Travel to Kenya

Trying to pin down the Great Migration to a single month is like trying to predict the exact path of a rainstorm. While the iconic river crossings in the Masai Mara typically happen between July and October, the migration is actually a continuous, year-round journey driven by the search for fresh grass and water.

This guide will walk you through the migration’s annual cycle to help you figure out the best time for your adventure.

The Migration Calendar: A Year-Round Journey

The Great Migration isn’t a single event, but an endless circular trek of over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Their movement follows the rains, so the timing can shift a bit each year.

The table below outlines the general annual pattern.

Months	Typical Herd Location	Key Events & What to See
Jan – Mar	Southern Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area	Calving Season (Feb-Mar): Thousands of wildebeest are born daily. High predator action as big cats hunt vulnerable calves.
Apr – May	Moving northwest through Central Serengeti	The Rut (Mating Season): Males compete for mates. Herds form long columns as they travel.
Jun – Jul	Western Serengeti, arriving at the Grumeti and Mara Rivers	River Crossings Begin: Herds gather at rivers, facing crocodiles. The dramatic Mara River crossings often begin in July.
Aug – Oct	Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara, Kenya	Peak River Crossings: This is the most famous time for the Mara River crossings. Herds are spread across the Mara.
Nov – Dec	Returning south through Eastern Serengeti	Journey South: The herds, driven by short rains, move back towards the southern calving grounds, completing the cycle.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Witnessing the Sightings
The river crossings are the migration’s headline act. It’s a dramatic scene of chaos and survival as wildebeest plunge into crocodile-infested waters. However, it requires patience, as herds may wait days before crossing. Other incredible moments include watching predators hunt during the calving season or seeing vast columns of animals stretch across the plains.

Weather and Crowds
The dry season from June to October brings pleasant temperatures and clearer skies, making wildlife easier to spot. This is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit. The rainy season (November-May) offers lush landscapes, lower rates, and fewer visitors, though some roads may become difficult to navigate, especially during the “long rains” in April and May.

Planning and Staying in the Mara

Booking During High Season
For travel between July and October, it’s crucial to book your safari at least six to twelve months in advance. Lodges in prime locations fill up quickly. Consider staying in the private conservancies bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve for a less crowded experience, often with the added benefit of off-road driving and night safaris.

Choosing Your Accommodation
Your choice of accommodation depends on your budget and desired experience. Permanent lodges offer more luxury and stability, while mobile tented camps are designed to move with the migration, placing you in the heart of the action. The conservancies provide an exclusive feel, while staying within the main reserve puts you closer to the most famous river-crossing points.

To sum it up:

• For the best chance to see the dramatic river crossings in the Masai Mara, plan your trip for August or September.
• For the calving season and high predator action, visit the Southern Serengeti between February and March.
• For fewer crowds and lower prices, consider the “shoulder” seasons like November or March-May, understanding that the herds will be in different locations and weather may be wetter.

I hope this guide helps you visualize your safari adventure. Since the migration is a natural event that depends on rainfall patterns, using a reputable tour operator who has on-the-ground knowledge can make all the difference in catching this incredible spectacle.