When can I see the river crossings?

The famous Mara River crossings in the north generally occur from about July to October, though timing shifts each year with the rains.

Where is the migration right now?

It moves in a rough annual circle: calving in the south from January to March, heading north-west by mid-year, and crossing the Mara in the north from July onward.

Is the migration in the Serengeti or Ngorongoro?

The great migration takes place within the Serengeti ecosystem, though the herds also pass through the northern part of the neighbouring Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

How do I get to the Serengeti fastest?

Flying from Arusha to a Serengeti airstrip such as Seronera takes about an hour, far quicker than the long overland drive.

Destination guide

Serengeti

Endless plains and the stage of the great wildebeest migration

Know before you go

Visa & travel essentials

Applies Tanzania-wide

Visa & entry

Most visitors need a visa. Apply online for an eVisa before you travel, or get a visa on arrival at Kilimanjaro (JRO), Dar (DAR) and Zanzibar (ZNZ) airports.
Ordinary tourist visa is around US$50; US passport holders need the multiple-entry visa (~US$100).
Passport valid 6+ months with a blank page. A yellow-fever certificate is required only if arriving from an endemic country.

Money & currency

The currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Use the USD/TZS toggle at the top of the site.
US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and park gates — bring newer bills (2009 or later).
ATMs are in all major towns and cards work in cities; carry cash for rural areas and markets.

Getting connected — e-Sim & SIM

Buy a local SIM at the airport or any provider shop. Bring your passport — SIM registration is required by law.
Main networks: Vodacom, Airtel, Halotel and Yas (Tigo). Data bundles are cheap and coverage is good on the safari circuits.
Prefer to arrive online? Install a Tanzania eSIM before you fly with Airalo, Holafly or Saily — no shop visit needed.

All providers →

Getting around

Domestic flights (Precision Air, Auric Air, Coastal) cover the long hops between circuits.
The SGR train links Dar es Salaam with Dodoma and Morogoro; fast ferries connect Dar and Zanzibar.
Ride-hailing (Bolt, Uber) works in the cities. For parks and transfers, book a verified driver.

Staying safe: Tanzania is generally safe in tourist areas and parks. Keep an eye on belongings in crowded markets, avoid isolated areas at night, and use trusted transport. National emergency line: 112.