Picture this you’re sitting on a dusty hill, coffee in hand. Below, the ground shakes. Thousands of wildebeest charge toward the river. One jumps. Then a hundred. Crocodiles snap. It’s loud, messy, and the most incredible thing you’ll ever see. That’s the Great Migration in the Serengeti the world’s biggest animal road trip. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and half a million gazelles follow the rain in a giant circle every year.
And 2026 is going to be special. The weather experts say the rains will be perfect meaning early babies in the south and epic river crossings in the north.
I’m Christian. I’ve watched this show more times than I can count. This guide is straight from the bush – no guesswork.
What Is the Great Migration?
It’s not a race. It’s animals looking for fresh grass and water. They move in a big loop round and round all year! sounds cool right?
- January–Mid march :Babies born in the south (Ndutu)
- Late March–June: Head north through the middle and west, this is a taste for the first small river crossing (Grumeti river)
- July–October: Big river jumps in the north (Mara River)
- November–December: Back south again
The exact dates change a little each year because of rain. But we know the pattern and we’ll put you in the right place at the right time.
Your 2026 Month-by-Month Guide
- Where: Ndutu plains (southern Serengeti)
- What you see: 8,000 baby wildebeest born every day. Lions and cheetah hunting.
- Weather: Warm (28–32°C), short afternoon rain.
- Crowds: Quiet – perfect for photos.
- Price with us per person
Camping: €1,213
Nice tented camp: €1,750 - Best for: Families, first-timers, anyone who loves cute babies.
- Hot dates: 13–18 Jan | 3–8 Feb | 17–22 Feb
March – April: Green Season in the Middle
- Where: Central Serengeti (Serona area)
- What you see: Green grass everywhere, herds spread out, amazing bird life.
- Weather: Short rains & long , dramatic skies.
- Price: Cheapest of the year –from €850 per person
- Hot dates: 2–7 Mar | 16–21 Mar | 6–11 Apr
- Best for: Budget travellers, photographers who love moody light.
May – June: The Big Walk North (Western Serengeti)
- Where: Grumeti River area
- What you see: First big river crossings (smaller than July but still wild).
- Weather: Getting dry
- Best for: People who want action + adventure.
- Price: $1,450 per person
- Hot dates: 18–23 May | 1–6 Jun | 15–20 June
July – October: The Famous River Crossings (Northern Serengeti)
- Where: Mara River, Kogatende( North Serengeti)
- Weather: Dry and dusty – perfect for photos.
- Best for: Anyone with “see the migration” on their bucket list
- Hot dates:
6–11 Jul | 3–8 Aug (peak) | 7–12 Sep | 5–10 Oct - August has the most crossings. We have private camps away from the crowds.
November – December: Heading Home
- Where: Eastern Serengeti, back toward Ndutu
- What you see: Herds moving south, early green grass, calm after the storm.
- Best for: Christmas trips, last-minute deals.
- Hot dates: 9–14 Nov | 24–29 Dec (Christmas tour)
Ready to Go?