Great Migration 2025 Dates

If you’re planning to experience the Great Migration in the Masai Mara in 2025, it’s all about timing and preparation. Every year, over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate in search of greener pastures, creating one of nature’s most astonishing spectacles. Although the migration is continuous throughout the year, the most thrilling part often occurs when the animals cross rivers, particularly the Mara River, where predators await. Here’s what you need to know to maximize your 2025 safari experience.

What is the Great Migration?

The Great Migration is the movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara, following the rains for fresh grass. What makes this migration particularly exciting are the dramatic river crossings, where the animals risk their lives against strong currents and waiting crocodiles. These crossings, alongside predator-prey interactions on land, are key highlights of a Masai Mara safari.

2025 Migration Calendar Overview

The migration occurs year-round, but there are specific highlights depending on the herds’ movements. Below is a month-by-month breakdown of the migration’s 2025 timeline, with estimates based on past patterns.

January to March 2025: Calving Season in the Serengeti

  • Location: Southern Serengeti, Ndutu region
  • Details: The migration begins with the calving season in the southern Serengeti, where most wildebeest give birth. While this event happens in Tanzania, it’s critical to note as the starting point of the migration cycle. Predators like lions and cheetahs are on high alert, making this a period of intense predator-prey interaction.

April to June 2025: Herd Movement Northward

  • Location: Western Serengeti, Grumeti region
  • Details: By late April, the herds begin moving north in search of fresh grazing lands. The animals face several challenges, including river crossings in the Grumeti region. By June, the herds are on their way toward the Masai Mara, with significant predator activity along the way.

July 2025: Arrival in Masai Mara

  • Location: Northern Serengeti, Masai Mara
  • Details: The first herds of wildebeest typically start arriving in the Masai Mara in mid to late July. This is an exciting time to witness the beginning of the migration into Kenya. The landscape turns green, and the Mara becomes a hotbed of wildlife activity, especially as predators like lions and hyenas await the arrival of the herds.

August 2025: Peak Migration and River Crossings

  • Location: Mara River
  • Details: August is considered the peak of the migration season in the Masai Mara. The iconic Mara River crossings, where wildebeest risk their lives to cross crocodile-infested waters, happen during this time. Although the crossings are unpredictable, August is your best bet for witnessing this dramatic event.

September 2025: Continued River Crossings

  • Location: Mara River, Mara Triangle
  • Details: The river crossings continue throughout September. Although the bulk of the herds have crossed by now, you can still catch some latecomers making their way across the Mara River. This month offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, with fewer crowds than August.

October to November 2025: Return to Serengeti

  • Location: Masai Mara and Northern Serengeti
  • Details: By late October, the herds start moving south back into the Serengeti. The rains have begun again, and the Mara’s grass is drying out. By November, the vast herds have mostly left Kenya, making their way back to the southern Serengeti for the next calving season. This is a quieter period in the Masai Mara but still offers good game viewing.

Likely Delays for Great Migration 2025 Dates?

In recent years, the Great Migration has shown slight variations in its schedule, particularly in the timing of the wildebeest crossings at the Mara River. These shifts are primarily influenced by changes in rainfall patterns. While traditionally the herds are expected to arrive in the Masai Mara around mid-July, with peak crossings in August, the migration has occasionally been delayed by one to two weeks due to variations in the start of the rainy season in the Serengeti.

For example, reports from 2022 and 2023 indicate that while most herds still arrived in the Mara by late July, the first major crossings were slightly later than expected. However, the variation has generally not exceeded more than two weeks, meaning that even with these delays, the migration remains fairly predictable within its seasonal window. Factors like climate change and inconsistent rainfalls have contributed to these minor delays, but overall, the migration continues to follow its usual northward and southward paths with only slight timing adjustments

Great Migration 2025 Dates

The Great Migration in the Masai Mara for 2025 is expected to follow a relatively predictable schedule, though recent years have shown minor variations in the timing, largely influenced by changes in rainfall patterns. Traditionally, the Wildebeest and accompanying herds begin arriving in the Masai Mara around mid-July, with peak crossings of the Mara River typically occurring in August. However, factors like climate change and inconsistent rainfalls in the Serengeti have caused slight delays, usually not exceeding one to two weeks.

In 2022 and 2023, for instance, most herds arrived in late July, but the first significant river crossings were delayed until early August, despite still falling within the general migration window. These small shifts are expected to continue in 2025, meaning travelers can plan for the herds to arrive in the Mara around mid to late July, with river crossings happening from late July through September. Even with these minor delays, the migration remains fairly consistent, and August remains the best month for witnessing the dramatic Mara River crossings.

While exact dates will always depend on rainfall and environmental conditions, the variation typically doesn’t extend beyond two weeks. For those planning to witness the migration, being slightly flexible with timing will ensure the best chance of experiencing this spectacular event.

Predicting the Migration Period (2025)

Based on data from past migrations, here’s an estimated timeline for the 2025 Great Migration as the herds move from Tanzania’s Serengeti into Kenya’s Masai Mara:

Migration PhaseEstimated DatesKey LocationsWhat to Expect
Early ArrivalJuly 10-20, 2025Sand River (Mara South)First herds arrive in the Masai Mara, crossing from Serengeti.
Peak MigrationJuly 25 – August 15Central Mara PlainsLarge herds spread across the plains. River crossings begin at key points.
Mara River Crossings StartAugust 1-10Mara River (South & Central)Initial crossings at Lookout Hill, Cul de Sac, and Paradise Plains.
Peak Mara River CrossingsAugust 15 – September 5Mara River (Main Crossing Points)Most dramatic crossings at Serena’s Crossing, Mortuary Crossing, and Main Crossing.
Late MigrationSeptember 10-25Mara TriangleHerds start to cross back south toward the Serengeti.
End of Migration SeasonSeptember 30 – October 5Sand River (Exit Point)Most herds leave the Masai Mara and head back into the Serengeti.

Read more on the key crossing points during migration


Migration Overview: Key Points to Note

  1. First Herds Enter the Masai Mara:
    • Expected Arrival: July 10-20, 2025
    • The herds typically enter through the Sand River Gate, located in the southern part of the reserve.
    • Early herds will move into the Keekorok and Lookout Hill areas.
  2. Peak Mara River Crossings:
    • Main Crossings: August 15 – September 5
    • The Mara River crossings are the highlight of the migration safari, where thousands of wildebeest brave the crocodile-infested waters to reach the northern pastures.
  3. Late Migration & Departure:
    • By mid-September, the herds will start moving westward toward the Mara Triangle, crossing the river again to head back into Tanzania.

3-Day Masai Mara Budget Great Migration Safari


What to Expect in 2025

Based on the recent patterns, the herds are likely to begin their journey toward the Masai Mara in mid to late July. Peak crossings of the Mara River are expected to occur in August, but there may be a slight delay, possibly extending the crossings into early September. While the core migration window is predictable, weather changes can impact the exact timing. If rainfall in the Serengeti is delayed, the herds may arrive later than mid-July, with the peak crossings happening in the later half of August​.

Advantages of Planning Around These Dates:

  • High likelihood of viewing crossings: Even with minor delays, August remains the best month to witness the iconic river crossings.
  • Slightly flexible timing: Since the migration remains predictable within a two-week window, you can plan your trip with some flexibility and still catch the action.

Disadvantages of Delayed Timings:

  • Uncertainty: The unpredictability caused by rainfall patterns might require visitors to stay longer or adjust their schedules if the herds are delayed.
  • Crowds: August is a peak tourist month, and a delayed migration may concentrate more tourists within a narrower time frame, leading to more crowded viewing spots​.

In summary, for 2025, mid-July to early September is the optimal period to witness the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, but it’s wise to stay flexible with your dates to accommodate any minor delays in the herds’ arrival.

Practical Tips for Planning Your 2025 Migration Safari

  1. Book Early: The Great Migration draws visitors from across the globe, especially during peak times from July to September. Secure your accommodation months in advance.
  2. Stay Flexible: Since migration patterns depend on rainfall, exact timings can vary by a few weeks. Building flexibility into your itinerary increases your chances of seeing the herds cross rivers.
  3. Best Times to Visit: If witnessing a river crossing is your top priority, aim for August, but consider visiting in July or September as well, as crossings often continue through these months.
  4. Choose the Right Location: The Mara River is the best place to view the migration. The Mara Triangle, on the western side of the river, offers a less crowded but equally spectacular experience. For a more exclusive visit, consider staying in private conservancies like Olare Orok or Naboisho.

Responsible Tourism in 2025

As more people visit the Mara for the migration, the need for responsible tourism grows. Help protect this vital ecosystem by choosing eco-friendly lodges, maintaining a respectful distance from wildlife, and supporting local Maasai communities by visiting villages or staying in community-run conservancies.

Conclusion

The 2025 Masai Mara Migration promises unforgettable wildlife experiences, with river crossings, predator chases, and the sheer majesty of nature on full display. By planning ahead, booking early, and staying flexible, you can maximize your chances of witnessing the Great Migration’s most dramatic moments. Whether it’s your first safari or you’re returning for another encounter, the Great Migration is sure to leave you in awe of the natural world.