The wildebeest don't follow a fixed calendar, but their movement follows a well-documented seasonal pattern that's predictable enough to plan a trip around. Here's roughly where the herds sit each month, and what that means for your itinerary.
January – March: Calving Season In The South
The herds gather on the short-grass plains around Ndutu and the southern Serengeti, where over half a million calves are born within a few weeks in February. Predator action is intense here — this is peak season for cheetah and lion sightings, not just wildebeest columns.
- Best for: newborn calves and predator drama
- Base yourself in: Ndutu or southern Serengeti
April – May: The Quiet Season
The herds start moving north-west through the central Serengeti and into the Western Corridor. Rain makes tracks harder going, but camps are quieter and rates drop — a good window if you don't need the river crossings.
- Best for: fewer vehicles, lower rates
- Base yourself in: Western Corridor or Seronera
June – July: Grumeti River Crossings
The migration compresses toward the Grumeti River in June, with the first crossings usually happening by early-to-mid July. Smaller and less crowded than the Mara crossings later in the season.
August – September: Mara River Crossings
This is the migration most people picture — thousands of wildebeest crossing the Mara River in the northern Serengeti, with crocodiles waiting in the water. It's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit, so book 4–6 months ahead.
- Best for: the classic river-crossing photo
- Base yourself in: Northern Serengeti or Mara
October – December: Moving South Again
The herds drift back south through the Lobo area and eastern Serengeti, timed to reach the southern plains again before the next calving season begins.
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