Wildebeest mothers and newborn calves grazing on the Ndutu short-grass plains at sunset

Serengeti Calving Season Safari

Serengeti Calving Season

Experience the Great Migration in Southern Serengeti & Ndutu

From approximately December through March, the Great Migration concentrates around the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu ecosystem as the herds follow seasonal grazing conditions. The main calving period is commonly associated with January and February, although timing and herd locations vary according to rainfall and natural migration patterns.

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Witness the Great Migration Calving Season from Karatu

Experience one of Tanzania's most remarkable wildlife seasons as the Great Migration herds gather across the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu ecosystem. Visit Karatu can help travelers arrange transport, safari vehicles, accommodation and tailor-made calving season safari itineraries.

The experience

Why experience calving season?

Great Migration Herds

Large concentrations of wildebeest and other grazing animals can gather across the Southern Serengeti ecosystem during this season.

Calving

The season is famous for wildebeest giving birth across the short-grass plains.

Predator Activity

The concentration of prey can create opportunities to observe lions, cheetahs, hyenas and other predators — sightings are never guaranteed.

Photography

Open plains, wildlife concentrations, newborn animals and dramatic interactions make this an important wildlife photography season.

Southern Serengeti & Ndutu

The Ndutu and Southern Serengeti ecosystem is the heart of the experience, within reach of Karatu via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

When to visit

When is the Serengeti Calving Season?

  1. 01

    December

    Herds begin concentrating toward the southern plains depending on rainfall.

  2. 02

    January

    Excellent period for Southern Serengeti / Ndutu migration safaris.

  3. 03

    February

    Generally regarded as the heart of the wildebeest calving period.

  4. 04

    March

    Herds may remain across the southern ecosystem before gradually moving on as conditions change.

Migration movements and wildlife concentrations are natural and cannot be guaranteed. Locations and timing vary according to rainfall and environmental conditions.

Your base

Start Your Calving Season Safari from Karatu

Karatu sits between the Ngorongoro highlands and the Rift Valley lakes, making it a natural starting point for travelers combining Northern Tanzania destinations. Visit Karatu can coordinate your journey from Karatu with an appropriate safari vehicle and itinerary.

Arrange Safari Transport
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Southern Serengeti
Ndutu
Lake Manyara
Tarangire
Lake Eyasi

Inspiration

Calving Season Safari Ideas

Sample routes to get you started — every safari is tailored to your dates, group and budget.

How we help

What Visit Karatu can arrange

  • Private safari vehicle
  • Professional safari driver/guide
  • Karatu departure and return
  • Airport transfers
  • Accommodation
  • Ndutu / Southern Serengeti safari planning
  • Ngorongoro combinations
  • Multi-day itineraries
  • Family safari arrangements
  • Private safari arrangements

Safari vehicle

Safari 4x4

A suitable 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional driver can be arranged for the drive from Karatu to Ndutu and the Southern Serengeti.

Request Safari Vehicle

Tailor-made quote

Plan Your Calving Season Safari

This is a quote request, not a confirmed booking. Our local team will reply by email or WhatsApp.

Other destinations to combine