The Great Migration follows four major routes. The Southern route stretches between Ndutu in Ngorongoro and south Serengeti, where calving season occurs. The Western route, covering Kirawira and Grumeti, features dramatic river crossings. The Northern route, including Kogatende and the Mara River, is known for its perilous crossings into Kenya’s Masai Mara. Finally, the Eastern route sees the herds return south, completing their annual journey. Each corridor plays a crucial role in this breathtaking wildlife phenomenon, offering unforgettable safari experiences.

Unlike unpredictable river crossings, witnessing wildebeest calves in the southern Serengeti is guaranteed. During calving season, hundreds of thousands of newborns fill the plains, making it nearly impossible to miss this incredible spectacle of new life and the predators it attracts.

If you want to witness the incredible calving season, timing is key. The best time to visit is from late January to March when wildebeests give birth in the nutrient-rich plains of Ngorongoro and southern Serengeti. This period also attracts predators, offering dramatic wildlife encounters as big cats take advantage of the abundance of vulnerable newborns.

River crossings occur annually, but timing is unpredictable as wildebeests choose from many crossing points along the vast river. Patience is key, as herds hesitate, searching for the safest route. This unpredictability adds to the excitement, making each sighting a thrilling and unique safari experience.