What is Wildebeest Migration Calving Season? Wildebeest Migration Calving Season is the beginning of the Great Migration where over 8,000 wildebeest calves are born between January and March annually in Southern Serengeti, Ndutu Conservation Area, and a small portion of Ngorongoro Conservation Area. In January and February, more than a million wildebeest move from the North to the South to give birth, bringing the Serengeti to life. Since it marks the beginning of a wildebeest’s life before they face the trials that lie ahead, this is thought to be the starting point for the migration, as more than 8,000 wildebeest calves are born in the Serengeti South, where the conditions are ideal for their development.
Wildebeest Calving Season Tanzania | Best Time To Go On Migration Safari
Serengeti Wildebeest Calving Season
Every year, the Wildebeest Calving Season takes place from January to March. It is considered the beginning of their lives and ultimately shapes their whole existence. During the green season, pregnant wildebeest are drawn to the calcium-rich grass shoots in quest of food for their unborn children.
The calving season in the Serengeti guarantees amazing wildlife views, with predators and their young following behind. Over 8000 wildebeest are born every day. With so much to feed on, the large cats hunt lazily on the wildebeest calves because they are most vulnerable, are the nearest prey to these ravenous, ferocious cats, yet there are beehive activities all over.
Where/Places To See Wildebeest Migration Calving Season
The southern Serengeti, the Ndutu Conservation Area, and a few areas of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are the sites of the wildebeest calving season. The southern region of Serengeti National Park is often where wildebeest calving occurs. These wildebeest calving seasons occur in January to March of each year, as the Masai Mara in Kenya experiences the largest wildebeest crossings from June to October. The primary factor influencing wildebeest migration is their biological clocks, but it also follows patterns of rainfall. They encounter challenging conditions, ecosystems, and seasons as they move from the southern to the northern Serengeti and then into the Masai Mara and their mothers enjoy the Masai Mara National Reserve, where they can breed before returning to the Serengeti South.
The Ndutu Conservation Area, the South Serengeti, and a portion of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area provide an extremely favorable environment for wildebeests to give birth to around 8,000 calves every day. This is a world marvel, isn’t it? The grass is more verdant, and the kind of grass they eat is ideal for the daily birth of young calves.
What is The Great Migration?
The Great Migration is among the world’s most breathtaking natural phenomena. Each year, more than two million animals move together, including 800,000 zebras, 200,000 Grant’s gazelles, and over 1.3 million wildebeest. Remarkably, the Serengeti’s keystone species is the wildebeest, when in most ecosystems, predators play this role.
The Serengeti ecology is dynamically balanced by the size of the wildebeest herds. Their motions have an impact on everything from predator behavior to the condition of grasslands. For example, wildebeest have easier access to shorter, more nutrient-dense grasslands whereas zebras graze on taller, harder grasses.
Additionally, by reducing the severity of yearly fires, this grazing pattern protects important seeds and trees and encourages the emergence of new vegetation.
Serengeti Predators On The Prowl
Although herbivores have an abundance during the calving season, predators are also drawn to the area. The region attracts lions, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, who prey on the large number of weak juveniles. The calving season is a period for these predators to feed and provide for their own young.
Africa’s biggest concentration of predators occurs during the calving season in the Western Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Southern Serengeti. Numerous lions, hyenas, and cheetahs come to monitor the grasslands. They are awaiting the ideal opportunity to kill. However, an easy kill isn’t always assured. Wildebeest females have an innate ability to sense predators coming their way and immediately migrate to the shorter grass plains. To safeguard them and the babies during the most vulnerable time, which is during delivery, they erect a wall around the giving women. As a result, most of the young calves will be able to make it.
A thrilling journey full of wonder and action awaits visitors to the Serengeti during calving season. Naturally, big cats will hunt baby wildebeest. Be on the lookout for some spectacular kills during the brief calving season, particularly from the nimble cheetahs.
Best Wildebeest Migration Safari & Tours
6 Days Wildebeest Migration Calving
The 6-day Wildebeest Migration Calving Season safari to Ndutu, Southern Serengeti & Ngorongoro primarily targets the Serengeti eco-System from December to April, when the Ngorongoro conservation Area and Lake Ndutu, home to large migratory herds of zebras and wildebeests, are in full bloom.
Ultimate Grumeti Wildebeest Migration
This luxury Grumeti Wildebeest Migration Safari typically involve visiting Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Serengeti National Park with focus on the annual wildebeest migration experience.
Mara River crossing & Serengeti migration
The fantastical 10 days great wildebeest Mara River crossing & Serengeti migration safari journey brings us right into the middle of this awe-inspiring Earthly phenomenon, meticulously planned to mirror the epic migration. Spending four nights on the Serengeti allows us to soak up & explore the expansive plains
Luxury Tanzania & Zanzibar Migration Safari
This 10-day Tanzania & Zanzibar Migration itinerary to Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Zanzibar‘s Pongwe Beach has been thoughtfully crafted to provide an unforgettable experience and great value, beginning with vistas of Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti plains and ending on the powdery sandy beaches of Zanzibar.
Amboseli Masai Mara Serengeti & Ngorongoro
This ultimate East Africa Migration safari experience provides a detailed itinerary across Amboseli National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro crater in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and focuses on the iconic wildlife encounters and the breathtaking scenery
Masai Mara Serengeti Migration & Zanzibar
A Luxury Migration Safari With Zanzibar Beach Safari provides a 10 Day Masai Mara Serengeti Migration safari and Zanzibar white sand beach leisure holiday. The Masai Mara Serengeti & Zanzibar Migration safari involves witnessing the Great Migration, particularly the Mara River crossing, and exploring Serengeti National Park.
Manyara Ngorongoro Serengeti Tented Migration
This Manyara Ngorongoro Serengeti Tented Migration Itinerary visits Lake Manyara National Park famed for its tree-climbing lions, the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with high wildlife concentration, and the vast plains of Serengeti National Park where you can witness the Great Migration.
Where To Stay To Witness The Wildebeest Calving Season
In the southern Serengeti and Ndutu regions, there are a number of excellent accommodations that let you remain near the activity. Throughout the year, mobile migration camps track the herds and wait near the wildebeest when it’s time for them to give birth. They guarantee to witness remarkable wildlife and predator activity while providing a genuine “Out of Africa” luxury Tanzania safari experience with tents made of canvas and wood.
If you’re looking for a mobile-tented camp, we have three great options: Olakira Camp in the Ndutu district of the southern Serengeti, Ubuntu Camp near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Kimondo Camp in the heart of the forest, overlooking a permanent waterhole. There are eight tents at each camp, all with private bathrooms, as well as a shared dining & lounging space where guests can eat and unwind in between game drives. Rise up in the morning with a cup of coffee or tea to watch the wildlife from the comfort of your own veranda or patio
Opt for Mwiba Lodge, among our top-rated in southern Serengeti, if you’re searching for a permanent lodge in the region. It is situated in the bigger southern Serengeti’s Mwiba Wildlife Reserve, with a view of a steep gorge on the Arugusinyai River. The lodge is surrounded by lush vegetation, 33 freshwater springs, and old coral and acacia trees. There are eight luxurious suites, each with its own unique design with linen couches, intricately carved wood furnishings, and neutral color palettes of cream, tan, charcoal, and black. The rooms are open, and the bathrooms include copper fixtures, outdoor showers, and enormous soaking tubs, creating a retreat-like atmosphere. A spacious terrace overlooks the breathtaking scenery. For a closer look at the occurrence, excursions can venture into the center of the calving region from Mwiba Lodge. In addition to wildlife drives, Mwiba provides a variety of other activities. These consist of rock art tours, cultural village tours, and wilderness/bush treks in the Mwiba Wildlife Reserve.
Wilderness Usawa camps are committed to offering genuine and captivating safari adventure in the isolated and unspoiled Serengeti regions. Taking their name from the Swahili word for “balance,” our Usawa camp’s locations are well situated to provide outstanding wildlife experiences with the least possible negative environmental impact.
While most Serengeti tourism operators only work in 40% of the park, Wilderness Usawa has expanded into the unexplored 60%, guaranteeing a private and tranquil experience. the camps prioritize low-impact activities that are run using careful water management techniques and solar electricity.
Wilderness camps offer a stunning look into the circle of life and the delicate balance between predator and prey that characterizes this remarkable environment. These camps also allow you to experience the natural marvel of the calving season in its most authentic form.
In isolated and pristine regions of the Serengeti, Wilderness camps are committed to provide a genuine and immersive safari experience. Taking their name from the Swahili word for “balance,” our Usawa camp’s locations are well situated to provide outstanding wildlife experiences with the least possible negative environmental impact.
Wilderness Usawa camps guaranteeing a private and tranquil experience. the camps prioritize low-impact activities that are run using careful water management techniques and solar electricity.
Usawa Camps are set in the south during calving season, shifted to east and west in the middle of migration, and in the north for the Mara River crossings; all of this follows the natural progression of the migration. The camps are situated away from the major tourist attractions, providing a more private and quiet safari experience.
When is the best time of the Year For wildebeest calving season?
In the Serengeti, Tanzania, January through March is usually the best time to see the Wildebeest Calving Season. The most dramatic calving activity occurs around this time, especially in February, when over 500,000 calves are born in a few of weeks. Predator encounters, wildlife observation, and the general spectacle of plains life are all well-known during the calving season.
In Tanzania, this is the best season to see large cats and wildebeest. The ‘long rains’ that arrive at the end of March leave the ground muddy. Mega-herds of wildebeest scatter, moving north through the Masai Mara national Reserve and extending east and west.
What To Expect During The Wildebeest Calving Season in Tanzania
The huge and well-coordinated birthing of over 500,000 newborn calves by wildebeest over the period of three weeks will be one of many stunning sights. The most remarkable thing about calves is that they can get to their feet in a couple of minutes and, within a few days, run and try to escape from any predators that could be in these dangerous locations.
Yes, that is fantastic and fascinating, but there are other things that will happen during this calving season as well. Due of the large number of weak calves, predators including as lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas will be prowling the Southern Serengeti in search of prey. There is a very high chance of seeing a predator-prey confrontation and subsequent killing during this period. At this stage, anything may happen to the newborn calves.
At the end of the calving season, in March, the wildebeest and other animals will begin to depart in search of better weather, fresh grass, and a more favorable environment free from predators that are watching them. Additionally, as the southern Serengeti plains start to dry out, it will get harder to stay there, thus they will need to keep migrating.
A trip to the Serengeti during the calving season, which is teeming with drama, action, and natural beauties, is one of the most breathtaking experiences in nature. Every year, this incredible event is one of the best opportunities to watch the best games. If you have the opportunity, don’t pass up this fantastic event! Definitely, it will be worth it!
What Activities Will I Do During The Wildebeest Calving Season?
Wildlife watching during the calving season is usually done in the safe and competent hands of a qualified professional guide while relaxing in an open-rooftop 4X4Vehicle. Both your daily early morning and late afternoon game drives will be accompanied by a spot light to ensure your safety.
During calving season, you shouldn’t stay in the Serengeti National Park.
Your guide will have the benefit of being able to drive off-road for outstanding sightings, and you will have the chance to embark on walking safaris with Tanzanian Park Rangers, because it is not recommended to stay in the Serengeti National Park when the wildebeests are calving.
Visiting a community is another popular pastime. You can visit a local village with your guide to discover more about Maasai traditions and culture. You may even have the opportunity to witness Maasai warriors doing their famous “jumping dance.”
Though the Ndutu region does not permit hot-air ballooning, the central Serengeti certainly does. The most optimal option is to combine a morning transfer of about 1.5 hours from Ndutu with a stay in the central Serengeti.
Do other animals also give birth to their young around this time, or is it just the wildebeest calving season?
If you are interested in seeing several newborn animals, this is the best time to visit. In addition, gazelle fawns and zebra foals are abundant in the southern plains, where they attempt to hide behind the hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves in order to evade predators.
The rapid development of vegetation causes many local animals to enter their primary mating season; thus, warthog piglets, newborn baboons, wobbly-legged giraffes, and baby elephants with trunks they can’t quite control unexpectedly inhabit the open forests.
Due to the sudden abundance of herbivores, large carnivores in Africa make sure their breeding season begins at the start of the migration. Photographers are particularly interested in seeing lions, cheetahs, and leopards during this time of year because these animals usually have their young.
Where Else Should I Go During The Wildebeest Calving Season?
For a more local experience that is strikingly different from the Serengeti and Ndutu, consider a safari to Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park. The months of January, February, and March will not be the busiest for tourists, but you can expect breathtakingly verdant landscape, fewer other visitors, and fauna that is drastically different from what you would witness during a migration.
Zanzibar, a Tanzanian island, is the easiest and most convenient place to go beach-hopping. If you’re a snorkeler or scuba diver, you won’t want to miss the warm, sunny weather and pristine conditions of the Indian Ocean between January and March when you may visit Spice Island of Zanzibar.
Jungle trekking with gorillas in the equatorial forests of Rwanda and Uganda brings you face-to-face with a family of the world’s largest and most endangered primates, providing an animal encounter as dramatic as calving season. The best months to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda & Uganda is January, February, and March. The rainforest is most comfortable during these months, which coincide with one of the region’s two dry seasons.
