Wildebeest Migration and Calving Season
Many people relate the Wildebeest Migration with scenes of crocodiles knocking down the wildebeest as they cross the rivers. The yearly Wildebeest Migration features exciting river crossings as one of its main attractions.
Others might envision the endless herd of wildebeest on their epic migration. The wonder of the Calving Season is something that many people might overlook, though.
But have you ever wondered why nearly two million wildebeest endure the hardship of migration each year? This article on the Wildebeest migration and calving season will explain it to you.
Following the November rains, the southern Serengeti plains turn green. The new grazing is exactly what the wildebeest need to fuel their demanding calving season. More than a hundred thousand wildebeest are temporarily residing in this area to give birth. It is this time when things are becoming busy around the southern area.
Despite staying for a short time in the southern part of the Serengeti, exciting events happen. Massive herds of wildebeest migration pour into the southern Serengeti in December from the Masai Mara. Following that, the animals disperse into nearby regions, including the Ndutu region, Lake Masek, and even the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
The calving Season typically occurs every year between January and February when the wildebeest migration arrived in the south Serengeti. In January, when the rains begin, the herds begin to migrate southward over the Serengeti. Many people have questioned how the herds know when it is raining or not. The answer is that we are unsure! Some people say that they can smell the rain. Others say they can feel it when the pressure in the air changes. The only thing we know for sure is that the herds always follow where it rains. That much is certain. Within a two-to three-week time period, over half a million wildebeest are born. And with up to 8, 000 wildebeest being born on the same day!
The season for calves continues through March, which is joined by other animals such as zebras, gazelles, etc. The wildebeest migration is accompanied by tens of thousands of zebras and gazelles, which are using the safety of numbers to give birth to their young as well.
Calving season is a time when kills are plentiful due to a large number of vulnerable calves. Of course, such vast populations of young, inexperienced animals attract Africa’s predators like a magnet. The big cats, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as spotted hyenas, black-backed jackals, and African wild dogs prowl the southern Ndutu Serengeti.
During the Serengeti calving season, your chances of witnessing predator-prey contact and a kill are very high. This is fantastic news for wildlife photographers, but not for the wildebeest. However, newborn wildebeest calves are quick to stand up, taking only a few minutes to do so and three days to be able to run with the herd. By the end of March, the southern Serengeti’s grasses are weary from surviving the onslaught of carnivores.
The wildebeest migration begins migrating west in large herds, across the central Serengeti and to the muddy rivers that hinder their return to the Masai Mara. The wildebeest come to a halt here: the notorious river crossings are about to begin. Contact our safari expert now cause wildebeest migration is not an event to be missed out on!
5 Frequently Asked Questions About the Ndutu-Serengeti Calving Season?
When Should I Make a Reservation for Calving Season?
Experiencing the calving season during wildebeest migration does need some planning, as you point out. Since the weather is typically dry and the game-watching is so good. It is a high season, and lodging quickly sells out. We advise making reservations up to a year in advance if you have specific dates in mind, especially in February, when the calving season is at its busiest.
If you are unsure of your dates between January and March, we suggest making reservations three to six months in advance — the earlier the better for February!
Where and how long should I stay?
The Ndutu region, located south of the Serengeti, has the ideal camps for the calving season. You can leave camp on early morning drives and go right into the action because many are semi-permanent tented camps that are erected each year along the route of the migration. Your lodging will often be a sizable, walk-in tent suite with a king-sized bed, a patio, and a private bathroom.
We advise spending three nights in the Ndutu region and two nights somewhere else to round out the wildebeest migration experience. Maybe a camp in the Central Serengeti, where there is good resident wildlife, or – since Ndutu forms part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area – a lodge at the nearby Ngorongoro Crater, home to Africa’s most reliable Big 5 game viewing.
How Will I Spend My Time?
During the wildebeest migration, wildlife watching is typically enjoyed from the comfort of an open-sided 4X4 in the capable hands of a trained professional guide. A spotlight will guide your path on both of your daily drives, which you will do in the early morning and late afternoon. You will return in the early evening.
Another well-liked activity is visiting a village. Together with your guide, you can go to a nearby settlement to learn about Maasai customs and culture. You might also even get to see Maasai warriors perform their renowned “jumping dance.”
The Ndutu region does not provide hot-air ballooning service, but central Serengeti does. It is unquestionably an option. The ideal choice is to combine a night in Ndutu with a trip to central Serengeti in the early morning, which takes an hour and a half.
Is this time of year just for wildebeest calving, or do other animals also give birth?
This is the time to go if you want to view lots of baby animals of all kinds. On the southern plains, there are also a lot of zebra foals and gazelle fawns running around, trying to avoid predators by hiding behind the hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves.
The sudden increase in vegetation triggers many resident animals to enter their primary breeding season; as a result, the open Savana vegetation suddenly becomes home to warthog piglets, newborn baboons, wobbly-legged baby giraffes, and baby elephants with trunks they can’t quite control yet.
Due to the abrupt abundance of herbivores, large carnivores in Africa make sure their breeding season coincides with the beginning of the wildebeest migration. At this time of year, lion, cheetah, and leopard sightings are among the most sought-after by photographers because these animals typically have their cubs.
What Other Places Should I Visit During Calving Season?
Tarangire National Park is a fantastic option if you would also desire a total contrast to the Serengeti and Ndutu. While there will be occasional rain and it won’t be peak season in January, February, and March, the scenery will be stunningly green. There won’t be many other tourists, and the animals will be different from what you’d see during a migration.
Zanzibar, which is located in Tanzania, is the best and most accessible beach location. Spice Island is best visited between January and March. This time the weather is warm and sunny and the Indian Ocean is at its clearest. Making it a fantastic period for snorkeling and scuba diving.