Understanding the Great Migration: Where the Herds Are and When

The migration is a continuous movement, not a single event. Knowing roughly where the herds sit each month is what makes or breaks the trip.

By Maasai Hopeland Safari Team

Nearly two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle move through the Serengeti ecosystem in a slow annual circuit driven by rainfall and grazing. There is no timetable, but there are strong patterns.

The southern plains, December to March

Short grass, mineral-rich soil and open ground make this the calving area. Predator activity is intense, and sightings are often at close range.

West and north, June to October

The herds move up through the western corridor and into the northern Serengeti, where the river lines create the crossings the migration is famous for. Crossings depend entirely on rainfall and herd pressure, so patience matters.

What this means for your booking

Camp position matters more than the number of nights you stay. We build migration itineraries month by month, and mobile camps that move with the herds are usually the best choice.