The Great Migration — over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and countless gazelles moving in a clockwise circuit across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem — is arguably the most spectacular wildlife event on the planet.
## Understanding the Cycle
The migration is a year-round phenomenon, driven by the search for fresh grazing and water. Here's a month-by-month breakdown:
### January-March: Calving Season
The herds gather on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area. This is predator paradise, with thousands of calves born daily.
### April-May: The Move North
The columns begin moving northwest through the Serengeti, growing larger as they go.
### June-July: Grumeti River Crossings
The first major river crossings occur at the Grumeti River, where crocodiles lie in wait.
### August-October: Mara River Crossings
The herds reach the Mara River, creating the dramatic crossings you see in documentaries. This is peak season in the Masai Mara.
### November-December: Return South
The short rains bring fresh grass to the south, and the herds begin their journey back.
## Best Time to Visit
For river crossings: August-October in the Masai Mara, or June-July at Grumeti.
For calving season: January-March in the southern Serengeti.
For fewer crowds: Consider the shoulder seasons of April-May or November.
