Experience the magic of new life during the Great Migration. Witness thousands of baby wildebeests being born in the Southern Serengeti with this unforgettable 5-day safari.
The wildebeest migration calving season happens every year between late January and early March in the Ndutu Plains of Southern Serengeti and Northern Ngorongoro. It’s when more than 8,000 baby wildebeests are born each day!
This is a very special safari season because:
5 Days
4WD Safari
After breakfast, you will drive from Arusha to the Ndutu area. The drive takes about 3 hours. Ndutu is in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is part of the southern Serengeti. There is a lake called Lake Ndutu. The water is salty, but many animals still drink from it.
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a game drive in Ndutu. From December to April, this area is full of wildebeests because of the Great Migration. You will also see elephants, many birds, and other animals that live here all year round. Ndutu is a great place for watching wildlife.
The estimated time of arrival (ETA) from Arusha to Ndutu for a game drive is usually about 5 to 6 hours by road.
Even though the distance is around 260 km, the roads (especially the last part inside the conservation area) can be rough and dusty, which makes the drive slower. So, if you leave Arusha at around 8:00 AM, you can expect to reach Ndutu by around 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, including a short stop for snacks or bathroom break.
Today you will start your day early, around 6:00 am, for a morning game drive. You will explore the area around Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek, looking for big cats like lions and cheetahs, which may be hunting. You will also see many animals like wildebeests, zebras, and impalas. After the morning drive, you will return to the lodge for a full breakfast.
After breakfast, you will go out again for another game drive to see more wildlife. Then, you will come back to the lodge for lunch and have some time to relax. In the late afternoon, when it’s cooler, you will head out once more for an evening game drive on the Ndutu Plains. You can enjoy the sunset before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight rest.
In Ndutu, you will see many animals, especially during the Great Migration from December to April. This is when thousands of wildebeests and zebras are on the plains, and many babies are born.
You can also see lions, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, and many birds. It’s a great place for watching wildlife and taking amazing photos.
Today you will enjoy a full day game drive in the Ndutu area of the Southern Serengeti. From December to April, this place is full of wildebeests, especially newborns during the calving season.
You will explore around Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek, where you can also see elephants, zebras, birds, and other animals. It’s a great day for wildlife viewing and seeing the beauty of nature up close.
Enjoy a third-day wildlife safari that includes a 4×4 game drive to see diverse African wildlife, including the Big Five
After breakfast, you will go for a half-day game drive in Ndutu. You will look for wildcats and see the wildebeest calving season, where many baby wildebeests are born. You will also explore around Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek.
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a picnic lunch before driving back to Arusha. The drive takes about 3 to 4 hours.
Prices depend on the group size, time of booking, and lodge options. Here’s an estimate:
| Group Size | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| Solo Traveler | $2,700 – $3,000 |
| 2 People Sharing | $2,000 – $2,300 |
| 4 People Sharing | $1,700 – $1,900 |
The best time to visit Tanzania for the Wildebeest Calving Safari is during the green season, from late January to early March. This is when the great herds settle in the Ndutu Plains, located in the Southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Here’s why this time is perfect:
Wildebeests give birth to over 500,000 calves during this period.
Most calves are born in February, making it the peak month for calving.
You can see live births almost every hour, right from your safari vehicle.
Baby wildebeests start walking just minutes after birth—it’s incredible to see!
This is the short dry season, with some scattered light rains.
Grass is green and short, which means better visibility for wildlife viewing.
Warm days and cooler evenings make for comfortable game drives.
Unlike the crowded river crossing season (July to September), the calving season is less busy.
You get more peaceful game drives and better chances to enjoy animal sightings without too many vehicles around.
The open plains, dramatic skies, and cute newborn animals make this season a dream for photographers.
Predator-prey action, soft natural light, and fewer crowds allow for better, uninterrupted shots.
Because calves are being born every day, predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas are very active.
You’ll see exciting scenes of nature—some dramatic, some emotional.
Calving season is one of the best times to see hunting behavior in the wild.
📷 February is the top month to visit—this is when you’ll see the most births and the most predator action.
💡 Tip: Book your safari at least 3–6 months in advance to get the best lodges near the action!
Our tours are top-notch but give you great value. The price we tell you upfront covers most of the costs for one person, like flights and all transfers.
Call us or enquire online. Share your wish list and we’ll start planning your adventure.
Your dedicated travel expert will be in touch within 12hrs to start designing your bespoke African itinerary.
We won’t stop refining your plans until we get the perfect trip at the best price.
Receive your Seko Tours documents, pack your bags and set off on your trip of a lifetime.
The wildebeest calving season is when over 500,000 baby wildebeests are born within a few weeks, mostly in February, in the Ndutu region of Southern Serengeti.
The best time is from late January to early March, with February being the peak month for calving and predator action.
The calving happens in the Ndutu Plains, which are located between Southern Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Yes! Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, and leopards are often spotted hunting during the calving season, as they take advantage of the newborns.
You will travel in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, providing excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities. These vehicles are built for comfort and off-road driving.
Yes, 5 days is a perfect amount of time to enjoy the highlights of the calving season, including game drives in Ndutu and Ngorongoro Crater.
Yes, with Seko Tours Adventures, you can book a private safari, which allows for more flexibility, privacy, and personalized experiences.
Yes, this safari is family-friendly. The drives are exciting, and most lodges near Ndutu offer comfortable stays for children and parents.
The safari starts from $2,752 per person. The cost includes accommodation, meals, park fees, guide, and game drives. Prices vary based on group size and lodge choice.
Absolutely! Many travelers combine the calving safari with a relaxing trip to Zanzibar for beach time after their wildlife adventure.
Some lodges provide Wi-Fi, but the connection may be slow due to the remote location.
We will monitor your flight and adjust your transfer and game drive schedule accordingly.
Domestic flights usually allow soft-sided bags with a 15kg (33 lbs) weight limit. Hard suitcases may not be accepted.
Yes, Serengeti is safe. You will always be accompanied by an experienced guide and follow strict safety protocols.
Yes, you can add a hot air balloon safari for an extra cost of around $600 per person.
Pack light clothes in neutral colors, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a warm jacket for mornings, binoculars, and a camera with zoom.
If your question is not listed, please contact us from here.
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