Serengeti wildebeest Migration Safari

April to early July/Western & Central-Western Serengeti (Ikoma region)

April to May are known to be long rain season in Tanzania, while many may try to avoid to do safari during this period, it is in fact spectacular season to come for visit. The rainfall rejuvenates the dried-out plains, giving it a brand new, lush green coat, and the parks are transformed into a replenished haven for the animals that dwell within.The rain typically occurs in the early morning and evening, and rarely affect the game drive during the day. Due to the fact that April and May falls into the "Low season" in Tanzania, the rates are also the lowest.

As the rain moves from the Southern to the Western Serengeti, the migration herds will tread into the western corridor where they will cross the Grumeti River. While this is a relatively small crossing when compared to the Mara River Crossing into the next season, it is also one of the most highly anticipated event in the annual migration, as the Grumeti River hosts the Nile crocodile, the world's largest crocodile, making the Crossing a risky decision for the wildebeest and Zebras

The Western Corridor also boasts of a diverse topography, including floodplains,Savannahs, open woodlands,scattered forests,small hills and valleys. aside from the Nile crocodiles, Western Serengeti is also home to the rare colobus monkeyslarge herds of elephants and giraffes. Resident lion prides that roam about the religion can also be seen throughout the year

In the month of June and July, the migration herds will begin to move upwards to Northern Serengeti, passing through the Grumeti reserve and Ikoma are. For those who have a longer itinerary, we would recommend spending time in both western corridor and the Kogatende area in the Northern Serengeti.

As April and May are part of the long rain season, the rainfall will be sporadic throughout the day, though the heavier rain typically occurs in the early morning and evening time.Contradictory to general belief, the rain doesn't stop the game viewing, rather, the cool weather after the rain makes the wildlife more active.

Mid-July to October / Northern Serengeti (Lobo, Bologonya and Kogatende)

Typically, from mid-July, the majority of the migration herds will have arrived in the Kogatende area in time for Mara river crossing, after depleting the grass and water in the Western Corridor and Grumeti. The Northern Serengeti remains relatively pristine when compared to Seronera, Central Serengeti, as well as its counterparts, Maasai Mara in Kenya as tourists have only began to visit area in the recent years. Depending on the rain pattern, if it is a dry year then the first herds of the wildebeest can be at Mara river by early July, in a wet year, the herds would move slower arriving by mid-August. The northern Serengeti boast of many kopjes, small hills and thick woodlands which provide plenty of hiding place for the Big Cats,though the leopards are more elusive in the area. Lion and hyenas can be regularly spotted during the day, as well as cheetahs. Other resident wildlife includes hippo, giraffes, impala, topi, Thomson's gazelle as well as large concentrations of elephants

The Mara River Crossing is indisputably a must - see if you are an avid wildlife enthusiast. The sheer size and scope of this river crossing is astonishing to say the least, and a survival for the fittest as the wildebeest and the Zebra attempt to cross the river with predators at every turn. It is important to note for those who plan to visit during this time for the river crossing, that the axact timing of the Crossing cannot be guaranteed as migration location will ultimately depend on the rainfall pattern. Also witness the Crossing does require a lot of patience as well as how many days you are able to spend waiting by the riverbank. We typically recommend our guest to spend at least two to three nights in the Northern Serengeti on their safari, if they wish to see the Crossing during this time. Our experienced driver guides who knows the area inside out will seek out the best location for a good viewing of the Crossing, and be there to give you interesting facts and information about the migration and the Northern Serengeti while you wait for the Crossing

Mid October to November/Central Serengeti & Western Serengeti

As the migration herds move back into Tanzania, they are scattered into three groups that each take a different route:the Western, Eastern and Central Serengeti. The central Serengeti will typically have a large number of the herds, and with the Eastern corridor being less accessible, central and western Serengeti are often the most popular locations during these months

The central Serengeti will have plenty of resident game and with the migration returning, the game viewing will be even more diverse and exciting as the resident predators will have an abundance of food during this time. With scattered forests, the Seronera valley and open plains, this are will allow easier game access with more grounds to cover compared with Western and Eastern corridor. For those who prefer a more exclusive game drive during this time , Western Serengeti could be a suitable choice for game drive. The eastern corridor can be visited when staying in Central Serengeti as our driver guides can make day trips and visit the area that is typically less crowded.

As November to early December is considered low season on Tanzania, the parks are less crowded, enabling more exclusive game drives compared to the other seasons.The rainfall also makes the game viewing exciting, as it would be the first rain after a long drought during the dry season. The pricing for accommodation is also great for those who prefer to keep the cost down.