Great Migration Map

Great Migration Map

Great Migration Map: Wildebeest Route Through Serengeti & Masai Mara

A Great Migration map helps travellers understand how wildebeest, zebras and gazelles move through the enormous Serengeti–Masai Mara ecosystem during the year. Related planning topics include wildebeest migration map and Serengeti migration map.

The migration is often illustrated as a clockwise or roughly circular route beginning in the southern Serengeti, moving through central and western Tanzania, continuing north toward the Mara River and Kenya's Masai Mara, and eventually returning south toward the calving grounds. That broad picture is useful, but it needs an important qualification: The Great Migration does not follow one fixed road, one exact line or one guaranteed monthly timetable.

The migrating animals spread across a vast ecosystem. Different herds can move through different areas simultaneously, and rainfall may cause animals to remain in a region longer, move earlier than expected or temporarily reverse direction. A useful migration map therefore shows probable seasonal zones, not exact wildlife positions.

For safari planning, the map should help answer four questions:

1. Where are the herds normally concentrated during my travel month?
2. Which part of Kenya or Tanzania should I visit?
3. When are Mara River or Grumeti River crossings most likely?
4. Which safari camps and parks provide the most practical access?

This guide explains how to read the migration map and how each major area fits into the annual movement.

Great Migration Map at a Glance

A simplified migration map follows this broad sequence, which repeats annually:

Southern Serengeti & Ndutu → Central Serengeti → Western Corridor → Grumeti → Northern Serengeti → Mara River → Masai Mara → Northern/Eastern Serengeti → Central Serengeti → Southern Serengeti & Ndutu

A useful visual map should mark at least these major zones:

• Ndutu
• Southern Serengeti
• Central Serengeti
• Seronera
• Western Corridor
• Grumeti River
• Northern Serengeti
• Mara River
• Masai Mara National Reserve
• Mara Triangle
• Kenya–Tanzania border
• Eastern Serengeti
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area

How to Read a Great Migration Map

A migration map usually includes arrows showing the approximate direction of herd movement. These arrows should not be interpreted as precise tracks, as they represent broad tendencies. For example:

• January herds may be widely spread across southern Serengeti.
• May herds may occupy both central and western areas.
• July herds may be split between northern Serengeti and the Masai Mara.
• September herds may be moving repeatedly around the Mara River.
• November herds may be scattered over eastern and central Serengeti.

The map is therefore best used together with the Great Migration Calendar and current seasonal reports.

Why a Great Migration Map Is Useful

A migration map is particularly valuable because the migration covers such a large area. Without a map, travellers may assume that the wildebeest are always in the Masai Mara or always in central Serengeti. In reality, the migration shifts through different ecosystems. The map helps travellers understand:

• Why Kenya is best during some months
• Why Tanzania is better during others
• Why river crossings occur in different locations
• Why mobile camps operate seasonally
• Why travel month should determine safari location
• Why a single "Great Migration lodge" cannot be ideally positioned all year

The Great Migration Map Is Seasonal

The most important concept is seasonality, because the migration map changes month by month. A rough seasonal breakdown is:

Period	Main Migration Zone
January–March	Southern Serengeti & Ndutu
March–April	Southern to Central Serengeti
May–June	Central & Western Serengeti
June–July	Western to Northern Serengeti
July–October	Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara
October–November	Northern/Eastern Serengeti
November–December	Central to Southern Serengeti

These are approximate patterns rather than fixed dates.

Southern Serengeti on the Great Migration Map

The southern Serengeti forms one of the most important zones on the annual migration map. It is associated primarily with December through March. This region is characterized by vast short-grass plains, and seasonal rainfall produces nutrient-rich grazing that attracts enormous numbers of wildebeest. The southern migration zone should include:

• Ndutu
• Southern Serengeti plains
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area plains
• Lake Ndutu surroundings
• Lake Masek region

This area becomes particularly important during the calving period.

Ndutu on the Migration Map

Ndutu lies in the southern migration ecosystem and is strongly associated with the wildebeest calving season. During the early months of the year, large herds may gather across the plains. A Great Migration map should mark Ndutu prominently because it is one of the best-known seasonal migration locations, and travellers visiting between approximately January and March should pay particular attention to this region.

Calving Grounds on the Great Migration Map

The calving grounds are generally located across the short-grass plains of southern Serengeti and the Ndutu region. This area is one of the easiest migration phases to understand geographically because the herds often become concentrated across broad open plains. The main attractions include:

• Pregnant wildebeest
• Newborn calves
• Lion activity
• Cheetah hunting
• Hyena predation
• Excellent photography

The migration map should ideally show the calving zone as a broad area rather than one exact point.

Central Serengeti on the Migration Map

As the southern plains begin drying, many herds move gradually northward. The migration then enters central Serengeti, often associated with March to May. Important locations include:

• Seronera
• Central plains
• River valleys
• Woodland edges

Central Serengeti is a transition area rather than a single seasonal endpoint. Some herds may pass through quickly, while others may remain in the area for weeks.

Seronera on the Great Migration Map

Seronera lies in central Serengeti and is one of the most famous wildlife regions in Tanzania. The area supports excellent resident wildlife throughout the year, and when migration herds are present, wildlife density can become especially impressive. A migration map should show Seronera as part of the central movement corridor.

Western Corridor on the Migration Map

During approximately May and June, many herds move westward toward the Western Corridor. This zone should be clearly represented on a Great Migration map. Important areas include:

• Western Serengeti
• Grumeti region
• River systems
• Woodland corridors

The western migration stage is associated with large-scale movement rather than the famous Mara River phase.

Grumeti River on the Great Migration Map

The Grumeti River is one of the migration's major natural obstacles. It should be marked separately from the Mara River because travellers sometimes confuse the two. The Grumeti River is associated mainly with May to July. Possible highlights include:

• River crossings
• Large crocodiles
• Wildebeest movement through western Serengeti
• Dense herd concentrations

Crossings here are generally less concentrated than the most famous Mara River events, but the area remains a major component of the migration route.

From Western Serengeti to Northern Serengeti

After passing through western areas, many herds continue north. This part of the migration map typically shows arrows moving northeast or northward toward:

• Kogatende
• Lamai
• Northern Serengeti plains
• Mara River

This stage becomes increasingly important from June onward.

Northern Serengeti on the Great Migration Map

Northern Serengeti should be one of the most prominently marked regions on a migration map. It is especially important between July and October. The northern ecosystem includes:

• Mara River
• Kogatende
• Lamai Wedge
• Open grasslands
• Riverine habitat

This region directly connects with Kenya's Masai Mara.

Kogatende on the Migration Map

Kogatende is one of the key northern Serengeti migration areas, providing access to sections of the Mara River and surrounding plains. During peak northern migration months, the area can support:

• Large wildebeest concentrations
• Zebra herds
• River-crossing possibilities
• Lions
• Leopards
• Hyenas
• Crocodiles

A detailed migration map should identify Kogatende because it is an important base for northern Serengeti safaris.

Lamai Wedge on the Migration Map

The Lamai region lies near the Kenya border and forms part of the northern Serengeti migration zone. It can hold large herds during the northern phase. This area also helps travellers understand that the migration is not confined to a narrow strip immediately beside the Mara River, as animals can spread widely across northern plains.

Mara River on the Great Migration Map

The Mara River is the most famous feature on the Great Migration map. It flows through:

• Northern Serengeti in Tanzania
• Masai Mara in Kenya

The river therefore belongs to both countries. This is important because many travellers assume Mara River crossings only happen in Kenya, when they can occur on the Tanzanian side as well.

Mara River Crossing Points

A detailed Great Migration map may show several broad river-crossing zones. However, travellers should understand that:

• Crossing points change
• Animals can use multiple locations
• Not every crossing site is active every season
• Crossings are unpredictable

It is more accurate to map crossing regions rather than promise one exact point.

Why Wildebeest Cross the Mara River

Wildebeest cross the Mara River as they move between areas of suitable grazing. They may cross:

• From south to north
• From north to south
• From Tanzania into Kenya
• From Kenya back toward Tanzania
• More than once during the same season

This means a migration map should show movement in both directions around the northern ecosystem rather than a single one-way arrow.

Kenya–Tanzania Border on the Migration Map

The international border runs across the Serengeti–Masai Mara ecosystem, and wildlife crosses it freely. Tourists, however, cannot simply follow wildebeest across the wilderness border in safari vehicles, because human travel must follow legal immigration and transport arrangements.

The migration map should therefore distinguish between wildlife movement and tourist travel routes. These are not always the same.

Masai Mara on the Great Migration Map

The Masai Mara represents the principal Kenyan section of the migration map. The main migration season is generally July to October. Important zones include:

• Masai Mara National Reserve
• Mara Triangle
• Mara River
• Central Mara
• Talek area
• Border plains
• Surrounding conservancies

Migrating animals can spread widely rather than remaining beside the river.

Mara Triangle on the Migration Map

The Mara Triangle occupies the western part of the Masai Mara ecosystem. It should be marked on a detailed Great Migration map because it provides access to:

• Mara River sections
• Open plains
• Migration movement corridors
• Resident predators

The Triangle can be particularly productive during peak migration months.

Central Masai Mara on the Migration Map

Central Masai Mara is another important migration zone. Large herds may spread across the central plains when grazing conditions are favourable, and the region also supports exceptional resident predator populations. Travellers should therefore avoid assuming that all migration game drives must focus exclusively on the river.

Talek River and Talek Area

The Talek area is another useful reference point on a more detailed Masai Mara migration map. The region contains:

• Riverine habitat
• Open plains
• Wildlife corridors
• Numerous safari camps

Migration activity varies seasonally.

Private Conservancies on the Migration Map

Private conservancies around Masai Mara should appear as supporting areas rather than the core migration route. These include areas such as:

• Mara North
• Olare Motorogi
• Naboisho
• Ol Kinyei
• other surrounding conservancies

Depending on rainfall and grazing, migrating herds may enter some conservancies. However, their greatest value is often their excellent year-round resident wildlife and lower vehicle densities.

Return Migration Route

After spending time in northern Serengeti and Masai Mara, many wildebeest begin moving south, usually around October to November. The return route is less famous but equally important. The map should show southward movement through:

• Northern Serengeti
• Eastern Serengeti
• Central Serengeti
• Southern Serengeti

Eastern Serengeti on the Migration Map

Eastern Serengeti is sometimes underrepresented on simplified maps. However, returning herds may use eastern routes as they move south, and this movement can become especially important after the short rains. The exact path varies annually.

Return to Southern Serengeti

By late November and December, many herds increasingly return toward the southern ecosystem. The annual map therefore completes its cycle at:

• Southern Serengeti
• Ndutu
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area plains

The next calving season then begins.

Great Migration Map by Month

January Migration Map

Primary zone: Southern Serengeti and Ndutu. Map focus:

• Ndutu
• Short-grass plains
• Southern Serengeti
• Ngorongoro plains

Main experience:

• Calving preparations
• Large herds
• Predator activity

February Migration Map

Primary zone: Ndutu and southern Serengeti. Main experience:

• Peak calving
• Newborn wildebeest
• Lions
• Cheetahs
• Hyenas

This is one of the most concentrated southern migration phases.

March Migration Map

Primary zone: Southern Serengeti moving toward central areas. The map should show gradual northward arrows, as some herds remain around Ndutu while others begin dispersing.

April Migration Map

Primary zone: Central Serengeti. Herds increasingly move through central regions, and movement becomes more widespread.

May Migration Map

Primary zone: Central and Western Serengeti. The map should show a strong westward component, as this is a major period of long-distance movement.

June Migration Map

Primary zone: Western Corridor, Grumeti and northern movement. Important map features:

• Grumeti
• Western Serengeti
• Northern route

July Migration Map

Primary zone: Northern Serengeti and potentially Masai Mara. The map should show:

• Kogatende
• Mara River
• Kenya border
• Southern Masai Mara

This is a major transition month.

August Migration Map

Primary zone: Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara. This is one of the most important map configurations for Kenya safari travellers, as the herd distribution can extend across both countries.

September Migration Map

Primary zone: Masai Mara and Northern Serengeti. Cross-border distribution remains highly important, and a Kenya–Tanzania itinerary can be particularly effective.

October Migration Map

Primary zone: Masai Mara, Northern Serengeti and beginning of southward movement. The map should begin showing arrows turning south.

November Migration Map

Primary zone: Eastern and Central Serengeti. Short rains encourage southward movement, and Kenya becomes less important for migration-focused travellers.

December Migration Map

Primary zone: Southern movement toward Ndutu. The migration cycle begins returning to the calving grounds.

Great Migration Map Summary

Month	Primary Map Zone	Typical Highlight
January	Southern Serengeti	Large herds
February	Ndutu	Calving
March	Southern/Central Serengeti	Dispersal
April	Central Serengeti	Northward movement
May	Central/Western Serengeti	Mass movement
June	Western Corridor/Grumeti	River activity
July	Northern Serengeti/Mara	Northern arrival
August	Masai Mara/Northern Serengeti	Mara crossings
September	Masai Mara/Northern Serengeti	Peak northern migration
October	Mara/Northern Serengeti	Southward transition
November	Eastern/Central Serengeti	Return south
December	Southern Serengeti	Return to calving grounds

Great Migration Map for Kenya

For travellers visiting Kenya only, the map becomes much simpler. The main area to focus on is the Masai Mara ecosystem, and the traditional period is July to October. Key map markers should include:

• Masai Mara National Reserve
• Mara Triangle
• Mara River
• Central Mara
• Kenya–Tanzania boundary
• Major access gates
• Key airstrips
• Nearby conservancies

Great Migration Map for Tanzania

Tanzania occupies most of the migration circuit. A detailed Tanzania map should identify:

• Ndutu
• Southern Serengeti
• Central Serengeti
• Seronera
• Western Corridor
• Grumeti
• Northern Serengeti
• Kogatende
• Lamai
• Mara River

This helps explain why Tanzania can provide migration experiences through much more of the year.

Kenya and Tanzania Migration Map

A combined map should clearly show how the two national ecosystems connect. Important labels include:

Kenya

• Masai Mara
• Mara Triangle
• Mara River

Tanzania

• Northern Serengeti
• Kogatende
• Lamai
• Central Serengeti
• Western Corridor
• Grumeti
• Southern Serengeti
• Ndutu

This visual immediately helps travellers understand the scale of the ecosystem.

Mara River vs Grumeti River on the Map

The two rivers should be clearly separated, as they belong to different stages of the annual route.

River	Map Location	Main Period	Main Importance
Mara River	Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara	Jul–Oct	Famous mass crossings
Grumeti River	Western Serengeti	May–Jul	Western migration obstacle

Migration Map vs Migration Calendar

A Great Migration map explains where the animals move, while a Great Migration calendar explains when those movements typically occur. The two pages should therefore be heavily interlinked, and visitors should be encouraged to use them together. For example:

• Map: Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara
• Calendar: July–October

Together, these provide a practical safari-planning framework.

Static Migration Map vs Interactive Migration Map

The website should ideally provide both.

Static Map

Useful for:

• Quick understanding
• Mobile visitors
• Search-engine indexing
• Downloadable safari guides

Interactive Map

Can allow visitors to select:

• Month
• Country
• Migration stage
• River crossing
• Calving season
• Safari camps

The migration layer can then change according to the selected month.

Should the Map Show Exact Crossing Points?

A general travel-planning map should not overemphasize exact crossing points. There are several reasons:

• Wildebeest use multiple locations.
• Crossing activity changes.
• River access rules vary.
• Some crossing sites can become crowded.
• Wildlife movements are unpredictable.

The map should instead show major crossing zones, and detailed crossing information can be covered on dedicated Mara River pages.

Can You Use the Map to Guarantee Where the Herds Will Be?

No. A map is a planning tool. It cannot guarantee:

• Exact herd position
• River-crossing times
• Predator sightings
• Specific routes
• Number of wildebeest present

Current rainfall and field reports remain important close to the travel date.

Why Rainfall Changes the Migration Map

Rainfall drives new grass growth. When rain falls in one section of the ecosystem, herds may begin shifting toward it. Rainfall can therefore:

• Speed up movement
• Delay movement
• Split herds
• Pull animals east or west
• Cause temporary reverse movement

This explains why two migration maps for different years may show slightly different patterns.

How Accurate Are Great Migration Maps?

They are accurate at the level of broad seasonal patterns but less reliable for exact dates and locations. A good map should therefore use language such as:

• Typical movement
• Approximate route
• Usual migration zone
• Expected seasonal range

It should avoid:

• Guaranteed location
• Exact crossing date
• Fixed migration path

Great Migration Map for River Crossings

If river crossings are your priority, your map focus should be:

July

Northern Serengeti and the southern Mara ecosystem.

August

Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara.

September

Masai Mara and northern Serengeti.

October

Northern ecosystem with increasing southward movement. The exact crossing zone may shift daily.

Great Migration Map for Calving Season

For calving, focus the map on:

• Ndutu
• Southern Serengeti
• Ngorongoro plains

The typical period is January to March, and February is traditionally one of the strongest planning months.

Great Migration Map for Photographers

Photographers should use the map to minimize unnecessary transfers. For example:

February

Base in Ndutu rather than moving between northern Serengeti and Mara.

August

Base in Masai Mara or northern Serengeti for several nights.

September

Consider combining Masai Mara and northern Serengeti. Longer stays provide time to wait for behaviour.

Great Migration Map for Families

Families should use the map to select one strategic base rather than trying to follow every movement. For example:

• August: Masai Mara
• February: Ndutu
• June: Western/Central Serengeti

This reduces long transfer days.

Great Migration Map for Honeymoon Safaris

The map helps couples combine migration areas with luxury camps and beaches. Examples:

August Honeymoon

Masai Mara → Diani Beach

September Honeymoon

Masai Mara → Northern Serengeti → Zanzibar

February Honeymoon

Ndutu → Ngorongoro → Zanzibar

Great Migration Map and Safari Camps

Migration camps should be chosen according to the map position for your travel month. This is especially important for mobile and seasonal camps, because a camp that is ideal in August may be far from the major herds in February. Before booking, check:

• Camp location
• Travel dates
• Migration zone
• River access
• Driving distances

Great Migration Map and Safari Airstrips

A detailed travel-planning version of the map can also show major airstrips. In Kenya, relevant Mara airstrips may serve different sections of the ecosystem. In Tanzania, seasonal migration camps may use airstrips near:

• Northern Serengeti
• Central Serengeti
• Ndutu

This can help travellers understand fly-in safari logistics.

Great Migration Map and Safari Duration

The map also illustrates why travellers need enough time. The ecosystem is enormous, and a safari cannot simply cover southern Serengeti, northern Serengeti and Masai Mara in a day or two. Recommended general durations:

Safari Type	Recommended Time
One-country migration safari	3–5 nights
River crossing focused safari	4–5 nights
Photography safari	5–7 nights
Kenya–Tanzania migration safari	8–12 days
Extended migration circuit	12–14 days

Common Mistakes When Using a Great Migration Map

Assuming the Arrows Are Exact

They show approximate movement only.

Ignoring the Month

A location may be excellent in August and irrelevant in February.

Assuming All Herds Are Together

The migration can spread across multiple regions.

Assuming Mara River Means Kenya Only

The river also runs through Tanzania.

Booking Camps Solely Based on the Map

Current conditions and game-drive access also matter.

Trying to Follow the Herds Every Day

A well-positioned base is often better than constant relocation.

How to Use the Great Migration Map to Plan Your Safari

Step 1: Choose Your Travel Month

This determines the probable migration zone.

Step 2: Identify the Main Region

Examples:

• February → Ndutu
• May → Western Serengeti
• August → Northern Serengeti / Masai Mara

Step 3: Decide Kenya, Tanzania or Both

Your available time and budget matter.

Step 4: Select Camps Near the Correct Zone

Location is especially important during peak migration periods.

Step 5: Stay Long Enough

Avoid rushing from one region to another.

Step 6: Keep Expectations Flexible

The migration remains a natural phenomenon.

Great Migration Map FAQs

Related Great Migration Guides

This page should link naturally to:

• Great Wildebeest Migration
• Wildebeest Migration Kenya
• Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration
• Great Migration Safari
• Kenya Migration Safari
• Wildebeest Migration Safari Packages
• Great Migration Tours
• Kenya Tanzania Great Migration
• Great Migration Route
• Great Migration Calendar
• Best Time for Wildebeest Migration
• Best Month for Wildebeest Migration
• Where to See Great Migration
• Great Migration Safari Cost

All internal links must use the exact approved sitemap URLs.

Plan Your Safari Using the Great Migration Map

The Great Migration Map is one of the most useful starting points for planning a migration safari, but it should always be interpreted together with your month of travel. Safari Trips to Kenya can use your dates to determine whether your safari should focus on:

• Masai Mara
• Northern Serengeti
• Central Serengeti
• Western Serengeti
• Ndutu
• A Kenya–Tanzania combination

Tell us:

• Your travel dates
• Number of travellers
• Number of safari days
• Accommodation preference
• Budget
• Whether river crossings are a priority
• Whether calving is a priority
• Kenya only, Tanzania only or both
• Road or fly-in preference

We can then build the safari around the most appropriate section of the migration map.