Witness the Great Wildebeest Calving Migration on this 5 Days Wildebeest Migration Calving Safari, designed specifically to focus on following the Great Serengeti Wildebeest Migration during calving from December to April. The Calving Season takes place in Lake Ndutu Area.
The Southern Serengeti and Ndutu Areas in Tanzania are the best locations for the months of January, February and March to witness thousands of wildebeests spread across the plains grazing on the rich short grass plains. Predator action is at its peak with great sightings of cheetah, lion, hyena and leopard and a very good chance to see adrenaline packed kills.
Best Time to Visit for Calving – Mid-January – March
Highlights of 5 Days Wildebeest Migration Calving Safari
- Day 1 – Arusha City – Ndutu Area
- Day 2-4 – Ndutu Area
- Day 5 – Drive to Arusha
Detailed itinerary of 5 Days Wildebeest Migration Calving Safari
Day 1 – Arusha City – Ndutu Area
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or after breakfast at your hotel in Arusha City, we will set off for Ndutu Area situated in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is part of the Southern Serengeti Eco-System.
Ndutu Area comprises savannah plains and Lake Ndutu, the lake is just like most other rift lakes and is alkaline. However the water is still drinkable and consumed by a wide array of local wildlife.The majority of the Wildebeest Migration can normally be found on the short-grass pains from December to April, the area is usually heavily population with elephant, birds and resident game.
Accommodation: Acacia Migration Camp
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2-4 – Ndutu Area
Spend these three days game viewing in the Ndutu Area.
In January to March is when the calving season begins, in January to February preceding the long rainy season when the wildebeests spend their time grazing ad giving birth to approximately 400,000 calves within a 3-4 week period which starts abruptly and is remarkably synchronized.
During calving season, an estimated 500,000 wildebeest are born over a span of just a few weeks; over 9,000 could be born in a single day. This synchrony in birthing is a strategic survival mechanism; by overwhelming predators with sheer numbers, the chances of any calf being caught are reduced. This period is crucial for the survival of the species, as it ensures the replenishment of the heard. Witnessing the birth of a wildebeest calf is a safari experience unlike any other.
Wildebeest give birth standing up, and within minutes of being born, the calves are on their feet, wobbling but determined. This rapid development is vital, as they need to be ready to move with the herd almost immediately to avoid predation
Day 5 – Drive to Arusha
In the morning, you will have a game viewing in Ndutu Plains then later proceed to Arusha City or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight back home. This brings your safari to an end.
End of 5 Days Wildebeest Migration Calving Safari
Inclusions
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Exclusions
- International flights (from/to home)
- Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Services not mentioned in the program