The Great Wildebeest Migration is natural phenomenon where millions of mammal grazers move from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. As the mammals are migrating, they are faced with a lot of life challenges that claim most of them however, they also give birth to thousands of new calves and thus replenishing the lost lives. Wildebeest Migration & Calving Season is one of the best times to go on a migration safari.
Wildebeest Migration & Calving Season starts in January, the pregnant wildebeest give birth and by February some 8 000 calves are being born every day. The Wildebeest Migration & Calving Season continues to March – as other migrating animals like zebras also start giving birth. During the Wildebeest Migration & Calving Season, tens of thousands of zebras and gazelles accompanied the migrating wildebeest on their trek. This is usually for safety purposes – taking advantage of safety in numbers to drop their young too.
The large numbers of young and inexperienced new born attract Africa’s top predators like lions, leopards, cheetah, and hyenas among others. The big cats stalk the southern Serengeti along with spotted hyenas, black-backed jackals, and African wild dogs.
Although the new-born wildebeest calves may seem inexperienced, they are always quick to their feet: standing in minutes and able to run with the herd within three days. Most of the calves usually survive the onslaught of predators and by the end of March, the grasses of the southern Serengeti are finished and the animals are on move again. The wildebeest will begin marching west in great lines, across the central Serengeti and to crocodile infested Mara River. The wildebeest will congregate here for some time before the spectacular river crossing begins.
The Wildebeest Migration & Calving Season is a time of the year when wildebeest give birth to their young ones in large numbers and usually occurs in the months of January, February, and March. To witness the calving where over 8000 calves are born every day, you need to time well although the migration route has not changed over the years. It is important to know that the precise timings of the journey depend on seasonal rainfall, therefore these timings are only an indication.
When is the Best Time to See the Wildebeest Calving Season?
To witness the birth of over 8000 new calves in a single day, take a wildebeest safari from early January to late march. You will also have a chance to spot top predators since this season also attracts a number of them that come to prey on the vulnerable young wildebeest in the wild. The predators that can be spotted during the wildebeest calving season include; Lions, Leopards, and cheetahs along with African wild dogs, black-backed jackals, and spotted hyenas. You are likely to witness a kill in Action as top predators take down the vulnerable yang calves, memories you will cherish during your safaris.
Wildebeest herds and other animals began migrating to the Southern Serengeti in January as the rains start falling. The Serengeti’s Southern Plains will start to turn green, offering new pasture and the necessary energy for the calving season. Over half a million wildebeests are born in a two- to three-week span during this time. Up to 8,000 wildebeest calves are born per day by February.
Best locations to stay during the Wildebeest Migration & Calving Season
During the calving season, the best camps to stay are within the Ndutu area, south of the Serengeti. Most of the camps here are semi-permanent tented camps set up in the path of the migration. Your stay in these camps enables you to track the migrating mammals as you can leave the camp early in the morning drive and head straight into the action. The accommodation here is in form of a large, walk-in tented suite with large bed, outside seating area and a private bathroom.
For a better experience of this spectacular event, we recommend at least three nights in the Ndutu area and two nights in another destination to complement the migration experience. Central Serengeti around the Seronera area is also a perfect location, home to excellent resident wildlife. Book your Wildebeest Migration Safaris with Acacia Safaris Limited and experience life changing adventures in the African wilderness.
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