Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania

Where to see the Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania

Wondering where the best places are to see the wildebeest migration in Tanzania? We’ve got you covered with a month-by-month guide, plus expert tips on where to stay.

The Wildebeest Migration is one of the greatest natural spectacles on Earth, and the largest overland migration of animals anywhere in the world. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle, move in a continuous, circular route through the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya. Why? In simple terms: grass. This epic, instinctive journey is driven by rainfall, as the herds follow the promise of fresh grazing across the plains in a rhythm as old as time.

At any one moment, tens of thousands of animals might be thundering across open savannah, calving on fertile plains, or braving crocodile-filled rivers, and knowing where the herds are is key to seeing the migration at its best.

If you’re planning to visit the Serengeti or the Masai Mara, timing and location are everything. Below, we’ve outlined when and where the migration moves throughout the year, and which lodges are best placed to put you in the heart of the action...

December – February
This is the start of the migration cycle. During these months, wildebeest gather in huge numbers on the lush grasslands of the southern Serengeti and Ndutu region to give birth to their young. Calving season brings dramatic predator-prey interactions and is an incredible time for wildlife photography.

Recommended Tanzania lodges: Ndutu Lodge, Kusini Camp, Olakira South, Sayari South, and all Ngorongoro Crater lodges.

March – May
As grazing thins and the calves grow stronger, the herds begin their journey northward, moving through the central Serengeti (Seronera area) and into the northwest corridor. Here, the Grumeti River supports fresh grazing grounds, drawing large congregations of wildebeest and other grazers.

Recommended Tanzania lodges: Ndutu Lodge, Kusini Camp, and Central Serengeti camps including Olakira South, Sayari South, Serena Lodge, and Serengeti Safari Camp.

June – July
The herds head west into the Serengeti’s ‘Western Corridor’ near the Grumeti River, where they may face one of their toughest challenges - a river crossing with lurking crocodiles. From here, they turn north and move into the Lobo area, their final stop in Tanzania before crossing into Kenya.

Recommended Tanzania lodges: Singita Serengeti, Grumeti River Camp, Olakira Camp, Migration Camp, Klein’s Camp, Mbuzi Mawe Camp, Ikoma Bush Camp, Lemala Camp, Sayari Mara, Kensington Camp, and mobile camps in the northern Serengeti.

August – October
Now in Kenya’s Masai Mara, the herds feed on the rich grasses grown after the long rains. While the migrating animals are mostly in Kenya, Tanzania still offers excellent game viewing. Tarangire National Park becomes a dry-season haven for resident wildlife drawn to its permanent water sources.

Recommended Tanzania lodges: Migration Camp, Klein’s Camp, Mbuzi Mawe Camp, Lemala Camp, Sayari Mara, Kensington Camp, mobile camps in the northern Serengeti, and all Tarangire lodges.

Recommended Kenya lodges: Little Governors’ Camp, Kicheche Camp, Mara Bush Camp, Il Moran Camp, Cottar’s 1920s Camp, Kichwa Tembo, Bateleur Camp, Mara Serena, and all other Masai Mara camps.

November
The herds begin their journey south again, returning to Tanzania as the short rains rejuvenate the Serengeti. By late November or early December, they’re back on the southern plains, ready to calve — and the cycle begins anew.

Recommended Tanzania lodges: Ndutu Lodge and all Ngorongoro Crater lodges.

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Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

Sep 17, 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

Jul 31, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

Jul 3, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

Jun 28, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

Jun 5, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

Jun 5, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

Jun 5, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

Jun 5, 2024

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