A safari to the broad plains of the Serengeti is the ultimate goal of every true safari fan. One of the world’s largest and most unspoiled tracts of wilderness, the savannah of Tanzania’s most famous park is home to some of the world’s best game-viewing.
From the big cat playground of Seronera to the calving grounds of Ndutu to the high drama of river crossings in Kogatende and Grumeti, the Serengeti offers a year-round safari worthy of inclusion in any African safari itinerary.
You can’t go wrong when you choose to spend a few days of your safari on the Serengeti.
Although the Serengeti is a year-round safari destination, the Great Migration is the main attraction. So the peak of the migration is arguably the very best time for a Serengeti Safari. The migration is, after all, the reason why most people visit the Serengeti National Park.
The ever-moving columns of wildebeest, joined by a host of companions, follow an age-old route in search of grazing and water. This journey takes them across the plains of the Masai Mara in Kenya, all the way south into Tanzania, through the Serengeti to the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, before circling up and around in a clockwise direction. Along the way, high drama is always present, as thousands of animals are taken by predators, and thousands more are born, replenishing the numbers and sustaining the circle of life.
Why Great Migration Safaris in Serengeti
From late June to August is the best time. This is when the Great Migration peaks (late June to August) making it arguably the best time to visit Serengeti. Depending on the movement of the animals and where exactly in the Serengeti you are going on safari.
– the best months to see the migration in Serengeti
In late June and July, the migration moves into north-western Serengeti. Thus, these are the best months to see the migration in the western region of Serengeti. And, in August you can see the Great Migration in northern Serengeti. This is when you may get to see the herds plunging into the crocodile-infested Mara River as they cross into Kenya.
– unpredictable time for migration safaris in Serengeti
Late September and October are the least desirable months to see the Great Migration in the Serengeti. In early September you might catch the last of the herds crossing the Mara River. As they move from Tanzania into Kenya. But, this isn’t always the case. As a general rule, it is better to visit the Masai Mara in September and October to see the Great Migration.
– good time of year to see the migration, but in the short rainy season
By November the herds are returning to northern Serengeti from the Masai Mara in Kenya. They usually linger in north-eastern Serengeti and migrate further south in December.
The timing of the migration does shift from year to year, so check when you are planning your safari. Talk to a safari expert for up to date advice.
– excellent time to see calves and young animals, but not the best for seeing the migration on the move
Calving season in Serengeti. The migration continues at speed in January. But in February the herds slow right down while mothers give birth in southern Serengeti. By March they are on the move again as the young calves gain strength.
– depending on the rains this can be a great time to see the migration, but it can be wet
The Wildebeest Migration moves to the western region of central Serengeti from about April to June. At first, the herds move more slowly because their calves are still young. By May the herbivores are speeding up as the young grow stronger.
But, April and May are the peak rainy season months so the road conditions are often poor. Many of the mobiles camps and lodges also close over the rainy season.
In early June the herds become more scattered and cover vast distances, crossing the Grumeti River.
Meerkat Expedition is a leading travel company, offering a wide range of unique, high-quality safari options throughout Tanzania.
