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Game viewing is superb year-round in the Serengeti

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is one of the most iconic destinations in the world, so no wonder it’s one of Tanzania’s top attractions. The subject of many nature documentaries, the park is host to the dramatic Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles must cross the Mara River. 

Between June and October, travellers can witness this epic event: the clouds of dust, hooves pummelling the earth, the grunts and splashing of herds crossing the river — some inevitably falling prey to the waiting crocodiles. But that’s not all. On the vast Serengeti plains, you can spot cheetahs scanning from the top of a termite mound, lions beginning their prowl at dusk and herds of browsing elephants moving from tree to tree.

River crossings are seen in the northern Serengeti, but outside migration season, these plains are largely free of safari-goers making it a great time to travel. The wildebeest herds gather in the south from December to February to feed on the lush grass and drop their young. And in the east, you’ll find a high concentration of lion, leopard and cheetah. Serengeti safaris usually start at Kilimanjaro International Airport, just outside Arusha, from where you’ll catch a light aircraft flight. Alternatively, fly to Ngorongoro Crater for your first safari and then take a three-hour drive to your next camp in the Serengeti.

The Serengeti is an excellent year-round destination, though there are events — for example, the wildebeest river crossings — that are only seen at certain times of the year. Our migration camps move around the Serengeti with the herds, while Sayari, Dunia and Namiri Plains are open all year for exceptional game viewing in the northern, central and eastern Serengeti.

 

Matemwe beach dhow sailing
Migration serengeti wildebeast
Mobile tent exterior migration serengeti
Zuri beach palm tree

The Serengeti from November to May

Often referred to as The Greatest Show on Earth, the movement of almost two million wildebeest, 500,000 zebra, hundreds of thousands of antelope, followed closely by the apex predators that hunt them, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The annual migration actually happens all year, as the animals move in a circular route through the area in search of better grazing and water.

In the wet season from November to March, the herds are mainly on the southern plains – northern Ngorongoro Conservation Area and around Ndutu – with all their newborn calves. The predators feast during this period. When the rains stop in March, the herds start moving through the central area to the western corridor (Grumeti River area). Around May, they move north to the northern area and Mara River, the border between Tanzania and Kenya.

The famous Great Migration crossings take place at the Grumeti River in the western corridor around June and July, and at the Mara River in August and September going up into Kenya's Masai Mara, and around October coming down. In November, the herds move south again, arriving back on the southern plains in November and December.

Game in the Greater Serengeti Migration Area

There are many places in the area that have resident game that don't participate in the migration, making them a wonderful safari option. The Big Five live here, as do large numbers of antelope, giraffe, zebra, monkey and all the wild cats.

While some areas may be quiet animal-wise when the migration has headed off, there are pockets that offer spectacular game viewing opportunities. Speak to one of our consultants to guide you to the best places.

Things to see and do in the Greater Serengeti Migration Area

  • Game drives – both day and night
  • Witness the Great Migration
  • Hot air ballooning at dawn over Serengeti