevated viewing decks overlooking a watering hole, means that you can simply sit back, relax, and watch the game without even leaving the comfort of the lodge.
Sayari Mara Camp
Sayari sits in a beautifully peaceful area of the Serengeti surrounded by hills and rolling plains, with fantastic views if you can see past the migrating herds.
Rekero Camp
A seasonal camp, set up between June and March and providing some of the best game viewing during that period with fantastic access to the crossing points on the river. Owned and run by Gerard Beaton and Jackson of Big Cat Diary fame, this camp is renowned for its unbeatable guiding.
Map of the Great Wildebeest Migration
