Wildebeest Calving in Tanzania
Wildebeest Calving in Ndutu and Serengeti Tanzania
What is Wildebeest Calving in Serengeti?
Discover the Wildebeest Calving in Tanzania
Have you ever considered how 2 million wildebeests migrate from the South to the North of the Serengeti and back? The wildebeest calving phenomenon is astonishing, with over 8,000 calves born during each season, amounting to around 500,000+ calves.
These numbers continuously rise with each Wildebeest Calving Season from January to March annually. Following the November rains, the southern plains of the Serengeti become vibrant and green, supplying the fresh grazing that wildebeests need during their energy-intensive calving period: several hundred thousand wildebeests are on the verge of giving birth, resulting in a bustling time.
During this calving season, approximately 500,000 wildebeest calves are welcomed into the world within just a few weeks; more than 8,000 calves can be born in a single day. This synchronized birthing strategy serves as a survival mechanism; by flooding the area with a large number of calves, the chances of any individual calf being captured by predators are reduced. This period is vital for the species’ survival, as it ensures the herd’s replenishment.
Witnessing the birth of a wildebeest calf is a safari experience like no other. Wildebeests give birth while standing, and just minutes after delivery, the calves are on their feet—wobbly yet determined. This rapid development is crucial, as they need to be ready to move with the herd almost immediately to avoid becoming prey.
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Best Places to Witness The Wildebeest Calving in Tanzania
Where do the wildebeest calving happen in Tanzania?
The most common places where the wildebeest calving happens are the Serengeti National Park and Ndutu Conservation Area. A little bit of it is witnessed in the larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area. These are the best and most conducive places where the wildebeest find it perfect to give birth to more than 500,000+ wildebeest calves.
The Southern Serengeti, which borders the Ngorongoro and Ndutu Conservation Areas, is where the Calving Season specifically occurs. These areas get plenty of rain from January to March, which makes them ideal for giving birth to wildebeest calves.
Following a strenuous and perilous trek north, the wildebeests head back south in search of water, richer pastures, and to complete their biological duty of giving birth. When the wildebeest migration reaches Ndutu and the Southern Serengeti, about 80% of them are pregnant. They will have about six months before giving birth after migrating to the Maasai Mara and northern Serengeti, which offer a favorable breeding environment.
Ndutu Conservation Area is located well within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area but right on the doorstep...
Serengeti National Park is home to millions of wildlife and bird species. This includes the many...
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Best Time For Wildebeest Calving in Tanzania
When is the wildebeest Calving and Migration in Serengeti Tanzania
The best time to witness the Wildebeest Calving Season is in February; the perfect season would be January, February, and March. Although the calving might continue into April, it will be in small numbers. The peak of wildebeest calving, where the highest number of births is recorded, is in February, approximately 8000 calves are born daily.
The weather and climate in January, February, and March are perfect for a wildebeest calving safari. The weather is hot and dry, but filled with lush green vegetation just after the short rains in November and December, and waiting for the long rains in April and May to June.
LOW SEASON:
April to May and November to December
During this Season, the herds are in Central & North Serengeti from April, May, and June. The grass is tall, and better time to spend with them. In November, they will have migrated from the Masai Mara back to the Serengeti National Park. The Weather in these periods is wet and warm, and not recommended for a wildebeest migration safari.
HIGH SEASON:
January to March Mid-October to Mid-November
January, February, and March are the best times to witness the calving of wildebeest calves in the Southern Serengeti. Ndutu Conservation Area offers the best ground for calving of more than 8000+ Calves. In April, they start moving up to Northern Serengeti, and in November, they start moving down to Serengeti from Masai Mara.
These seasons, the weather and climate conditions are warm, and less rain in between. In November, the short rains start and end in early December.
peak SEASON:
June, July, August, September, and up to Mid-October
These are the best months to witness the dramatic migration and crossings in Serengeti and Masai Mara, with over 1.5 million wildebeests crossing the Mara River. It’s easier to spot them in the Masai Mara, Kenya, and the Northern Serengeti in Tanzania. It’s not possible to predict exactly when, but the highest probability of spotting the wildebeest migration is between mid-July and mid-August. From the many wildebeest crossings we have witnessed, the peak of it is between this period.
The Weather in June all the way to mid-October is Hot and dry, best for a wildebeest migration safari, and an extension of a beach safari holiday. It’s a perfect time to visit East Africa for a wildlife safari. We have listed some guides for what to pack for a safari in Africa.
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