Calving Season – A Special Time During the Great Migration

The Calving Season in Tanzania is a highlight of the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration, turning the vast plains into a bustling nursery.

During this period, thousands of wildebeest calves take their first steps, surrounded by the expansive landscapes of the Serengeti.

This spectacle displays nature’s wonders and gives a close peek into the cycle of life. Witnessing it firsthand adds a remarkable chapter to any Tanzania Safari Tours.

What is the Wildebeest Migration Calving Season?

Each year in Tanzania, particularly from January to February, the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration witnesses an awe-inspiring phase known as the calving season.

• While this migration has followed the same paths for millennia, the precise timing can vary with the seasonal rains. This establishes the fact that these months are just a rough estimate.
• During this period, massive herds traverse the lush southern expanses of the Serengeti, occasionally reaching near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
• Here, on the green plains refreshed by rain, wildebeests graze and give birth by the thousands.

In this fascinating ecological interplay, zebras and gazelles accompany the wildebeests, grazing on the taller grasses and leaving behind softer shoots ideal for newborn calves. This not only ensures ample nourishment but also plays a critical role in the survival of these young grazers.

Where to Witness the Calving Season in Tanzania?

Wildebeest herds instinctively migrate south to the Southern Serengeti to feed and give birth.

• This is the Best Place to See Wildebeest Migration as it provides the animals with sweet grasses which is the perfect food for the young wildebeest in their first weeks of life.
• In the wide-open plains near Ndutu, over half a million wildebeests are born within two to three weeks, sometimes up to 8,000 in a single day.
• This mass birthing is a sight to behold, but it also means predators are nearby, looking for easy prey.
• While the newborns can run within minutes, they are still at risk. This period provides fantastic opportunities for photographers coming for Safaris to Tanzania.

During the Calving season in Tanzania, predator numbers increase in the area. However, catching prey isn’t always easy.

Wildebeest mothers often give birth in short grass plains to better spot predators. They also form protective barriers around the newborns to shield them from danger.

Special Note - But what makes these grasses so special that the largest overland migration in the world is dependent on it? 

Well, the secret to these grasses lies in the ancient
volcanic activity around Ngorongoro. 

Volcanic ash from past eruptions was carried by the wind and
settled on the plains near Ndutu. 

This enriches the soil and creates lush grasslands that
attract the wildebeests and their calves every year during the Great Wildebeest Migration. 

Why Should You Choose a Calving Season Safari?

A calving season safari in Serengeti National Park offers amazing views of wildebeests and their newborns.

• You will also see many big cats like lions, cheetahs, leopards, and African wild dogs hunting for food.
• The action is thrilling, but the sight of the vast Serengeti plains, filled with grunting, grazing wildebeest, and adorable newborn animals, is also a majestic experience.

This Tanzania Safari combines exciting wildlife encounters with the beauty of the endless Serengeti landscape.

Witness the Miracle of New Life in the Serengeti!

The calving season during the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration is a unique spectacle that captures the essence of nature’s cycle.

Seeing thousands of wildebeest calves take their first steps amidst the stunning landscape is an admirable sight.

This period displays the beauty of life and offers thrilling encounters with predators. Make your trip extraordinary with our Tanzania Safari Packages. Dreaming of experiencing this marvel of nature? Contact African Scenic Safaris to book your Serengeti Migration Safari and witness the circle of life unfold before your eyes!