The Great Migration is the movement of around two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara. It follows the rains and the grass, so timing changes a little every year. This guide shows where the herds usually are in each month, and what the weather in Kenya is like at the same time.
Great Migration calendar, month by month
| Month | Where the herds usually are | What to expect in Kenya |
|---|---|---|
| January | Southern Serengeti (Ndutu, Kusini). Herds gather and early calving can begin. | Hot and dry in Kenya. Good game viewing in the Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo, with resident wildlife. |
| February | Peak calving on the Ndutu and Kusini plains, with hundreds of thousands of newborns. | Hot and dry. A strong month for predators following the calving herds in Tanzania. |
| March | Calving winds down. Herds linger around Ndutu and Kusini, spreading toward Maswa and Namiri. | Last of the dry season in Kenya before the long rains start to build. |
| April | Large herds and calves graze the Naabi and Kusini plains before the northward trek. | Long rains begin. Fewer visitors and lower rates, with some muddy tracks. |
| May | Herds move north through the Moru Kopjes toward the Western Corridor. | Long rains continue. Green landscapes, quiet parks and camps with good-value rates. |
| June | Herds move through the Western Corridor and Grumeti. The rut peaks and Grumeti river crossings begin. | Rains ease through the month in Kenya. The dry season starts to take hold. |
| July | Herds reach the northern Serengeti (Kogatende) and cross the Mara and Sand rivers. | Dry and cool in Kenya. The first herds can start arriving in the Masai Mara. |
| August | Most crossings go south to north. In Kenya the Mara fills with herds. | Dry. One of the best months for the Mara river crossings, and one of the busiest. |
| September | Crossings in both directions between Tanzania and Kenya. Herds are concentrated in the Masai Mara. | Dry. Excellent game viewing and river action, and book early. |
| October | The last herds cross from Kenya back into Tanzania and move toward the Lobo Valley and Grumeti. | Dry, with the short rains approaching late in the month. |
| November | Herds leave the north and pass through Lobo toward the central Serengeti. | Short rains begin. Fewer visitors, green landscapes and good-value rates. |
| December | Herds spread across the central Serengeti and begin heading back to the southern plains to calve. | Short rains ease early in the month. Festive-season demand is high, so plan ahead. |
Which month suits you?
For the river crossings
Choose August or September and spend at least three nights in the Masai Mara. Book early, because camps near the river fill first.
For newborn calves and predators
Choose January to March in southern Tanzania, with February the peak. We can combine this with Kenya on a Kenya and Tanzania safari.
For a quieter, better-value safari
Choose April, May or November. The parks are green and quiet, and the Mara still has plenty of wildlife all year.
For a honeymoon or family trip
The dry months are the easiest for game drives. Tell us if you are celebrating or travelling with children and we plan the pace and camps around you.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Great Migration in Kenya?
Herds usually reach the Masai Mara in Kenya from about August and stay until October, though the first animals can arrive in July. The exact timing changes each year with the rains and the grass.
When is the best time to see the Mara river crossings?
August and September are the most reliable months, with crossings happening in both directions in September. Crossings are unpredictable, so we plan several days in the Mara to give you the best chance.
When is the calving season in the Serengeti?
Calving peaks around February on the Ndutu and Kusini plains in southern Tanzania, with early births from January.
Is the Masai Mara worth visiting outside the migration?
Yes. The Mara has resident lions, elephants, giraffes and more all year, and the rainy months are quieter and better value.
When are the rainy seasons in Kenya?
The long rains fall from about April to June and the short rains from about November to early December. January to March and July to October are the main dry seasons.
How far ahead should I book a migration safari?
Camps in the Masai Mara fill early for August to October, so we recommend planning several months ahead. Tell us your dates and we reply, usually the same day.
Tell us your dates
Share your month and who is travelling, and a planner replies, usually the same day, with ideas and a clear quote.
Sources for movement patterns: Asilia Africa’s month-by-month migration guide and Rough Guides Kenya. Seasons follow Kenya’s usual long and short rains. Always check current conditions before you travel.