The Great Migration in August: River Crossings, Where and How

The Great Migration in August is the season of the river crossings. After months moving through the Serengeti, the wildebeest and zebra herds reach the Mara River on the border of Tanzania and Kenya, and thousands plunge through crocodile-filled water in search of fresh grass.

August is usually the busiest month of the crossing season and one of the most sought-after safari months in Africa. This guide explains where the herds tend to be, how the crossings work, Tanzania versus Kenya, and how to plan a trip that gives you a real chance of seeing one.

Where the Great Migration Is in August

The Great Migration is a year-round loop. Around 1.5 million wildebeest, with zebra and gazelle, follow the rains across the Serengeti ecosystem.

By August, the bulk of the herds are usually in the northern Serengeti in Tanzania, around the Mara River, and some cross into the Maasai Mara in Kenya. Crossings can happen on many days in August, but never on a fixed schedule.

Month	Typical location of the herds
January–March	Southern Serengeti and Ndutu: calving season
April–May	Moving north-west through the central Serengeti
June	Western corridor: Grumeti River crossings
July	Arriving in the northern Serengeti; first Mara River crossings
August	Northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara: peak crossing season
September	Still in the north; crossings continue, often with fewer vehicles
October	Herds start drifting south; crossings back across the river
November–December	Returning to the central and southern Serengeti

The herds move with the rain, so this calendar shifts by weeks from one season to the next.

How the Mara River Crossings Work

The Mara River winds through the northern Serengeti and the Maasai Mara. Herds gather on the banks, sometimes for hours or days, before one animal commits and the rest follow in a rush.

Crossings are dramatic because the river is dangerous. Steep banks, strong currents and large Nile crocodiles mean that animals drown, get injured or are taken. Lions and other predators often wait nearby.

There are several well-used crossing points along the river, and guides watch them constantly. Even so, the herds can gather, turn back and gather again. Waiting is part of the experience.

Great Migration in August: Tanzania or Kenya?

Both sides of the river offer crossings in August. The choice is mainly about crowds, access and how you like to travel.

Northern Serengeti, Tanzania

The herds are usually concentrated in the Kogatende and Lamai areas once they reach the river, and they stay in this region until they head south.

• Fewer vehicles than in the Maasai Mara, though popular crossing points still get busy in peak weeks.
• Mostly mobile and seasonal camps that move with the herds, plus a few permanent lodges.
• Access by light aircraft to the airstrips in the north, as driving from Arusha takes a long day or more.
• Lamai is quieter; Kogatende has more choice of camps.

Maasai Mara, Kenya

Only part of the herds crosses into Kenya, and crossings there can be less frequent. The Mara is smaller, easier to reach and has a wide choice of camps.

• More vehicles at the main crossing points in August.
• Private conservancies bordering the reserve limit vehicle numbers and allow activities such as night drives and walks, but crossings mainly happen on the river inside the reserve.
• Shorter flights from Nairobi, which suits short trips.

If quality of viewing and fewer vehicles are your priorities, the northern Serengeti is often the stronger choice in August. If time and budget are tight, the Maasai Mara is easier to combine with a short trip.

How to Maximise Your Chance of Seeing a Crossing

• Stay at least three or four nights near the river. One or two nights is a gamble.
• Base yourself close to the crossing points, so you can reach the river quickly when the herds gather.
• Take full-day game drives with a packed lunch. Crossings happen at any time of day.
• Be patient. Herds may approach the river and turn away many times before committing.
• Use an experienced guide. Good guides read the herds, the wind and the banks, and know when to wait.
• Keep your distance. Vehicles that crowd the banks can stop a crossing. Responsible guides wait back.

Real-time tracking reports from camps and pilots are the best guide to where the herds are. Ask your operator for the latest information close to your dates.

Is August the Best Month for the Great Migration?

August is usually the peak of the crossing season, and many people consider it the best single month to see the Mara River in action. But it is not the only good month.

• July: the first crossings, usually fewer vehicles, but timing is less reliable.
• August: often the most frequent crossings; the busiest and most expensive month.
• September: crossings continue, often with fewer people; frequently one of the best-value months in the north.
• October: crossings in both directions as herds start moving south; quieter still.

If you want the action with a little more space, the second half of September is often the smartest time. If you want the highest chance of multiple crossings and are happy to book early, choose August.

Weather in August

August falls in the long dry season across northern Tanzania and Kenya. Days are usually sunny and dry, with daytime temperatures in the mid-20s °C and cool to cold mornings and evenings.

Dust is common on game drives. The grass is short and dry, which makes wildlife easier to see. Rain is rare, though a stray shower is possible.

Booking and Practical Tips

• Book early. Camps near the river in August fill many months ahead, especially small mobile camps. When to Book sets out practical booking windows by trip type.
• Combine regions. Add Ngorongoro, Tarangire or the central Serengeti to a northern stay for a fuller safari.
• Fly between parks to save long road days.
• Pack layers. Early-morning drives in open vehicles are cold.
• Bring a dust cover for cameras and a scarf for the drives.
• Check health advice for malaria prevention and vaccinations before you travel.
• Check entry rules for Tanzania and Kenya, including visas, as requirements change.

What a Crossing Day Looks Like

A typical day near the river starts before sunrise with coffee in camp and an early drive while the air is cool. Guides check the banks and talk with other vehicles by radio to find where herds are building up.

If a large group of wildebeest is gathering near a crossing point, your guide will position the vehicle at a respectful distance and wait. That wait can last minutes or hours.

When the first animals jump, the crossing can last from a few minutes to well over half an hour. Afterwards, there is often a second act: predators at the banks, stragglers fighting the current, zebra regrouping on the far side.

On days without a crossing, the northern Serengeti still delivers. Big cats, elephants, giraffes and huge herds on open plains make for some of the best game viewing of the year.

Great Migration in August FAQ

Are river crossings guaranteed in August? No: they are frequent in peak season, but herds can wait or turn back. Several nights near the river give you the best odds.

Is the Serengeti or the Maasai Mara better in August? Both offer crossings. The northern Serengeti is usually quieter; the Maasai Mara is easier to reach.

How far ahead should I book? For August camps near the river, many months ahead is common. Smaller mobile camps fill first.

Is August good for families? It can be, with older children. Check minimum ages, which vary by camp and activity.

Add Zanzibar to Your Safari

Many travellers finish a northern Serengeti safari with a few days on Zanzibar. August is part of the island’s dry season, with sunny days, warm sea and steady trade winds on the east coast.

The combination works well: a short flight from the Serengeti or Arusha takes you from dusty game drives to the beach. Our guide When to Go: Tanzania & Zanzibar covers the migration month by month, along with every park and the island.

Quick Facts

• Where: northern Serengeti (Kogatende, Lamai) and the Maasai Mara.
• Peak crossing months: usually July to September, with August the busiest.
• Ideal stay: three to four nights near the river.
• Quieter alternative: the second half of September.
• Crossings: frequent in peak season, never guaranteed.

For a wider journey through Africa and the Middle East, the Sun, Souks & Safari Bundle brings our guides to Tanzania & Zanzibar, South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Türkiye and the UAE together.

Migration timing changes with the rains every season, and park fees and entry rules change too. Check official sources and your operator’s latest updates before you book.