Our 6 Days Serengeti Calving Safari takes you to Southern Serengeti during peak calving season. Experience 500,000 wildebeest births between January and March with expert guides from Feline Safaris.
CALVING SEASON FACTS
8,000+ wildebeest calves born EVERY DAY in February
Newborn calves stand in 3 minutes, run in 5 minutes
Peak calving window: Only 3-4 weeks in February
Why Ndutu? Short grass for visibility + volcanic minerals for milk
January vs February vs March - Best Month?
**January:** Calving season starts. Short green grass after rains. Fewer tourists. Great for first safari.
**February: PEAK SEASON.** 8,000+ births per day. Highest predator concentration. Most dramatic action.
**March:** Calves are stronger and faster. Predator action continues. Best light for photography.
Select Month to find out More
A wonderful time to be in northern Tanzania! The green wilderness, the presence of predators, and the migration of herds to the southern Serengeti must create a truly captivating natural spectacle. Tarangire’s resident game population and the abundant wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater offer unique opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts.
The moderate number of visitors at this time ensures a more peaceful and immersive experience with nature.
A wonderful time to be in northern Tanzania! The green wilderness, the presence of predators, and the migration of herds to the southern Serengeti must create a truly captivating natural spectacle. Tarangire’s resident game population and the abundant wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater offer unique opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts.
The moderate number of visitors at this time ensures a more peaceful and immersive experience with nature.
A wonderful time to be in northern Tanzania! The green wilderness, the presence of predators, and the migration of herds to the southern Serengeti must create a truly captivating natural spectacle. Tarangire’s resident game population and the abundant wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater offer unique opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts.
The moderate number of visitors at this time ensures a more peaceful and immersive experience with nature.
A beautiful and fascinating time to visit parks in Tanzania during the season of short rains, the weather is relatively mild with warm temperatures during the day and cooler nights. The sight of the first thunder showers over the Serengeti rolling plains must be a breathtaking experience, especially for the wildebeest herds.
The diversity of animals in Ngorongoro Crater and the Tarangire must be sights to be hold, and it’s great to know that the number of visitors in the parks is moderate in December, which allows for more peaceful and enjoyable safari experience.
Detailed Itinerary
Accommodation level: Mid range Tented Camps & Lodges
Day 0: 6 Days Serengeti Calving Safari Arrival in Arusha
Day 1: 6 Days Serengeti Calving Safari Arusha to Tarangire
Driving distance 120 kilometers – 1hr 59 min
We will set off after breakfast heading to Ngorongoro for game viewing, the inspiring crater floor famous for its Black Rhino sanctuary. A high density of wildlife, rich pastures and water persist all year around. Numerous species call this wilderness home.
As afternoon sets in, a picnic lunch will be served at the crater floor. Thereafter you will continue game driving before driving to the lodge for overnight stay.
-Overnight stay at Ngorongoro Safari Lodge or Tented Camp at the Crater Rim
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: 6 Days Serengeti Calving Safari Karatu to Ngorongoro crater
Driving distance 35 kilometers – 1hr
We will set off after breakfast heading to Ngorongoro for game viewing, the inspiring crater floor famous for its Black Rhino sanctuary. A high density of wildlife, rich pastures and water persist all year around. Numerous species call this wilderness home.
As afternoon sets in, a picnic lunch will be served at the crater floor. Thereafter you will continue game driving before driving to the lodge for overnight stay.
-Overnight stay at Ngorongoro Safari Lodge or Tented Camp at the Crater Rim
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: 6 Days Serengeti Calving Safari Ngorongoro Safari lodge to Ndutu plain
upon thousands of wildebeest gather at the flood plains.
The southern rolling plains offers the best chance of seeing all the big predators – lion, hyena, cheetah and leopard.
In the afternoon picnic lunch will be served in the bush. After lunch we will continue enjoying our game drive. By sunset you will be entering the camp for dinner.
-Overnight stay at Ndutu Savannah Tented Camp or Midrange lodge at Ndutu Plain
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: 6 Days Serengeti Calving Safari ndutu plain game drive
After breakfast, today you will depart for an amazing game viewing at the vast grassland. Between February and Much one of the most amazing spectacles occurs here. For 3 to 4 weeks, 90% of the female wildebeest give birth, creating a fascinating experience that will last a lifetime.
As the afternoon sets in, lunch will be served at the hotel. Thereafter siesta and an evening drive before return to the camp for dinner.
-Overnight stay at Ndutu Savannah Tented Camp or Midrange lodge at Ndutu Plain
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: 6 Days Serengeti Calving Safari Ndutu plain to central Serengeti
We suggest that you explore the Serengeti when it is still dark. Morning drives are peaceful. When sunrise strikes the sky, the plains is robust with nocturnal sounds. Quickly the prowling animals return to their hideouts.
Picnic breakfast will be served at the plains, followed by more game driving.
The Serengeti plains are dotted with amazing granite rocks, predators use these spots as shelters on hot days.
As the afternoon sets in, a picnic lunch will be served at the plains. Thereafter we’ll drive before retiring to the camp for dinner and sunset.
–Overnight stay at Ndutu Savannah Tented Camp or Midrange lodge at Ndutu Plain
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: 6 Days Serengeti Calving Safari Ndutu plain to Arusha
Driving distance 211km – 5hrs
You will depart after an early breakfast and head to Arusha, via the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Then the escapement of the Great Rift Valley in Manyara before entering Arusha town.
-Overnight stay at Tulia Hotel
-You will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport to fly out of the country or Arusha Domestic Airport and fly to Zanzibar or join another wildlife safari if extended excursions are selected.
Plan Your Serengeti Wildebeest Calving Safari
Ready to witness the greatest birth show on earth? Check our other Tanzania Safari Packages for current dates and pricing. Read more about Serengeti National Park wildlife, seasons, and game drive rules. For visa requirements visit Tanzania Immigration official website.
Serengeti Wildebeest Calving Safari FAQs
The best months for the Serengeti wildebeest calving season safari are January and February. This is when around 500,000 wildebeest give birth on the short grass plains of Southern Serengeti and Ndutu. You’ll see thousands of newborn calves, which attracts lots of predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
Yes, the Serengeti wildebeest calving season safari is great for families. The Southern Serengeti has open plains, so wildlife is easy to spot without long drives. The action is non-stop with newborn calves and predator hunts. We recommend private safari vehicles for families with young kids for flexible schedules and comfort.
January to February is the dry, short-rain season in Southern Serengeti. Days are warm at 25-30°C / 77-86°F with lots of sunshine. Short afternoon showers are possible but rare. It’s perfect safari weather – dry roads, clear skies, and excellent visibility for photography.
Yes, predator sightings are guaranteed during the Serengeti wildebeest calving season safari. The huge number of vulnerable newborn calves brings in large numbers of lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and jackals. Early morning and late afternoon game drives have the highest chance of seeing hunts and kills.
For health and safety during your Serengeti wildebeest calving season safari, we advise you to consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel for prescribed anti-malaria medication. For extra protection, use mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves at dusk, and always sleep under the mosquito nets provided in all lodges and camps.
Yellow Fever vaccine is only required if you’re coming from a Yellow Fever country. Recommended vaccines for the Serengeti wildebeest calving season safari: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Rabies if you’ll be in close contact with animals. Always check with your travel clinic 6-8 weeks before departure as requirements can change.
Yes, most travelers need a visa for Tanzania to join a Serengeti wildebeest calving season safari. You can apply for an e-visa online before travel or get a visa on arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport. Cost is $50 USD for most nationalities, $100 USD for US citizens. Your passport must be valid for 6+ months. We send full visa instructions after booking.
Calving season experts: We specialize in January-February Southern Serengeti safaris and know exactly where the herds are. 2. Private safari: Your own 4×4 vehicle + expert guide, no sharing with strangers. 3. Best camps: We book mobile tented camps that move with the herds for front-row access. 4. 24/7 support: From visa advice to airport pickup, we handle everything. 5. Value: Mid-range comfort without luxury prices, more money for game drives.
Useful Resources
For wildlife viewing rules and calving season guidelines in Southern Serengeti, visit Tanzania National Parks Authority.
- PRICE FROM: $4,340pps.
- All entry fees,
- Government Taxes,
- Unlimited Mineral water while on safari.
- All accommodations while on safari in full board (FB) basis.
- Accommodation night upon your arrival in Arusha and after a safari in bed and breakfast (bb) basis,
- All transfers mentioned above, upon your arrival and departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha domestic airport.
- Service of Professional English speaking driver guide. Option of French, Spanish and Germany speaking guide during your safari bookings.
- 4WD Land-Cruiser equipped with (popup) opened roofed for safaris, window seats, seat belts, radio wave, fridge and multiple outlet for recharging battery and device.
- Gratuity
- All Personal Items (Example toiletries, cameras)
- Excursions and activities not listed in the itinerary
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/ or park fees.