Great Migration Tracker

January · Typical pattern

Southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains

Movement: Herds generally spread across the southern short-grass plains.
Seasonal activity: The calving period begins as grazing improves after the rains.
For your safari: Consider Ndutu and the southern Serengeti for open-plains wildlife viewing.

February · Typical pattern

Ndutu and the southern short-grass plains

Movement: Large numbers often remain on the southern plains.
Seasonal activity: This is usually the main wildebeest calving period, with predators nearby.
For your safari: Ndutu and the southern Serengeti are strong choices for calving-season safaris.

March · Typical pattern

Southern Serengeti and Ndutu

Movement: Herds may still graze in the south before beginning to disperse.
Seasonal activity: Young calves travel with the herds; the timing of movement depends on rain and grass.
For your safari: Plan around southern areas, while keeping the itinerary flexible.

April · Typical pattern

Southern to central Serengeti

Movement: Herds generally begin moving north and west as conditions change.
Seasonal activity: The long rains can make movement more dispersed and some roads challenging.
For your safari: A route through the southern and central Serengeti allows room for variation.

May · Typical pattern

Central Serengeti and western corridor

Movement: The broad movement tends toward the western corridor.
Seasonal activity: Herds may gather into longer columns as the plains dry.
For your safari: Consider central and western Serengeti areas; exact concentrations vary.

June · Typical pattern

Western corridor toward northern Serengeti

Movement: Herds commonly continue north and northwest.
Seasonal activity: Grumeti-area river crossings may occur, but they are unpredictable.
For your safari: The western corridor can be rewarding; avoid planning around a guaranteed crossing.

July · Typical pattern

Northern Serengeti

Movement: Many herds move into the northern Serengeti and Mara River area.
Seasonal activity: Mara River crossings can begin as herds reach the north.
For your safari: Northern Serengeti is a sensible base, with several days for flexibility.

August · Typical pattern

Northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara ecosystem

Movement: Herds may be spread on both sides of the Tanzania–Kenya border.
Seasonal activity: Mara River crossing activity is often associated with this period.
For your safari: Choose northern Serengeti for a Tanzania safari; crossings cannot be promised.

September · Typical pattern

Northern Serengeti and Mara ecosystem

Movement: Herds often remain in the north, with movement between grazing areas.
Seasonal activity: River crossings may continue, sometimes in either direction.
For your safari: Allow time in northern Serengeti rather than scheduling a single crossing day.

October · Typical pattern

Northern Serengeti and Mara ecosystem

Movement: Herds may begin drifting south as the season changes.
Seasonal activity: Northern concentrations and crossings vary greatly between years.
For your safari: Northern Serengeti remains relevant, with plans guided by recent conditions.

November · Typical pattern

Northern to central Serengeti

Movement: With short rains, herds generally move back toward the southern plains.
Seasonal activity: The return south may happen in several groups rather than one wave.
For your safari: A central Serengeti base gives flexibility while the herds are dispersed.

December · Typical pattern

Central and southern Serengeti toward Ndutu

Movement: Herds generally return to the southern short-grass plains.
Seasonal activity: Fresh grazing draws animals south ahead of the main calving season.
For your safari: Consider the southern Serengeti and Ndutu, depending on rainfall.

Where are the herds usually found?

Southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains

Ndutu and the southern short-grass plains

Southern Serengeti and Ndutu

Southern to central Serengeti

Central Serengeti and western corridor

Western corridor toward northern Serengeti

Northern Serengeti

Northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara ecosystem

Northern Serengeti and Mara ecosystem

Northern Serengeti and Mara ecosystem

Northern to central Serengeti

Central and southern Serengeti toward Ndutu

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