The Ultimate Guide to the Great Migration in Kenya

Written by: Yuna Tiya, Local Expert

What is the Great Migration in Kenya?

The Great Migration is one of the most mesmerizing wildlife spectacles in the world, often called “The Greatest Show on Earth.” It involves the movement between Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve of thousands of wildebeest as they cross the Mara River in search of grazing lands.

Most people think it only takes place between July and October, but the Great Wildebeest Migration is actually an ever-evolving, circular migration with several equally exciting events that occur year-round. The popular river crossings usually coincide with safari’s high season from June to October, hence the impression that this is the only time of the year the migration takes place.

When is the Great Migration in Kenya?

Following the long rains in June, around 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebras and 200,000 gazelles travel in a clockwise direction from the Serengeti through the Maasai Mara from July to October, before returning once again near the end of the year. They cover more than 1,000 miles in search of grass on which to feed, crossing both the Grumeti River and Mara Rivers, facing natural disasters and lurking predators along the way.

There is always action-packed drama as thousands of animals are taken by hungry crocodiles during the river crossings and thousands more are born, renewing and sustaining the circle of life.

A front row seat to the Great Migration from your safari jeep is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Natural World Kenya Safaris can be your ticket to this most extraordinary wildlife extravaganza on a safari tailor made to track the wildebeest on their path and view the Great Wildebeest Migration up–close.

Which months are ideal for catching the Great Migration in Kenya?

July to October is peak season for migration safaris as this is when most river crossings take place. During these months, large herds are making their way between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara so this is when you’ll have the best opportunity to see a river crossing. By August, after the herds cross the Mara River, they disperse through the Masai Mara’s northern region with many remaining in the northern Serengeti.

There is no single river crossing: at some spots, there are just a few animals, while others see a mass of wildebeest and other wildlife on the move without stopping for hours.

The Great Migration in September and October

By September and October, most of the river crossings have taken place and the migrating herds have moved slowly eastward. However, the wildebeest will face the rapid waters of the Mara River once more as they prepare to cross for their return journey southward.

The Great Migration in November and December

When the short rains have ended in late October and early November, the wildebeest and other wildlife move down from Kenya and into the eastern Serengeti plains. By December, they are scattered throughout the eastern and southern Serengeti which is lush with rain, luring huge herds of wildebeest, zebra and other wildlife to the plains. The cycle then continues and the season begins anew.

The Great Migration in January, February, and March

By January each year, the migration finishes its southward movement, edging along the eastern Serengeti and into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The savanna here is filled with fertile grass, ideal grazing grounds for mothers raising their newborn calves. With over 8,000 wildebeest calves born each day, it’s no surprise that the plains are filled with herds of animals by about mid-February. If the grazing is good, the herds usually feed until around March, when they eventually start moving west. This can be a wondrous sight to see and a good opportunity for a migration safari.

The Great Migration in April and May

After calving season in February and March, the wildebeest begin to migrate toward the newer grass of the central Serengeti, drawing with them thousands of other plains game. By May, the herds scatter for mile upon mile as mating season begins and the male wildebeest battle for dominance, grazing as they go. The migration slowly gathers momentum as herds of wildebeest start to gather in the Serengeti’s Western Corridor, congregating along the channels of the Grumeti River which they must cross in order to proceed.

The Great Migration in June and July

The dry season kicks off in June with large herds of wildebeest in the Western Serengeti and on the southern banks of the Grumeti River. As July approaches, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest head north along the western edge of Serengeti National Park toward an even more treacherous river: the swollen, crocodile infested Mara River in the northern Serengeti.

The river crossings typically take place in July, although nature is unpredictable and it’s difficult to pinpoint their timing precisely. One thing’s certain: they are the absolute highlight of the Great Wildebeest Migration for safari-goers and create a safari experience like no other.

For more on when to plan your Kenya safari, read about the best time to visit Kenya.