Best Time to See the Great Wildebeest Migration (Month-by-Month Safari Guide)

Best Time to See the Great Wildebeest Migration: A Complete Guide by Annest Kenya Safaris

One of the most common questions travelers ask is:
“When is the best time to see the Great Wildebeest Migration?”

The answer depends on what you want to witness — dramatic river crossings, mass calving, predator action, or fewer crowds. At Annest Kenya Safaris, we don’t sell generic safari dates. We design migration-focused safaris based on real movement patterns, weather cycles, and on-the-ground intelligence from our guides.

Below is a month-by-month migration guide, curated by our safari specialists to help you choose the perfect migration safari experience.

January – February: Calving Season in the Southern Serengeti

Location: Ndutu Area & Southern Serengeti
Experience: Calving season, intense predator activity

This is when over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born within a short period. Lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are everywhere, making this one of the most dramatic times for wildlife photography.

✔ Ideal for photographers
✔ Excellent predator sightings
✔ Fewer crowds than peak season

Annest Kenya Safaris Tip:
We position guests close to Ndutu using mobile camps for maximum flexibility.

March – April: Lush Landscapes & Fewer Tourists

Location: Southern to Central Serengeti
Experience: Green season, scenic beauty, newborn herds

The rains bring lush landscapes and fewer tourists. While river crossings haven’t started, the migration is still dense and visually spectacular.

✔ Best value migration safaris
✔ Beautiful scenery
✔ Ideal for private safaris

May – June: The Journey Begins

Location: Central & Western Serengeti
Experience: Grumeti River crossings begin

As the plains dry, the herds push west and north. Early river crossings begin at the Grumeti River, often without crowds.

✔ Excellent balance of wildlife & solitude
✔ Early river drama
✔ Perfect for experienced safari-goers

July – October: Masai Mara River Crossings (Peak Season)

Location: Masai Mara (Kenya) & Northern Serengeti
Experience: Iconic Mara River crossings

This is the most famous stage of the Great Wildebeest Migration. Thousands of wildebeest plunge into crocodile-infested waters of the Mara River.

✔ Best time for first-time safari travelers
✔ High predator concentration
✔ Peak wildlife density

Why Annest Kenya Safaris Excels Here:
We operate from Kenya, giving us unmatched access, timing flexibility, and prime lodge positioning during peak migration months.

November – December: Return to the Serengeti

Location: Northern to Central Serengeti
Experience: Herds move south, dramatic skies, fewer visitors

Short rains signal the return south. The crowds thin, prices soften, and the landscapes glow.

✔ Great shoulder-season value
✔ Excellent photography light
✔ Calm, exclusive safari atmosphere

So… When Is the BEST Time?

There is no single “best” month — only the best time for YOU.

At Annest Kenya Safaris, we help travelers choose based on:

• Desired wildlife moments
• Budget preferences
• Travel flexibility
• Crowd tolerance
• Photography goals

Talk to an Annest Kenya Safaris migration expert for honest, personalized advice — not guesswork.

Why Trust Annest Kenya Safaris for Migration Planning?

Unlike overseas agencies, Annest Kenya Safaris is based in East Africa, with offices in Nairobi and Diani Beach. Our guides track migration movements weekly and adapt routes in real time.

✔ Local safari experts
✔ Custom private migration safaris
✔ Real-time wildlife intelligence
✔ Ethical, responsible tourism practices
✔ Seamless Kenya–Tanzania migration planning

FAQs – Best Time for Wildebeest Migration