A month-by-month guide to timing the world's greatest wildlife spectacle — and catching the Mara River crossings at their peak.
Every year, more than 1.5 million wildebeest, 250,000 zebra and hundreds of thousands of gazelles trace a vast clockwise loop across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara in search of fresh grass.
January – March: Calving Season
The herds gather on the southern plains of the Serengeti, where over 400,000 wildebeest calves are born within a few weeks. Predator action is constant and the light at dawn is extraordinary for photography.
July – October: The River Crossings
This is the headline act. Massive herds pile up on the banks of the Mara and Grumeti rivers before surging across crocodile-infested waters. Crossings are unpredictable — some days bring nothing, others deliver hour-long dramas. Our Great Migration Special itinerary is timed for peak probability, with fly-camps positioned near known crossing points.
How We Time It
We track rainfall patterns, herd movements reported by our guides, and satellite data daily. Booking 9-12 months ahead secures the best positioned camps.
Turn this story into your journey
Our safari designers craft private itineraries around the seasons and sightings you just read about.
