The Great Migration is the largest overland wildlife movement on Earth, involving over 1.5 million wildebeest, 300,000 zebras, and thousands of gazelles moving in a continuous cycle across the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem.
Unlike what many guides suggest, the Great Migration is not a single event and does not happen in one place at one time. It is a year-round natural system, driven by rainfall, grazing conditions, and survival instincts.
Why Tanzania matters:
Tanzania hosts the migration for most of the year, including the calving season, making it the most complete destination to experience the Great Migration in depth.
| Area | Best Time | What You’ll See |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Serengeti (Ndutu) | Jan – Mar | Calving season, predator action |
| Central Serengeti (Seronera) | Year-round | Lions, leopards, resident wildlife |
| Western Serengeti (Grumeti) | May – Jun | Early river crossings |
| Northern Serengeti | Jul – Oct | Mara River crossings |
| Factor | Tanzania (Serengeti) | Kenya (Masai Mara) |
|---|---|---|
| Migration presence | Year-round | Shorter window |
| Calving season | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Crowds | Fewer | Heavier |
| Safari flexibility | High | Restricted |
| Experience depth | Complete | Partial |
⭐ Expert Insight:
Tanzania offers a longer, quieter, and more immersive Great Migration safari.
The Great Migration can be experienced any month of the year — the key is choosing the right location.
| Months | Migration Phase | Best Location | Experience Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan – Mar | Calving season | Ndutu / South Serengeti | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Apr – May | Green season movement | Central / West Serengeti | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Jun – Jul | River buildup | Grumeti | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Aug – Oct | River crossings | North Serengeti | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Nov – Dec | Return south | Central Serengeti | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
💡 No bad time to go — only different experiences.
We design tailor-made Great Migration safaris based on live herd movement, not fixed templates.
Calving Season Safaris (Ndutu)
River Crossing Safaris (Northern Serengeti)
Green Season Migration Safaris
Private Great Migration Safaris
Luxury Migration Safaris
Photographic Migration Safaris
Honeymoon & Exclusive Safaris
3–4 Days (Focused Serengeti)
5–7 Days (Serengeti + Ngorongoro)
8–10 Days (Complete Migration Journey)
⭐ Nawahi Advantage:
✔ Local expert guides
✔ Flexible routing
✔ Camps close to the herds
✔ Private 4×4 vehicles
⚠️ Booking lodges far from the migration
⚠️ Following generic calendars
⚠️ Underestimating travel time inside Serengeti
💡 We track rainfall patterns, herd reports, and guide intelligence to position you where the action is.
Minimum: 3 days in Serengeti
Ideal: 5–7 days for full experience
Yes. The Great Migration is suitable for families, couples, photographers, and first-time visitors when planned properly.
Our curated itineraries combine stunning destinations, authentic experiences, and expert planning to create the perfect Tanzania safari adventure.
