Migration Calving season Tours
- January to April
Overview:
About Calving Season in Serengeti Tanzania
In Tanzania, the calving season is a critical and exciting time in the wildlife-rich areas, especially within the Serengeti ecosystem. This season typically occurs during the early months of the year, from January to March, although exact timing can vary slightly based on local conditions.
During the calving season, the Serengeti plains come alive with one of the most remarkable natural spectacles – the Great Migration. This migration involves vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores moving in search of fresh grazing and water. The wildebeest, in particular, give birth to their young calves during this period. The calving season is strategically timed to coincide with the short rainy season in the southern Serengeti. This ensures that there’s plenty of nutritious grass for the lactating mothers and their newborns. Predators are also drawn to this abundance of vulnerable prey, making it a prime time for wildlife enthusiasts and safari-goers to witness dramatic predator-prey interactions.
Tanzania’s calving season provides a unique opportunity to observe the circle of life in action, as well as the raw beauty of nature’s cycles. The spectacle of thousands of wildebeest calves taking their first steps and the challenges they face from predators is a sight that captures the essence of the African wilderness and the delicate balance of its ecosystems.
What Makes Calving Season in Serengeti Special
Great Migration
The Serengeti is host to one of the world's most iconic wildlife spectacles – the Great Migration. This annual journey involves millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores traveling across vast distances in search of fresh grazing and water. The calving season is the peak of this migration, as thousands of wildebeest calves are born within a relatively short period.
Circle of Life
The calving season highlights the cycle of life and death in the wild. It's a time of renewal and rebirth, as newborn animals take their first steps and face the challenges of survival. At the same time, it's a period of heightened predator activity, as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and other carnivores are drawn to the abundance of vulnerable young prey.
Dramatic Predator-Prey Interactions
The concentration of vulnerable young calves attracts predators, leading to intense predator-prey interactions. These scenes of pursuit, survival, and sometimes tragedy offer a rare glimpse into the intricate balance of nature. Witnessing a lioness stalking a wildebeest calf or a cheetah sprinting after its target is a heart-pounding experience that showcases the harsh realities of life in the wild.
Changing Landscapes
The Serengeti's landscape during the calving season is a sight to behold. The open grasslands, vast skies, and the contrast of new life against the earthy tones of the savannah create a visually stunning backdrop for the unfolding drama. The light during early mornings and late afternoons enhances the atmosphere, adding to the sense of awe.
Scientific Interest
The calving season is of significant interest to researchers and biologists studying animal behavior, ecology, and conservation. Observing how animals adapt to changing conditions and how ecosystems respond to such concentrated birthing events contributes to our understanding of wildlife dynamics and can inform conservation strategies.
Limited Timeframe
The calving season is relatively short, lasting from around January to March. This limited timeframe adds an element of exclusivity and urgency for travelers and wildlife enthusiasts. Those fortunate enough to visit the Serengeti during this window get to witness a natural event that few people around the world have the chance to experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
A definition of the Wildebeest Great Migration
Each month of the year marks a different occurrence.
January: The migration cycle is in the short grasslands in the plains south of Serengeti in Tanzania. The calving season begins thanks to the excellent climate. Predators are numerous due to the large number of weak calves. It’s always a thrilling scene as Wildebeests protect their calves.
February: The calving season continues, and you will witness mature wildebeests forming barricades around the calves to protect them from the lethal predators. Thanks to the intense action, drama, and wonders, this season is one you can’t afford to miss.
March: The last batch of calves is born this month. The animals feed on leftover grasses. They also gather as the long journey heading northwards is about to start.
April: As April kicks in, the migration begins as the animals seek fresh water and good pasture in the north. They are scattered between the central and western areas of the Serengeti.
May: During May, the animals are around Moru Kopjes and are seen in large herds. They are joined by plenty of gazelles and zebras.
June: The herds arrive on the southern side of the Grumeti River in June. They pile up in large groups to cross. The river isn’t continuous, and thus, the crossing is less bloody.
July: It is the month for the “World Cup of Wildlife” – Mara River crossing. The dramatic event happens towards the end of the month, and only the strong and lucky animals survive the crocodile and hippo-infested waters.
August: The crossing proceeds in August as the animals enter the neighboring Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Thousands of animals die while the survivors celebrate as they feast on the fresh grasses in Masai Mara.
September: Large herds of wildebeests, antelopes, kudus, gazelles, and zebras continue herding in the Masai Mara Game Reserve.
October: Animals start moving back from Kenya into Tanzania. They head to the Lombo valley and Grumeti Reserve.
November: The rains begin in November, triggering the animals to move southwards towards western Loliondo (fertile plains of Serengeti).
December: During this last, the herds cluster in south Serengeti and then disperse into the plains to feed on the fresh pastures as the calving season starts. The cycle begins again.
Calving versus River Crossing Migration
When to Travel
You are guaranteed to see the great migration, but the key events vary depending on the season—for instance, the calving season at the beginning of the year and the mid-year iconic river crossing. Most clients would like to see the River Crossing Migration. Timing for this can be tricky because there’s no guarantee that a herd will decide to cross at a particular time. Coming during the peak crossing time, having a knowledgeable guide, and staying longer (so we can try on different days) will give you a better chance of seeing the river crossing when you are there as well. A lot of luck will help too! Here’s a guideline with approximate dates of events:
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