The Great Wildebeest Migration
Witness one of the world's greatest wildlife spectacles as more than two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles journey across the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing. Experience dramatic Mara River crossings, incredible predator action and unforgettable safari moments with Lowen Safaris.
Year Round
Mara River Crossing
2 Million+
Serengeti & Ndutu
Private Safaris
Luxury & Midrange
Witness Nature's Greatest Wildlife Spectacle
The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest overland wildlife migration on Earth. Every year, more than two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles travel across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing, creating one of Africa's most extraordinary natural events.
This continuous journey takes the herds through the endless plains of Southern Serengeti, the lush Western Corridor, the dramatic Mara River crossings in Northern Serengeti, and finally back to the Ndutu region where thousands of calves are born each year. Along the way, predators including lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas and crocodiles follow the herds, creating unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Lowen Safaris designs tailor-made Great Migration safaris throughout the year, ensuring you visit the right location at the right time. Whether you dream of witnessing dramatic river crossings, the incredible calving season, or thrilling predator action, our experienced safari specialists will create the perfect itinerary for your adventure.
Why Experience the Great Migration?
Follow the Great Migration Throughout the Year
The Great Wildebeest Migration is a continuous journey across the Serengeti ecosystem. Depending on the month you travel, you'll experience different wildlife spectacles—from thousands of newborn calves to dramatic river crossings and incredible predator action.
Calving Season
The herds gather across Ndutu and Southern Serengeti, where more than 500,000 wildebeest calves are born within a few weeks. This is one of the best times to witness predator action as lions, cheetahs and hyenas take advantage of the abundance of prey.
- ✓ Ndutu Plains
- ✓ Southern Serengeti
- ✓ Wildebeest Calving
- ✓ Big Cats
Western Corridor
As the rains end, the migration begins moving northwest through Central Serengeti toward the Western Corridor. Massive columns of wildebeest and zebra stretch across the plains while predators remain close behind.
- ✓ Central Serengeti
- ✓ Grumeti River
- ✓ Huge Herds
- ✓ Scenic Landscapes
Mara River Crossings
The most famous stage of the migration. Thousands of wildebeest attempt dramatic crossings of the Mara River while giant Nile crocodiles wait below. This period offers unforgettable wildlife encounters and spectacular photography opportunities.
- ✓ Northern Serengeti
- ✓ Mara River
- ✓ Crocodile Crossings
- ✓ Luxury Safari Camps
Journey South
Following the short rains, the herds begin their return toward Central and Southern Serengeti, completing the annual migration cycle before the next calving season begins.
- ✓ Central Serengeti
- ✓ Southern Serengeti
- ✓ Returning Herds
- ✓ Excellent Game Viewing
Choose the Perfect Time for Your Safari
Every season of the Great Migration offers something unique. Whether you're dreaming of witnessing thousands of newborn wildebeest during the calving season, photographing dramatic Mara River crossings, or enjoying quieter months with exceptional game viewing, Lowen Safaris will help you plan your journey at exactly the right time.
Our experienced safari specialists closely monitor wildlife movements throughout the year to ensure every itinerary is designed around the best possible migration experience.
Explore Migration Safaris⭐ Best Overall Months
July – October
🦓 Calving Season
January – March
📷 Photography
July – October
🦁 Predator Action
January – March & July – October
Best Places to Witness the Great Migration
The Great Migration moves across different regions of the Serengeti ecosystem throughout the year. Choosing the right destination at the right time is essential for experiencing this extraordinary wildlife spectacle.
The Calving Season Paradise
Between January and March, the Ndutu Plains become the nursery of the Great Migration. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves are born within weeks, attracting lions, cheetahs, hyenas and other predators for unforgettable wildlife encounters.
- ✓ Best Time: January – March
- ✓ Wildebeest Calving
- ✓ Big Cats
- ✓ Excellent Photography
- ✓ Endless Plains
- ✓ Luxury Camps
Year-Round Wildlife Viewing
The Seronera Valley offers outstanding wildlife viewing throughout the year. Large resident populations of lions, leopards, elephants and cheetahs make Central Serengeti one of Tanzania's finest safari destinations, regardless of migration timing.
- ✓ Year-Round Game Viewing
- ✓ Big Cats
- ✓ Leopard Sightings
- ✓ Luxury Lodges
- ✓ Balloon Safaris
- ✓ Scenic Landscapes
The Grumeti River Crossing
From May through June, the migration moves into the Western Corridor where thousands of wildebeest prepare to cross the Grumeti River. This quieter region offers spectacular game viewing before the herds continue north.
- ✓ Best Time: May – June
- ✓ Grumeti River
- ✓ Giant Crocodiles
- ✓ Massive Herds
- ✓ Luxury Camps
- ✓ Remote Wilderness
The Legendary Mara River Crossing
Between July and October, Northern Serengeti hosts the world-famous Mara River crossings. Thousands of wildebeest plunge into crocodile-filled waters while predators wait on both riverbanks, creating one of Africa's most dramatic wildlife spectacles.
- ✓ Best Time: July – October
- ✓ Mara River Crossings
- ✓ Nile Crocodiles
- ✓ Big Cats
- ✓ Luxury Mobile Camps
- ✓ World-Class Photography
Nature's Greatest Crossing
The Mara River is the most iconic location of the Great Migration. Watching thousands of wildebeest leap into the river while crocodiles and predators wait nearby is one of Africa's most unforgettable safari experiences.
- ✓ Peak Season: July – October
- ✓ River Crossings
- ✓ Predator Action
- ✓ Luxury Safari Camps
- ✓ Outstanding Photography
- ✓ Bucket List Experience
Choose Your Great Migration Safari
Follow the Great Wildebeest Migration with carefully designed itineraries that place you in the right location at the right time. Whether you're interested in the calving season, dramatic river crossings, or a luxury safari experience, we have the perfect journey for you.
5-Day Great Migration Safari
Experience the spectacular wildebeest calving season across Ndutu and Southern Serengeti with incredible predator action.
- ✓ 5 Days
- ✓ Ndutu
- ✓ Southern Serengeti
- ✓ Big Cats
6-Day Serengeti Migration Safari
Witness the famous Mara River crossings together with exceptional Big Five wildlife viewing in Northern Serengeti.
- ✓ 7 Days
- ✓ Mara River
- ✓ River Crossings
- ✓ Luxury Lodges
9 Days Northern Tanzania Migration Safari
Follow the Great Migration while exploring Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara on an unforgettable journey.
- ✓ 9 Days
- ✓ Great Migration
- ✓ Big Five
- ✓ Luxury Safari
8 Days Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar
Combine the Great Migration with Tanzania's iconic national parks before relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar.
- ✓ 10 Days
- ✓ Great Migration
- ✓ Zanzibar
- ✓ Luxury Experience
Why Witness the Great Migration?
The Great Wildebeest Migration is widely regarded as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. Every stage of this incredible journey offers unforgettable wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and once-in-a-lifetime safari experiences.
Over 2 Million Animals
Watch millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles travel across the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing.
Unforgettable Predator Action
Witness dramatic hunts involving lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and crocodiles following the migrating herds.
Legendary River Crossings
Experience the world-famous Mara River crossings where thousands of wildebeest brave crocodile-filled waters.
World-Class Photography
Capture spectacular wildlife moments, breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable African sunsets.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Enjoy a sunrise balloon safari above the Serengeti and witness the migration from a truly unique perspective.
Luxury Safari Camps
Stay in carefully selected luxury lodges and mobile camps positioned close to the migration.
Spectacular Serengeti Landscapes
Explore endless golden plains, granite kopjes, acacia woodlands and breathtaking African scenery.
Expert Local Safari Guides
Our experienced Tanzanian guides track wildlife movements daily to maximize your migration experience.
Every Migration Safari is Different
No two Great Migration safaris are ever the same. Wildlife movements depend on seasonal rains, fresh grazing, and natural conditions, making every journey unique. Our experienced safari specialists carefully monitor the migration throughout the year to position you in the best locations for exceptional wildlife viewing.
Whether you're hoping to witness thousands of newborn wildebeest during the calving season, photograph dramatic river crossings, or enjoy close encounters with Africa's iconic predators, Lowen Safaris will design a personalized itinerary that gives you the very best chance of experiencing these unforgettable moments.
Explore Our Safaris🦓 Wildlife
2+ Million Migrating Animals
📅 Best Season
Year Round
🦁 Big Five
Excellent Chances
📷 Photography
World-Class Opportunities