Wildebeest migration Calving Season in Southern Serengeti

The calving season, occurring from late January to March, is one of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring phases of the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu Plains, where the vast short-grass plains provide rich, nutrient-filled grasses ideal for newborns. During this time, over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born within a span of just 2–3 weeks, averaging around 8,000 births per day at the peak.

This mass birthing event is a natural spectacle, attracting not only herbivores but also an abundance of predators. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards take full advantage of the vulnerable young calves, resulting in intense predator-prey interactions that are both brutal and captivating. It’s a time of high drama, survival, and renewal.

The Southern Serengeti and nearby Ndutu area are uniquely suited for calving due to their open terrain, offering excellent visibility for mothers to watch for predators. The presence of seasonal water sources and mineral-rich grasses makes this region a crucial nursery ground.

For wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts, the calving season is an unforgettable experience, combining scenic beauty, life-and-death struggles, and the stirring sound of hooves across the plains—Africa’s circle of life in its rawest form.