The Great Migration in the Serengeti and Masai Mara is one of nature’s most spectacular events, involving over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and thousands of gazelles. This journey is a continuous circular movement driven by rainfall and grazing patterns.
But how long does the Great Migration last? And how many days do the wildebeests stay in key areas like the Mara River and Sand River?
If you’re planning a safari, knowing when and where to go is crucial to witnessing the most dramatic moments. Let’s break it down.
How Long Does the Great Migration Last?
📌 The Great Migration is a year-round cycle that never stops.
📌 The full migration loop takes 12 months to complete (January–December).
📌 Key migration events last from a few days to several weeks in each location.
Instead of asking “When does the migration start and end?”, a better question is:
👉 “Where are the animals at different times of the year?”
Month-by-Month Breakdown of the Great Migration
Here’s a detailed timeline that highlights how long the herds stay in specific locations.
🔹 January – March: Calving Season (Southern Serengeti, Tanzania)
📍 Location: Ndutu Plains, Southern Serengeti
📅 Duration: About 10-12 weeks
- Over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born in 2-3 weeks (mid-February–early March)
- Predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas take advantage of the vulnerable newborns
- Best time for dramatic predator-prey interactions
🦁 Best For: Witnessing wildebeest births & predator action
📷 Photography Tip: Lush green landscapes make for stunning shots
🔹 April – May: Migration Begins (Moving Towards Central Serengeti)
📍 Location: Central Serengeti (Seronera)
📅 Duration: About 6-8 weeks
- The herds start moving north in search of fresh grazing land
- This marks the beginning of the long journey toward Masai Mara
- The rainy season starts, making some roads muddy
🌿 Best For: Watching large herds on the move
🔹 June – July: Grumeti River Crossings (Western Serengeti)
📍 Location: Western Serengeti, Grumeti River
📅 Duration: About 4-6 weeks
- First river crossings happen at the Grumeti River in June–early July
- Crocodiles lie in wait, but crossings here are less intense than the Mara River
- This is a preparation stage before the migration reaches Masai Mara
🐊 Best For: Seeing early river crossings without the crowds
🔹 July – October: Mara River Crossings (Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara, Kenya)
📍 Location: Mara River (Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara)
📅 Duration: Peak crossings last about 45–60 days (July–September)
📅 Best months: Late July – September
The most dramatic part of the migration takes place here! Thousands of wildebeests risk their lives crossing the crocodile-infested Mara River.
- Early crossings: Late July – early August
- Peak crossings: Mid-August – September
- Final crossings: Early October before moving south
📌 How Long Do Mara River Crossings Last?
- The first herds start arriving at the Mara River in mid-July
- Crossings are most intense from mid-August to mid-September
- By early October, the crossings slow as herds move deeper into Masai Mara
🚀 Best For: Witnessing the most intense river crossings & predator action
🔹 How Long Do Wildebeests Stay in Sand River?
📍 Location: Sand River (Southeastern Masai Mara)
📅 Duration: Approximately 10–20 days (late July – early August)
- The first herds cross into Kenya through Sand River in late July
- They stay in this area for 1-2 weeks before pushing toward the Mara River
- Sand River is a quieter, less crowded location to see early migration herds
🌿 Best For: Watching the first groups arrive in Masai Mara before the chaos of Mara River
🔹 October – December: Returning South (Masai Mara to Serengeti)
📍 Location: Central & Eastern Serengeti
📅 Duration: About 8-10 weeks
- Wildebeests begin their journey south as the dry season starts
- They leave Masai Mara and move back into northern Serengeti
- The landscape starts drying out, making food scarcer
🌍 Best For: Seeing the tail end of the migration before the next cycle starts
How to Plan Your Safari Based on the Migration Timeline
Best Months to See the Great Migration in Different Locations
| Safari Experience | Best Time | Best Location |
|---|---|---|
| Calving & Predator Action | January – March | Ndutu, Southern Serengeti |
| Large Herd Movements | April – June | Central & Western Serengeti |
| Grumeti River Crossings | June – July | Western Serengeti |
| Sand River Crossings | Late July – Early August | Sand River, Masai Mara |
| Mara River Crossings | Mid-August – September | Mara River, Masai Mara |
| Less Crowded Safaris | November – December | Serengeti, Masai Mara |
📌 Pro Tip: The Mara River crossings (August–September) are the most famous, but the Sand River crossings (late July–early August) offer a quieter alternative!
FAQs About the Great Migration Duration
1. How long does the Great Migration last in total?
✅ 12 months—it’s an ongoing, continuous cycle.
2. How long do the Mara River crossings last?
📌 About 45–60 days, peaking in mid-August to mid-September.
3. How long do the herds stay in Sand River?
📌 Around 10-20 days (late July – early August).
4. When should I visit to see a river crossing?
📌 Late July – September is your best bet!
Final Thoughts
The Great Migration never truly ends, but key events happen at specific times of the year:
- If you want to see river crossings → Visit between late July and September
- If you want to see baby wildebeests & predator hunts → Visit between January and March
- If you prefer fewer crowds but still lots of wildlife → Visit April–June or November–December
📍 Now, it’s your turn! Which part of the migration excites you the most? Drop your questions in the comments!
🚀 Ready to witness this incredible journey? Start planning your safari today!