The Great Migration: March to May — The Green Season in Motion

Every year, more than 1.5 million wildebeest, joined by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, follow ancient instinct across the Serengeti ecosystem. No maps, no GPS — just the same routes their ancestors walked centuries ago. Between March and May, the migration shifts gears, and the landscape tells a very different, very beautiful story.

This is not the dramatic river-crossing season people see on documentaries — and that’s exactly why it’s special.

March: The Journey Begins

By March, the herds are usually leaving the southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains. Calving season has just ended, and the newborns — thousands of them — are now strong enough to travel. The grass in the south starts to dry, and the animals begin their slow, determined movement northwest toward the Central and Western Serengeti.


What normally happens in March:

• Massive herds are constantly on the move, spread across wide open plains
• Predator activity is still high — lions, cheetahs, and hyenas stay close
• The scenery is lush and green after the short rains
• Fewer safari vehicles, meaning quieter, more intimate game drives

April: Deep Green Serengeti & Big Herds

April is the heart of the long rains, and yes — it can rain. But here’s the old safari truth people forget: it doesn’t rain all day. Mornings are often calm and beautiful, and when the rain comes, it brings life.

During April:

• The migration pushes through Central Serengeti toward the Western Corridor
  
• Herds gather in enormous numbers, sometimes stretching to the horizon
  
• Rivers begin to fill, preparing for later crossings
  
• The landscape becomes incredibly green and fresh
  

May: The Great Columns of Wildebeest

By May, something magical happens. The wildebeest begin forming long, organized columns, sometimes walking in single-file lines that go on for kilometers. This is one of the most fascinating — and least talked about — migration behaviors.

What you’ll typically see in May:

• The herds moving steadily toward Grumeti River and Western Serengeti
  
• Increased crocodile activity as rivers rise
  
• Strong, healthy animals preparing for the challenges ahead
  
• Excellent predator sightings along migration routes

Why March to May Is Underrated (and Brilliant)

Traditionally, safaris were done following seasons, not social media trends. March to May is what seasoned guides call “proper safari time.”

Here’s why:

• Fewer tourists = better wildlife encounters
  
• Rich landscapes and dramatic skies
  
• More authentic, less rushed experiences
  
• Excellent value for money
  

As we say out here:
The animals don’t follow the crowds… they follow the grass.
And the grass, my friend, is very green between March and May