The migration follows a predictable annual pattern, although the exact timing depends on weather conditions and rainfall. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown:

1. December to March

• Location: Southern Serengeti (Ndutu Plains and Ngorongoro Conservation Area).
• Highlights: This is the calving season, where wildebeests give birth to over 8,000 calves daily. The lush grass of the southern plains provides ample nourishment for the mothers and their young. However, the abundance of vulnerable calves attracts predators, including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.

2. April to May

• Location: Central Serengeti.
• Highlights: The herds begin moving northward as the grass in the southern plains depletes. This is the wet season, and the landscape is green and vibrant, offering beautiful photographic opportunities.

3. June to July

• Location: Western Serengeti and Grumeti River.
• Highlights: The herds arrive at the Grumeti River, where their first major challenge awaits—crossing crocodile-infested waters. This period marks the beginning of the dramatic river crossings that the migration is famous for.

4. August to October

• Location: Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara (Kenya).
• Highlights: This is the peak of the migration, with the Mara River crossings offering some of the most iconic and nail-biting moments. Thousands of animals plunge into the river, battling strong currents and awaiting crocodiles. Many don’t make it, creating a feast for predators and scavengers.

5. November

• • Location: Serengeti.
  • Highlights: As the rains return to the Serengeti, the herds start migrating southward, completing the cycle. The journey back to the southern plains begins, and the green grasslands of the Serengeti beckon once again.