When are the Mara River crossings?

Most commonly from mid-July through September, though the exact weeks vary with rainfall each year. Crossings are unpredictable, so allow several nights near the river.

Is the Great Migration worth seeing in the green season?

Yes — the calving season in the southern Serengeti between January and March offers enormous herds, newborn calves and constant predator action, with fewer vehicles than August in the Mara.

How many days do I need?

Plan six to eight days for a focused migration safari, or ten to fourteen if you are combining the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara or adding gorilla trekking.

The Great Migration: where to be, and when

Updated 2026-09-17 · 7 min read

Around two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle circle between Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Maasai Mara every year, followed by lions, hyena and crocodile. Seeing it well is a matter of being in the right corner of the ecosystem at the right time.

The loop, month by month

The herds follow rainfall, so timing shifts by a few weeks each year. Use this as a planning frame, not a timetable.

January to March — southern Serengeti and Ndutu: calving season, huge concentrations on short grass, dense predator activity.
April to May — the herds start moving north-west; long rains, quiet parks, lowest rates.
June to early July — the western corridor and the Grumeti River crossings.
Mid-July to October — northern Serengeti and Kenya's Maasai Mara, including the Mara River crossings.
November to December — the herds move back south through the eastern Serengeti.

Seeing a river crossing

Crossings cannot be scheduled. Herds mass at the bank and may wait hours or days before plunging in. The way to improve your odds is to stay three or more nights within reach of the Mara River in the northern Serengeti or the Mara Triangle between late July and September, and to be out at first light.

A patient guide matters more than a long itinerary here. Small camps close to the crossing points mean less driving and more time waiting where the action happens.

Kenya or Tanzania?

For crossings and easy logistics in peak season, the Maasai Mara is hard to beat, and Nairobi connections are short. For calving season and the sheer scale of the southern plains, Tanzania's Serengeti and Ndutu are the place, often combined with Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire.

Many travellers do both, crossing between the two countries and adding a few days on Zanzibar or in Uganda for gorillas.

Planning notes

Peak-season camps in the north sell out early — nine to twelve months ahead is normal for the best small camps in August. Park fees are charged per 24 hours, so entry timing affects cost. Mornings and evenings are cold in open vehicles; bring a warm layer even in the dry season.

Frequently asked questions

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