1. Wildebeest Calving Season – January to March
- When: Late January – early March, with February often the peak time for births.
- Where: Southern Serengeti & Ndutu Plains (also part of Ngorongoro).
- What you see:
- Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves born in just a few weeks.
- Lots of predator-prey interactions as lions, cheetahs, hyenas and others hunt vulnerable newborns.
- Highlights: This is one of the most emotional and dramatic wildlife experiences – a baby-boom on the plains with intense natural action.
2. Great Migration River Crossings – June to October
The migration itself is year-round, but certain months are famous for the most dramatic crossings:
Grumeti River Crossings
- When: June – July
- Where: Western Serengeti near the Grumeti River.
- Why it’s special: Wildebeest and other animals cross crocodile-filled waters — intense photographic moments.
Mara River Crossings
- When: July – September (especially August & early September)
- Where: Northern Serengeti (toward Kenya’s Maasai Mara).
- Why it’s special: This is the most iconic phase of the Great Migration – huge herds tackling strong currents and predators waiting in the river.
3. Herd Movement & Mass Columns – April to May
- When: April – May
- Where: Central Serengeti (Seronera area).
- What you see: Large herds streaming northward — great for seeing migration movement and photography, with fewer crowds and greener landscapes.
4. Return Migration & Calm Wildlife Watching – November to December
- When: November – December
- Where: Southern & Eastern Serengeti
- What you see: After river crossings and grazing in Kenya, herds begin moving back south as short rains return – landscapes turn lush and green, great for photography and birdlife.
