Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Calving Season: A Spectacle of Life and Survival

The Serengeti wildebeest calving season typically occurs between late January and early March.  This period is a crucial part of the Great Migration, where wildebeest and other wildlife move to the southern plains of the Serengeti for birthing.  During this time, thousands of calves are born, and the area becomes a vibrant ecosystem supporting a diverse range of species. 

• Timing:

  The calving season is primarily from late January to early March, with February being a peak period for births. 

   
• Location:

  The calving takes place in the southern Serengeti, including the Ndutu area, and extends into the western part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. 

   
• Why it happens:

  Wildebeest move to the southern Serengeti to give birth in the lush grasslands where there are abundant food sources for the newborn calves and the mothers. 

   
• Impact on the ecosystem:

  The calving season brings a large concentration of wildlife to the area, creating a dynamic ecosystem where predators also benefit from the abundant prey. 

   
• Viewing:

  The calving season is a popular time for visitors to witness the migration and the birth of thousands of wildebeest calves. 

   

The Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Calving Season is one of the most extraordinary natural events on Earth, offering a front-row seat to the miracle of life and the raw drama of survival. Occurring between January and March each year, this season is a key part of the Great Serengeti Wildebeest Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, traverse the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water. Here’s everything you need to know about this incredible phenomenon.

What is the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Calving Season?

The Wildebeest Calving Season is a period when over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born in the southern Serengeti, Ndutu Conservation Area, and parts of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This event marks the beginning of the wildebeest life cycle and is the starting point of their annual migration.

During this time, an astonishing 8,000 calves are born daily, transforming the plains into a bustling nursery. The short, nutrient-rich grasses of the southern Serengeti provide the perfect environment for calving, offering essential nutrients for lactating mothers and their newborns.

Why Does Calving Happen in the Southern Serengeti?

The southern Serengeti and Ndutu area are uniquely suited for calving due to:

• Nutrient-rich grasses: Essential for the growth and strength of newborn calves.
• Open plains: Provide visibility for mothers to spot predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
• Seasonal rains: The short rains from January to March ensure abundant water and fresh grazing.

This area is considered the safest and most conducive environment for wildebeest to give birth and nurture their young before embarking on the long and perilous migration northward.

Key Highlights of the Wildebeest Calving Season

1. Mass Births: Over 500,000 calves are born within a few weeks, with up to 8,000 calves born each day.
2. Predator Action: The abundance of vulnerable calves attracts predators, creating dramatic wildlife scenes.
3. Beehive of Activity: Herds graze, calves learn to walk within minutes of birth, and predators hunt.
4. Survival of the Fittest: Calves must learn to run within minutes of birth to escape predators, and only the strongest survive.

When and Where to Witness the Calving Season

• When: January to March (peak calving occurs in February).
• Where:
  • Southern Serengeti: The primary calving grounds.
  • Ndutu Conservation Area: Known for its open plains and high concentration of wildebeest.
  • Ngorongoro Conservation Area: Some calving activity occurs here as well.

The Role of the Calving Season in the Great Migration

The calving season is the starting point of the wildebeest migration cycle. After giving birth, the herds begin their journey northward, following the rains and fresh grazing. By June, they reach the western Serengeti and prepare for the dramatic Grumeti River crossings. By July-August, they enter the Masai Mara in Kenya, where they mate before returning to the Serengeti to complete the cycle.

Why is the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Calving Season a Must-See?

• Unique Wildlife Spectacle: Witnessing thousands of calves being born and taking their first steps is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• Predator-Prey Interactions: The abundance of calves attracts predators, offering incredible opportunities to witness hunts and survival strategies.
• Scenic Beauty: The lush green plains of the southern Serengeti during the rainy season are breathtaking.

Planning a Safari During the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Calving Season

If you’re planning to witness the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Calving Season, here’s what you need to know:

• Best Time to Visit: Late January to early March.
• Where to Stay:
  • Ndutu Safari Lodge
  • Serengeti Serena Lodge
  • Mobile camps that follow the migration.
• What to Expect:
  • Game drives across the plains.
  • Guided by expert rangers to spot calving herds and predator action.