Where and When to See the Great Migration in East Africa
Witnessing the Great Migration in East Africa is one of the most sought-after safari experiences. Each year, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya in search of grazing land. This movement draws predators and creates one of Earth's most dramatic natural events. To see it, you need to understand the timing and the locations where the migration is most visible. At Grayton Expeditions, we help you get to the right place at the right time, with expert guides who make the experience safe, personal, and unforgettable.
What is the Great Migration?
The Great Migration is the annual movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles. Their movement is driven by rainfall and fresh grass, creating a continuous cycle across Tanzania and Kenya. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, crocodiles, and hyenas follow the herds, making this the best chance to witness predator-prey interactions in the wild.
Best Time to Witness the Great Migration
Timing is everything. The migration follows a predictable route, but the exact movements depend on rainfall. Here’s a simplified timeline:
December to March: Calving season in the Southern Serengeti. Thousands of wildebeest calves are born. Predators are very active.
April to May: Herds move north through the Western Serengeti. Green season with fewer crowds.
June to July: Grumeti River crossings in Tanzania. Large herds gather and predators concentrate.
July to October: Mara River crossings into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This is the most dramatic and photographed stage.
November: Herds return south towards Tanzania. Short rains signal the next cycle.
If you want to see the famous river crossings, plan between July and October. If you want to witness calving and predator action, visit between January and March.
Different stages of the migration are best seen in specific regions:
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Southern Serengeti (Ndutu): Best in January–March for calving.
Western Serengeti: Best in May–June for Grumeti River crossings.
Northern Serengeti: Best in July–September for Mara River crossings before the herds enter Kenya.
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Mara River: Best in August–October for the most dramatic crossings. This is where crocodiles lie in wait and big cats hunt the exhausted herds.
Both parks are excellent, but your choice depends on when you travel. Grayton Expeditions helps you plan around the timing so you do not miss the action.
Why Travel with Grayton Expeditions
Watching the migration is not just about being there. It is about being guided by people who know where to position you safely and respectfully. With Grayton Expeditions, you benefit from:
Personalised planning: We customise your safari around your travel dates and priorities.
Expert guides: Our team has years of experience reading animal behaviour and movement.
Sustainable travel: We support conservation and work with eco-conscious lodges and camps.
Safety and trust: We focus on safe viewing while respecting wildlife and communities.
Emotional connection: Our safaris are designed to leave you with memories that last for life.
Tips for Planning Your Migration Safari
1. Book early. Camps in the Serengeti and Maasai Mara fill up quickly during migration season.
2. Choose your focus. Decide if you want to see calving, crossings, or predator hunts.
3. Stay flexible. The herds move with rainfall, and timing can shift slightly.
4. Consider multiple locations. A cross-border safari in both Tanzania and Kenya gives you the best chance of witnessing different stages.
5. Travel with experienced guides. Timing and positioning matter. A skilled guide can make the difference between watching from afar and being right where the action happens.
The Great Migration is more than a safari highlight. It is nature in its rawest form, a reminder of survival, movement, and connection between species. To witness it in the best way, you need the right timing and the right locations. With Grayton Expeditions, you get access to personalised safaris, expert guiding, and safe, sustainable travel.
Plan your migration safari today with Grayton Expeditions and experience Africa’s greatest wildlife event with guides who care about you and the land. Contact us now to reserve your space
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