The 2024 Guide to Tanzania’s Serengeti Migration Safari
The 2024 Guide to the Serengeti Migration Safari
People often call the Serengeti Migration the "Greatest Show on Earth", and it's easy to see why. Every year, huge herds of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles walk through Tanzania's Serengeti and on into Kenya's Maasai Mara, always looking for fresh grass. If a safari is on your bucket list, this is one of the best things you can plan it around. But a good migration safari takes a bit more planning than booking a flight.
This 2024 guide covers what you need to know about the Serengeti Migration: when to go, where to stay and look, and what to pack.
What Is the Serengeti Migration?
The Great Migration is a yearly movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebras and hundreds of thousands of other antelopes and gazelles. It's a hard trip for the animals. They cross the open plains of the Serengeti and face predators and dangerous river crossings along the way.
The Main Stages of the Migration
- Calving Season (January to March): Southern Serengeti and the Ndutu Plains. Around 500,000 calves are born in this period. It's a great time to see young animals and the predators that follow them.
- Grazing (April to May): Moving north. As the rains end, the herds slowly start walking north.
- River Crossings (June to August): The Grumeti and Mara Rivers. This is the most dramatic stage, when thousands of animals cross rivers full of hungry crocodiles.
- Northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara (September to October): The animals move back and forth between Tanzania and Kenya, feeding on the green grass of the Mara.
- Back to the Southern Serengeti (November to December): The herds head south again, and the cycle starts over.
Best Time to Visit the Serengeti in 2024
The best time to go depends on which part of the migration you want to see. Here's a month-by-month look:
- January to March: Visit the southern Serengeti and the Ndutu Plains for the calving season. It's a very good time for predator action.
- April to May: This is the low season. There are fewer visitors, so it feels quieter, and the herds start moving north.
- June to August: Head to the Western Corridor for the Grumeti River crossings. By late July, the action moves to the Mara River.
- September to October: The herds are mostly in the northern Serengeti and the Maasai Mara, and game viewing is excellent.
- November to December: The herds come back to the central and southern Serengeti, and there are fewer tourists around.
Where to Go: The Best Serengeti Safari Areas
1. Seronera Valley (Central Serengeti)
The Seronera Valley sits in the middle of the Serengeti and has wildlife all year round. During the migration it's busy with predators, so it's a good place to look for lions, leopards and cheetahs.
2. Grumeti River (Western Serengeti)
From May to July, the Grumeti River is where you can watch river crossings, as the wildebeest try to get through water full of crocodiles.
3. Mara River (Northern Serengeti)
The Mara River is probably the best-known crossing point. Thousands of animals jump into the water here, dodging crocodiles and strong currents.
4. Ndutu Plains (Southern Serengeti)
The Ndutu Plains are best from January to March, when the herds gather here for the calving season. There's a lot going on, so it's ideal if you'd like to see newborn calves.
Planning Your 2024 Serengeti Safari
1. Pick the Right Kind of Safari
- Mobile Camping Safaris: Mobile camps move during the year to stay close to the herds.
- Lodge Safaris: Good if you want comfort. Many lodges are in well-placed spots for game viewing.
- Fly-In Safaris: Handy if you're short on time, since you can reach remote parts of the Serengeti quickly.
2. Where to Stay
There are options for every budget, from simple campsites to very high-end lodges. Some well-known choices are:
- Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge: A central lodge that works well for game drives in the Seronera Valley.
- Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti: An upscale lodge with wide views.
- Sayari Camp: In the northern Serengeti, a good base for the Mara River crossings.
3. What to Pack for Your Serengeti Safari
- Clothing: Light, breathable clothes in neutral colors. Don't forget a hat and sunglasses.
- Footwear: Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
- Gear: Binoculars, a good camera with a zoom lens and a field guide to East African wildlife.
- Essentials: Insect repellent, sunscreen, a first-aid kit and travel insurance.
Our Tips for a Great Serengeti Safari
- Book Early: Popular lodges and camps fill up fast, especially in the busy migration months. Book a few months ahead.
- Think About a Private Guide: A private guide can plan your days around you, which gives you a better chance of seeing the big moments of the migration.
- Stay a Bit Longer: Spend at least 5-7 days in the Serengeti so you have a better chance of seeing different stages of the migration.
- Try Quieter Areas: Less-visited areas like the Western Corridor can have great wildlife with fewer vehicles around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the best time to see the river crossings?
A: The Grumeti River crossings usually happen between June and July. The Mara River crossings take place from July to August.
Q: Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
A: Yes, most travelers need a visa to enter Tanzania. You can apply online or get one on arrival.
Q: Is the Serengeti safe to visit?
A: Yes. The Serengeti is a well-run national park. Just follow your guide's instructions and stay in the areas where visitors are allowed.
Q: Can I do a self-drive safari in the Serengeti?
A: Self-drive safaris are possible, but we strongly recommend going with a professional guide so you get the most out of your time.
Ready for Your Serengeti Safari in 2024?
The Serengeti Migration is more than something to look at. Many travelers find it very moving to watch. With good planning and the right timing, you'll have a trip to remember. So pack your bags, charge your camera and get ready for one of nature's most dramatic events.
More of Tanzania's Natural Wonders
You'll find detailed information on these places on our pages:
- Gombe Stream National Park
- Selous Game Reserve
- Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
- Rubondo Island
- Kitulo Plateau
Have a look around our website to learn more about these places.
