January to March – Calving Season in Ndutu

In the early months, wildebeest herds congregate in the Ndutu region, located in the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The short rains have rejuvenated the grasslands, making this the prime location for calving. Over 400,000 calves are born during this time, providing ample food for predators like lions, hyenas, and cheetahs. It’s an emotional and dramatic time filled with both life and loss.

April to May – Journey to the Western Corridor

As the rains taper off, the herds move northwest toward central Serengeti and then into the Western Corridor, heading for the Grumeti River. The landscape is lush, but the herds are bracing for their first major river crossing—and with it, the threat of Nile crocodiles and predators lurking nearby.

June to July – Grumeti and the March North

The dry season begins, forcing massive herds to cluster around remaining water sources. Thousands of wildebeest gather along the Grumeti River, hesitating before their dangerous crossing. Afterward, they continue heading north toward the Mara River, setting the stage for the most iconic phase of the migration.

August to October – Mara River Crossings

This is the most dramatic and photographed stage of the migration. The Mara River crossing is a life-or-death challenge. Thousands of wildebeest drown, are trampled, or fall prey to crocodiles and lions. Some herds move into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, while others remain in northern Serengeti. Either way, the spectacle is unforgettable.

November to December – Return to the South*

After the short rains, the wildebeest begin migrating south along the eastern Serengeti, heading back toward Ndutu. The grasses start to regenerate, setting the scene for the next calving season and the entire cycle begins anew.