For a lot of people the Great Wildebeest Migration is the main reason why they visit the Serengeti. It’s truly an impressive sight to witness millions of mammals thunder across the plains in search of fresh grass and water. Huge lines of wildebeest, storms of red dust, dangerous river crossings and predators chasing. The wildebeest make the 700 mile (1100 km) circular journey every year, which can be seen in different parts of the Serengeti. The park is divided into four areas: North, South, West and Central Serengeti. It’s all about being in the right area at the right time, to witness the spectacular Serengeti Migration. So what’s the best time?

Southern Serengeti (Ndutu)

The Southern Serengeti in Tanzania is the place where the great wildebeest migration starts every year. During the green season, from December to March, you can see the herds of wildebeest and zebras in this southern part of the Serengeti. Between late January and March, half a million calves are born on these plains. It is a wonderful sight to see the plains teeming with new life. Around this time you can also see an abundance of predators, attracted by the herds and their vulnerable calves.

Central Serengeti (Seronera)

Around April the herds start their journey north, through Moro Kopjes and Seronera, to find fresh water and grazing grounds. In May the area around Seronera is crowded and you can see huge columns of hundreds of thousands wildebeest, zebras and gazelles. During the mating season (May-June) the wildebeest head west of Seronera, towards Lake Victoria. You can see males fighting one another, competing for females. This central part of the Serengeti is the most visited area as wildlife is good here all year round.

Western Serengeti

The herds get ready for the toughest part of their journey: the river crossings. Around May or June the migration reaches the Grumeti River in the western area. The wildebeest and zebra grow into a mega-herd before crossing the dangerous Grumeti River where gigantic crocodiles lurk. It is truly the survival of the fittest and one of the best wildlife shows on the planet!

Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)

This part of the Serengeti is the place to be from July to October. You can find the herds around the Mara River. Steep river banks, hungry crocodiles and fast flowing rivers make this river crossing extremely dangerous for the herds. Witness the epic battle of life and dead between predator and prey. The sights are spectacular, impressive as well as dramatic. It happens often that herds cross the Mara River north one day, and then back south just a few days later. By October the migration moves back south again, through Loliondo and the Lobo area, to the Southern Serengeti where the cycle starts all over again.

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Check our travel blog:
Best things to do and see in Serengeti National Park