The Complete Guide to the Great Migration

What Is the Great Migration?

The Great Migration is the largest overland wildlife movement on earth — 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebra, and 200,000 Thomson's gazelle making a continuous circular journey across the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem.

The Annual Cycle

January – March: Calving Season

Up to 8,000 calves are born every day in February in Tanzania's southern Serengeti. Predators converge on the calving grounds.

July – October: The Mara Crossings

The herds enter Kenya's Maasai Mara. The river crossings — infested with crocodiles — are the scene most often shown in wildlife documentaries.

October – December: The Return

As Kenyan rains begin, the herds return south, completing the annual cycle.

How to See the River Crossings

Spend 2–3 days positioned near a known crossing point. Crossings happen on the wildebeest's terms. Some guests see one on their first morning; others wait three days.