Wildebeest Calving Season in Serengeti
Traveling to Africa is exciting all year-round as there is always game to be found across several countries – Uganda – Rwanda – Kenya – Tanzania, but some times of the year are truly magical. For a few weeks at the start of the year, traveling to the Serengeti National park in Tanzania gives you the rare opportunity to witness wildebeest calving season in Serengeti, where thousands of wildebeest are born each day.
Each year the Serengeti plays host to hundreds of thousands of animals during the Wildebeest migration (includes other animals to not just wildebeest). In June and July wildebeest make their way across the Grumeti River moving northwest through the Serengeti plains, a sight that easily tops the bucket lists of many travelers to East Africa. By December, the herds have started to make their way back down south to the southern Serengeti to feed on the short green grasses of the plains. By late January and early February, perhaps the greatest spectacle of the Serengeti takes place with the wildebeest calving season in Serengeti National park. Approximately 8,000 young wildebeest are born every single day during the peak of the wildebeest calving season in Serengeti. There truly is nothing that compares to seeing a baby wildebeest take off running just minutes after being born.
Along with the overwhelming numbers of calves born come the predators and raptors (Lions, Leopards, cheetah Hyenas, Jackals, Marshal eagles, African White-backed vultures, Lappet faced Vultures). During wildebeest calving season, the Southern Serengeti and Western Ngorongoro Conservation areas host the highest concentration of predators and raptors in Africa. Lions, hyenas, and cheetahs show up in large numbers to patrol the grasses, waiting for the perfect time to make a kill. But an easy kill isn’t always guaranteed. Female wildebeest instinctively know to head to the short grass plains so that they can see approaching predators way far before they get close enough to Kill. There they form a barricade around birthing mothers to protect them and the young when they are the most vulnerable state, during birth, ensuring the majority of the young and newly born wildebeest survive.
Traveling to East Africa during the Wildebeest calving season in Serengeti, promises an exciting adventure full of wonders and plenty of action. The hunting of young wildebeest by large cats is part of nature, and during the few weeks of the wildebeest calving season, you’re sure to see some magnificent kills, especially from the agile cheetahs.
Places Stay during a Wildebeest Calving Season in Serengeti.
There are several great properties in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu areas that allow you to stay close to the action. Mobile migration camps follow the herds throughout the year and position themselves close to the wildebeest during calving season (Not too close but just close enough to allow them go about the birthing). With tents of wood and canvas, they offer a true “Out of Africa” authentic luxury safari experience with the promise to see exceptional game and predator activity.
If a mobile-tented camp is your preference, we recommend Olakira Tented Camp, located in the Ndutu region of the southern Serengeti, Ubuntu Tented Camp, positioned close to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Kimondo Tented Camp, set deep in the southern Serengeti with views of a permanent waterhole. Each camp offers eight (08) guest tents with en-suite bathrooms and a common area for meals and relaxing between game drives. From your private verandah or terrace, enjoy your morning cup of tea or coffee while keeping your eyes open for game.
Permanent Lodges that are Close to the wildebeest calving Season in Serengeti.
If you’re looking for a permanent lodge in the area, consider Mwiba Lodge, one of our favorite properties in the southern Serengeti. It’s located in the Mwiba Wildlife Reserve in the greater southern Serengeti and overlooks a rocky gorge on the Arugusinyai River. Lush botanicals, ancient coral and acacia trees, and 33 freshwater springs surround the lodge. Eight (08) double suites are elegantly decorated with linen sofas, ornate wood carved furniture, and neutral tones of creams, tans, charcoals, and black. Rooms are open with retreat-like bathrooms with large soaking tubs, outdoor showers, and copper fixtures. A large deck looks out over the stunning landscape. From Mwiba Lodge, excursions can head into the heart of the Wildebeest calving area to see the phenomenon up close birthing. Beyond game drives, Mwiba offers a wide range of activities including bush walks on the Mwiba Wildlife Reserve, cultural village tours, and rock art tours – all happening On the mwiba property.
Whether you choose to stay in a luxury permanent lodge or a mobile tented camp, you can be certain that game viewing during the wildebeest calving season in Serengeti will be one of your top experiences in Africa.
For more information about traveling to witness the spectacular wildebeest calving season in Serengeti, visit us online at www.realmafricasafaris.com or email: info@realmafricasafaris.com . To stay up to date with our helpful travel resources, connect with Realm Africa Safari online by “liking” our Facebook page.
