This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Sign up. The most impressive thing about calves is the fact that in a couple of minutes they will be standing and within a few days, they will be running and trying to escape from any predators that live in these dangerous zones. SERIAN’S SERENGETI SOUTH. Calving season often carries into March and is joined by other wildlife giving birth including thousands of zebras and gazelles that have accompanied the wildebeest on their journey. Approximately 8,000 young wildebeest are born every single day during the peak of the wildebeest birthing season in Serengeti. Nowhere is the fabled circle of life more extraordinary than when wildebeest give birth en masse in the southern reaches of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Wildebeest Calving Season in Serengeti Tanzania – Ndutu region in Serengeti National Park. View Map. Subscribe to our newsletter and get exclusive offers straight into your inbox. Serian’s Serengeti is a mobile camp, and from mid-December to May, we set up on the southernmost extreme of the Serengeti’s short grass plains: prime position to spectate the wildebeest birthing season. The Best Wildebeest Calving Safari. With eager predators in search of an easy meal, we are privileged to witness life and death adventures, from Roving Bushtops’ southern home. The incredible concentration of Wildebeest calves (and sometimes Zebra foals) is a sight to behold, and in addition attracts large numbers of predators who take full advantage of this protein boost! Wildebeest have a maximum running speed of around 80 km/h (50 mph). With the ongoing changes in travel due to COVID-19 (coronavirus) and the rapidness at which things are changing around us, we are continually adapting to serve the needs of our customers. Because there are certain times of the year when wildebeest give birth, you should know the best times of the year in which you should start planning for your safari. If you’re looking for a permanent lodge in the area, consider Mwiba River Lodge, one of our favorite properties in the southern Serengeti. Generally starting in January, the pregnant wildebeest give birth and by February some 8 000 baby wildebeest are being born every day. Since there will be a lot of vulnerable calves, predators including lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas will be lurking in the Southern Serengeti looking for food. They synchronized in giving birth and the pregnant wildebeest give birth to about 8,000 baby wildebeest are being born every day and Approximately 500,000 wildebeest are born in a matter of weeks, cleverly timed to overload the predator concentrations, which are reputedly the highest concentration anywhere in Africa, at any time of year.. © 2020 - Realm Africa Safaris™ - Journeys of Distinction... Forgot your password? From Mwiba Lodge, excursions can head into the heart of the Wildebeest calving area to see the phenomenon up close birthing. In early November, as the dry season ends, the herds begin their return journey, heading southeast towards the Serengeti. Whether you choose to stay at any One of the Top recommended luxury Lodges / Camps, you can be certain that game viewing during the wildebeest birthing season in Serengeti will be one of your top Safari experiences in Africa. Enjoying this amazing event should be added to anyone’s bucket list and often planned 6 months to a year in advance. Large herds of wildebeest migrate across the plains of Africa during the dry season seeking water, shade, and grazing sites. Calving Season (December to March) December is the home-coming month for the migrant animals. We have set up a dedicated page to keep you informed on the unfoldings of the COVID-19 virus. The birthing stage of the migration is the start of the migration cycle and it happens in the period of January and February, the birthing occurs short grass- plains and results into the birth of over 300,000- 4,000,000 calves which provides a feast for predators such as lions, hyenas, cheetah, leopards and many more which are easily witnessed in dozens scattered to feast on the calves. Ideally, wildebeest calving happens ever y year around mid-February in which approximately one million wildebeest gather in the stretch of thousands of miles and give birth to about half a million calves in a single week. These large mammals are continually on the move, as they seek favorable supplies of grass and water. They do this with feces, and with scent.. Wildebeest are an important part of the ecosystem.With their feces, they fertilize the ground, and their trampling is good for new growth. There are several great properties in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu areas that allow you to stay close to the action. It’s during this season that the wildebeest migration is concentrated in the Serengeti plains and many animals start birthing in February(Calving Season) to coincide with the green season. Lions, hyenas, and cheetahs show up in large numbers to patrol the grasses, waiting for the perfect time to make a kill. During the rainy season, the herds head back to their home ranges again, making an annual trip of about 1,800 miles. The wildebeest calving season begins in January, and by February, the pregnant wildebeest give birth to about 8000 baby wildebeests every day. In simple terms, it’s a great migration of wildebeest that commonly takes place in January and February of every year, and the reason why this major move is so important is that the wildebeest will try to give birth to calves in better conditions, which means that they will avoid any predator that could cause a lot of complications in the process. The camp is small, with only 6 spacious luxurious tents, lavishly decorated and eminently comfortable. Click Accept/Reject to continue browsing. Our camps are situated to make the most of the two main spectacles: the river crossings, and the birthing season. In simple terms, it’s a great migration of wildebeest that commonly takes place in January and February of every year, and the reason why this major move is so important is that the wildebeest will try to give birth to calves in better conditions, which means that they will avoid any predator that could cause a lot of complications in the process. During wildebeest birthing season in late January and early February, the Southern Serengeti and Western Ngorongoro Conservation areas host the highest concentration of predators and raptors in Africa – availability of prey is the obvious reason for this!. A large deck looks out over the stunning landscape. Witness the Wildebeest Birthing Season at Serengeti National Park Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. It is such an extraordinary phenomenon to witness during a safari. Travelers in Kenya at this time of year should not miss the opportunity to see the wildebeest grazing in Maasai Mara. It can run with the herd at the age of five minutes and is … There is nothing more spectacular than the annual birthing season of wildebeest’s in the Serengeti Wilderness. The cows (female Gnus) will calve (give birth to the young) in summer in the plains. Lion, hyena, leopard, cheetah and lesser predators await the annual calving with eager anticipation.’ 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. Built out of wood and canvas, the rooms offer a true “Out of Africa” authentic luxury safari experience with a promise of an exceptional game and predator activity. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. place Plot 77 Old Kampala Road Old Entebbe Town). Dramatic savannah storms sweep in nourishment and new life, and an innate primordial urge pulls the wildebeest to the site of their origins to reproduce. It’s located in the Mwiba Wildlife Reserve in the greater southern Serengeti and overlooks a rocky gorge on the Arugusinyai River. Each camp offers eight (08) guest tents with en-suite bathrooms and a common area for meals and relaxing between game drives. Here is a quarterly summary of their average year: JANUARY-FEBRUARY-MARCH. Also, they will need to keep moving because the southern Serengeti plains start to dry out and the weather will make it more difficult to stay. 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 cheetahs. Approximately 8,000 young wildebeest are born every single day during the peak of the wildebeest birthing season in Serengeti. We reserve the right to delete any comment without notice explanations. A newborn wildebeest gains co-ordination faster than any other ungulates and is usually on its feet two to three minutes after birth. For details on how this is done, we recommend reading our cookies policy. THE BIRTHING SEASON Photo … After travelling to Kenya for their annual sojourn, the wildebeest, zebras and gazelles come home to Tanzania for Christmas and the New Year. Wildebeest, however, are very strong, and can inflict considerable injury even to a lion. Required fields are signed with *. Tanzania during the wildebeest birthing season should be on every wildlife photographers bucket list. They arrive in time to give birth to their young in February. By February, as many as 8,000 wildebeest are born every day! Wildebeest calving occurs from late January to mid March, when more than 80% of the females give birth over a period of a few weeks. Approximately 8,000 young wildebeest are born every single day during the peak of the Serengeti calving season. If a mobile-tented camp is your preference, we recommend the Opulent 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. At this point, anything can happen to the newly born calves. Eight (08) double suites are elegantly decorated with linen sofas, ornate wood carved furniture, and neutral tones of creams, tans, charcoals, and black. Lush botanicals, ancient coral and acacia trees, and 33 freshwater springs surround the lodge. By late January and early February, perhaps the greatest spectacle of the Serengeti takes place with the wildebeest calving season. Calves learn to walk within minutes of birth and within days are able to keep up with the herd. The emerald season in April means everything is fresh, new and full of vitality – flowers blooming, birds breeding, and lush rich life is everywhere. This period is also fantastic for bird watching activities as the park is full of migratory birds. What is Wildebeest Migration Calving Season. Requested to refrain from insults, swearing and vulgar expression. The dominant males mark off (and defend) some territory. We use cookies to enhance your experience browsing our informative website. The first few months of the year offer exceptional predator encounters in the Serengeti as this is the calving season for the wildebeest and newborns make for an easy kill. Over a million gnus live within this area, and in February a huge majority of the female gnus calf. It's during this time when the southern Serengeti and western Ngorongoro Crater… With a mixture of weeks-old to newborn calves, we will seek to capture the birthing and predator-prey action that abounds during this season. WHY DO THEY MIGRATE ANYWAY? Typically, the predators attempt to isolate a young or il… This event will give a lot of scenes that are unforgettable such as the massive and coordinated birthing by the hand of wildebeest in a 3 weeks period, where more than 500,000 newborn calves will join this world in an open plain! 5 Reasons Why You Need to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro! The herds are active day and night, grazing constantly. Did you know: More than 500,000 wildebeest calves are born over a 2 to 3 week period during the synchronized birthing season in February. Traveling to the Serengeti during the calving season will provide one of the most incredible experiences in nature- full of exciting action, drama, and miracles. The Southern Plains of the Serengeti will begin to turn green and provide fresh grazing and the needed energy required for the calving season. The primary defensive tactic is herding, where the young animals are protected by the older, larger ones, while the herd runs as a group. To watch any birth is amazing but watching the wildebeest birthing verges on the incredible. From your private verandah or terrace, enjoy your morning cup of tea or coffee, With your pair of binoculars, and a camera – just so you don’t miss any wildlife moments Serengeti has to offer. There truly is nothing that compares to seeing a baby wildebeest take off running just minutes after being born. Southern Serengeti hosts the wildebeest birthing season, while Kenya is abounding with young predators getting playful. Beyond game drives, Mwiba offers a wide range of activities including bushwalks on the Mwiba Wildlife Reserve, cultural village tours, and rock art tours – all happening On the Mwiba River Lodge property. After the females have given birth, the breeding season begins. There they form a barricade around birthing mothers to protect them and the young when they are in the most vulnerable state, during birth, ensuring the majority of the young and newly born wildebeest survive. By mid-January, the rains lessen and Tanzania enters a mini dry season so if you have dreams of a blue-sky-filled Great Wildebeest Migration safari, don’t shun this time of year and the magic of the birthing season just yet (but do still bring a rain jacket, just in case). Never far away are the carnivores. There truly is nothing that compares to seeing a baby wildebeest take off running just minutes after being born. Remember that this is an exclusive event that nature gives us every year and is something to consider ahead of time when planning your safari experience. In the case of the wildebeest migration calving, you need to visit Serengeti National Park in Tanzania between January, February, and March to see the whole calving season experience! The best place to witness this striking phenomenon is at the Serengeti National Park in Ndutu Area. Mobile migration camps follow the herds throughout the year and position themselves close to the wildebeest during the birthing season (Not too close to interfere with nature, but just close enough to allow them their clients experience the Birthing. Note: Comments on the web site reflect the views of their authors, and not necessarily the views of the bookyourtravel internet portal. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. After 8 months of gestation, pregnant wildebeest are ready to give birth to calves. 8 Days Wildebeest calving season Serengeti is our typical safari including in our tour packages. Wildebeest Birthing Season in Serengeti National Park happens in the later days on January into early February every year. Approximately 8,000 wildebeest are born every day during the peak calving season from early January to late February. The calving season also introduces a host of predators looking to make a quick meal of the vulnerable calves. Every year between November and December the Wildebeests Migration herds after returning to Serengeti from the Masai Mara, pass along the Central Serengeti and cross over to Ndutu plains area, where the begins breeding season goes on for a period between December through the … Learn how your comment data is processed. The camp is a mobile camp, set up only during the wildebeest birthing season, mid-December to May, on the Southernmost extreme of the Serengeti’s short grass plains, the optimum place to view the annual birthing spectacle. Great Wildebeest Migration Safaris Since the number of these animals is very high, they act as a magnet for predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Seller of Travel ST35254 | Copyright (c) 2020 Safari Ventures | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Incentive Travel Trips: Pinch A Penny Safari Experience. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Rooms are open with retreat-like bathrooms with large soaking tubs, outdoor showers, and copper fixtures. This unbelievable experience occurs once a year and is one of the best times for optimal game-viewing. #PostponeTravel, #Stayhome, #MaintainSocialDistance. Wildebeest Birthing Season in Serengeti National Park happens in the later days on January into early February every year. The Birthing Season Truly one of the wildlife spectacles of the world is the migration of gnus or wildebeests through the vast Serengeti of Tanzania and the Masai Mara of Kenya. If you have the opportunity to witness this wonderful event, then don’t lose your chance! April, May & June. Wildebeest mothers instinctively know to give birth on the shorter grass plains where approaching predators are easier to spot. The magnitude of this event is actually much larger than the eyes can fathom: millions of calves are born in just a few weeks. It’s the birthing season and in the span of a few hours you witness a few birthings. The magic in the Serengeti during the birthing Season does not only end with the calving, but you also get to encounter overwhelming numbers of predators and raptors (Lions, Leopards, cheetah Hyenas, Jackals, Marshal eagles, African White-backed vultures, Lappet-faced Vultures). If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. By July, the herds are heading into the central Serengeti where the wildebeest make their first river crossing, and take their chances against the waiting (and hungry) crocodiles. But an easy kill isn’t always guaranteed. 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