The Great Wildebeest Migration Experience

The Great Migration is the world’s largest land animal movement.

Migration Cycle (Simplified)

• Dec – Mar: Calving season (Southern Serengeti)
• Apr – May: Herds move west (green season grazing)
• Jun – Aug: River crossings (Grumeti & Mara Rivers)
• Sep – Oct: Northern Serengeti / Masai Mara movement
• Nov – Dec: Return south after short rains

The most dramatic scenes happen during river crossings, where predators and crocodiles wait.

Wildlife in Serengeti

You can expect:

• Lions (very high density)
• Leopards (tree sightings)
• Cheetahs hunting on open plains
• Elephants, giraffes, buffalo
• Hippos and crocodiles
• Hundreds of bird species

Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park

The best time depends on your safari goal:

General Wildlife Viewing

• June – October (dry season)
  • Best visibility
  • Animals gather near water
  • Easier game drives

Wildebeest Migration Highlights

• Dec – March: Calving season (Southern Serengeti)
• June – August: River crossings (most dramatic)
• Sept – Oct: Northern Serengeti action

Green Season (Nov – May)

• Fewer tourists
• Beautiful landscapes
• Excellent photography lighting
• Lower lodge prices

Where to Go After Serengeti

Serengeti connects easily with Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit:

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area

• Dense wildlife in a collapsed volcanic crater
• Best chance to see black rhinos

Lake Manyara

The Lake Manyara National Park Lake Manyara National Park

• Flamingos, forest elephants, tree lions

Tarangire

The Tarangire National Park

• Massive elephant herds and baobab trees

Zanzibar Beach Finale

• White sand beaches
• Snorkeling & diving
• Stone Town culture

Serengeti Safari Lodges & Camps

Serengeti offers everything from luxury lodges to mobile migration camps.

Types of Accommodation:

• Luxury tented camps
• Mobile migration camps
• Mid-range safari lodges
• Budget camping safaris

Why Location Matters:

• Migration routes shift throughout the year
• Staying in the right zone = front-row wildlife viewing
• River-crossing lodges must be booked early

Popular Safari Camp Example:

• Sanctuary Kusini Camp
  • Remote southern Serengeti camp
  • Excellent predator and cheetah viewing
  • Exclusive safari experience

4-Day Serengeti Safari Tour (Sample Itinerary)

Day 1 – Arrival & Fly into Serengeti

• Domestic flight from Arusha
• Afternoon game drive
• First wildlife encounters on the plains
• Overnight in a safari camp

Day 2 – Full-Day Game Drive

• Morning & afternoon safari drives
• Predator tracking (lions, cheetahs, leopards)
• Optional conservation learning experience
• Sunset safari returns to camp

Day 3 – Deep Serengeti Exploration

• Optional full-day safari
• Picnic lunch in the bush
• Explore migration routes or resident wildlife

Day 4 – Departure

• Morning game drive (optional)
• Transfer to the airstrip
• Flight back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro

Top Things to Do in Serengeti

• Hot air balloon safari at sunrise
• Great Migration river crossings
• Big cat photography tours
• Walking safaris (selected zones)
• Cultural Maasai village visits (nearby areas)
• Luxury bush dinners under the stars