The month of January is notoriously difficult to anticipate. There is a lot of migration from north to south as the herds wait for the first Serengeti rains.
The wildebeest herds usually gather on the eastern side of the Serengeti in January, anywhere between Lobo and Naabi Hill. The first rains on the southern plains trigger a quick move south to Ndutu.
The best month to predict when the migration will take place in the Serengeti is February.
For the past 10-12 years, the wildebeest herds have settled in and around Lakes Ndutu and Masek. This area is lush in February and an ideal location for wildebeest to give birth to offspring.
Expect scenes of delight (newborns finding their feet) and horror (predators arrive to prey on the young).
The mobile camps will be operating in the Serengeti for the last time in March. Hang near to the event by using them.
The wildebeest herds are in the south west part of the Serengeti, mostly in the Ndutu and Kusini Maswa region.
They move slowly and predictable, as many newborn calves are fed.
Expect afternoon rainfall during March.
April is wet in the Serengeti, but you'll love it. Bring your sense of humour and a raincoat.
The wildebeest herds move slowly in April through the Serengeti. They leave the Ndutu region and head north west past Simba kopjes and towards Moru.
As the name implies, Simba kodjes is lion territory. Predator interaction is commonplace during April.
Days are generally clear, with rainfalls mostly in the evenings.
May is a great time for action photography as the herds move quickly to the Serengeti’s western corridor.
The wildebeest herds move towards Lake Magadi just north of Moru and south of Mokoma in May.
As the calves mature, the herds cover bigger distances each day.
The ‘long rains’ (as they’re known locally) continue through May.
June is traditionally the Grumeti River crossing period. The herds are spread out, so expect longer, rewarding game drives.
The wildebeest herds are spread out and traveling at their peak pace by June, covering up to 150km per day.
The front end of the migration should reach the Mbalageti River by June. The tail end could still be at Lake Magadi or on the southern side of the Nyamuma and Simiti Hills.
June marks the end of the rainy season.
July marks the start of the Mara River crossings as well as mating season in the Serengeti.
The herds are in the Grumeti Reserves, moving through the western side of the Serengeti past Fort Ikoma.
The wildebeest prepare for mating as well as for the first Mara river crossings.
Expect dry weather throughout July.
August is your best month to see the dramatic Mara River crossings in the Serengeti or Masai Mara.
The herds are crossing the Mara River, passing an international border between Tanzania and Kenya.
The wildebeest fight for survival against crocodiles. Many drown trying to get to greener grass of the Masai Mara.
Expect hot and humid weather as dry season continues.
September is your last chance to see the epic Mara River crossings in the Serengeti or Masai Mara.
The last of the herds are crossing the Mara River but most of the wildebeest can be found in the Greater Masai Mara area.
The wildebeest will eat all the lush green grass and start moving north again.
Hot and dry weather can be expected.
October is a good time to see the wildebeest herds move back into the Serengeti.
The herds are located in the Masai Mara but are starting to move back into the Serengeti via Loliondo.
The wildebeest will move slower as they continue their endless search for water and lush green grass.
Warm weather can be expected.
November might bring rain, but it’s still a good time to see the wildebeest in the Serengeti.
Most of the herds have moved back into the Serengeti and can be found in the Lobo, Mbuze Mawe and Seronera Valley areas.
The wildebeest split up into family pods, where they will continue to graze.
Expect cooler weather with showers.
December is a busy and wet month, but you can still track the herds in the Serengeti.
The herds will be making their way down south to get close to the Southern Plains.
The wildebeest will continually search for better grass and water resources.
Expect cooler weather with short rains.
