Serengeti National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the northern part of Tanzania, covering an area of about 14,763sqkm. Serengeti National Park is home to over 120 mammal species, including lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and different kinds of birds, as well as wildebeests that are a major attraction of the park and famous for the great wildebeest Migration. Among the amazing attractions, the calving season is one of the most exciting attractions for visitors to safari in Serengeti National Park. In this blog, we bring you the details of the calving season in the Serengeti National Park as well as the great wildebeest Migration.

The great wildebeest migration is one of the seven natural wonders of the world that draws tourists from the rest of the world to come and explore the magical wonders of Serengeti National Park.

Understanding the Eco System of Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is popular for the great wildebeest migration that offers an authentic safari experience to both local and international visitors. The great migration coincides with the greening of pasture, where wildebeests make a circular rotation around the Serengeti plains in search of green pasture. The wildebeests usually migrate during the dry season between June and September. During this time, there is short vegetation where the wildebeests can spot the predators. At this point, it is safe for the wildebeests to live in a free and safe environment as well as Calving.

What is Calving?

Calving refers to the process where female wildebeests give birth and take care of the young ones, known as (Calves). Typically, the calving season happens during the dry season in the southern parts of Serengeti in June to July and December to January when there is lush green vegetation for the young ones to feed on. During the calving season, about 8000 calves are given birth and born in the presence of predators, where a young one can stand and walk within a few hours of birth.

When does the calving season occur?

 Typically, the calving season usually happens between January and Early March. During this time, the wildebeests follow the rains in search of safe places for calving and plenty of greener pastures. The wet season is ideal for the birth and growth of the wildebeest while the mothers nurse the young ones. Witness the magical wonder as you watch the wildebeests accompanied by predators as they hunt and kill the wildebeests, making the experience a survival of the fittest. The calving season is truly a dream of every photographer on a safari to capture such an amazing safari experience.

Where does Calving Take Place in Serengeti National Park?

It is no surprise that the wildebeests always move to the southern part of the park in the Ndutu area, deposited with endless savannah plains and a haven for the calving of the wildebeests. As the wildebeests give more birth, the number of predators tends to increase, too making it a difficult situation for the wildebeests to migrate to a safe place. 

Why you should Choose a safari in the calving season

A safari during the calving season is truly one of the magical wonders of every traveller, giving them a chance to witness the wildebeests giving birth and grooming the calves accompanied by predators such as lions, cheetahs and leopards. A safari in calving season does not only offer calving moments but also gives you a chance to spot a variety of wildlife species, such as elephants, zebras, lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, gazelles and different species of birds dotted in the vast plains of the park making the moment a truly magical wonder.

Tourist activities to do in Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park consists of a variety of tourist attractions, including the calving season and the wildebeest migration that draw several tourists to come and participate in tourist activities, such as;

Game drive safaris

Embark on a thrilling game drive safari in the heart of Serengeti National Park that offers you a chance to capture amazing safari memories and breathtaking wildlife views such as elephants, zebras, lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, gazelles as well as different bird species.

Hot Air Ballon Safaris

 Imagine floating in the skies of Serengeti National Park, offering you an opportunity to see breathtaking wildlife views, including elephants, zebras, lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, gazelles roaming freely in the park from above. Hot air balloons are one of the most exciting ways to explore the park’s wildlife and ecosystems.

Bird watching

Serengeti National Park consists of over 400 different species, which makes the park a birding destination where a nature lover can be able to spot a variety of bird species including Secretary bird, African fish eagle, Lilac-breasted roller, Kori bustard, Marabou stork, White-bellied bustard, Greater flamingo, Black-winged stilt, Yellow-billed stork, Vulturine guineafowl, White-backed vulture, Tawny eagle, Bateleur eagle, Ostrich, Helmeted guineafowl, African grey hornbill, Spotted eagle owl, Red-billed hornbill, Abdim’s stork, Pygmy falcon, African hoopoe, and Red-cheeked cordon leu.

The Masai Culture Experience

Experience the vibrant, rich cultural tradition of the Masai people, who are the original inhabitants of the park with an untouched, unique culture characterised by cattle rearing, unique dressing style (African Kitenge), beads and the traditional dances and art crafts that give you a chance to have a deeper insight on the Masai tribe, culture and Way of Life making the safari a truly memorable experience.

Where to stay in Serengeti during the Calving season

Serengeti National Park provides a variety of accommodation options for travellers planning to embark on a calving safari in Serengeti National Park that ranges from budget to midrange to Luxury, depending on the choice and preference of the traveller. Some of the accommodations include Embalakai Tented Camp, Serengeti Acacia Migration Camp, Serengeti Simba Lodge, Seronera Wildlife Lodge, Thorn Tree Tented Camp, Ubuntu Migration Camp, Olakira Migration Camp and Lobo Wildlife Lodge.

In a nutshell, the calving season in Serengeti National Park is one of the most exciting and beautiful moments in nature’s calendar. The synchronized births of wildebeests and predators such as lions and cheetahs play a significant role in the ecological balance. Whether you are a photographer, nature enthusiast or adventure seeker, the calving season in Serengeti National Park offers magical experiences that will leave you in an awe-moment.