Every year, around half a million wildebeest calves are born on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti. At the peak in February, up to 8,000 arrive in a single day, and the predators know it. It is the most intense wildlife show in Tanzania, with far fewer vehicles than the Mara River crossings.
Season 2026/27 runs December 2026 to March 2027; season 2027/28 runs December 2027 to March 2028. The pattern repeats every year, with the peak in February.
| Calving (Dec–Mar) | Crossings (Jul–Oct) | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | Ndutu / south | North / Mara River |
| Action | Births + predators | River crossings |
| Crowds | Low | High |
| Certainty | Very reliable | Not guaranteed |
Private departures with Maasai guides. Prices shown are the current starting prices, and each itinerary can be tailored.
Also see all Tanzania safari packages 2026 & 2027 and the full Great Migration calendar.
Calving happens in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area from December to March, with the peak in February. For the 2026/27 season that means December 2026 to March 2027; for 2027/28 it is December 2027 to March 2028.
Roughly 500,000 calves are born over a few weeks, and at the peak around 8,000 calves can be born in a single day. Most births take place on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti between late January and the end of February.
Late January to late February is the sweet spot: the herds are concentrated around Ndutu, thousands of newborns are on the ground and predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas are actively hunting. December is quieter and greener; March is calmer as the herds begin to move.
They are different experiences. The Mara River crossings (July to October) are dramatic but crowded and never guaranteed on a given day. Calving season offers constant wildlife action, fewer vehicles, lower low-season rates at many camps, and reliable sightings, so it suits families, photographers and first-time visitors well.
Most calving safaris are based around Lake Ndutu and the southern Serengeti, either in lodges and camps on the edge of the plains or in seasonal camps that move with the herds. We choose the camp for the week you travel so you sleep as close to the action as possible.
Yes. December to March is also a good time for Zanzibar beaches, and we offer Zanzibar to Ndutu fly-in safaris as well as safari and Kilimanjaro combinations. Contact us for a tailor-made itinerary.
For February, book as early as possible. Camps around Ndutu are small and the best weeks sell out months ahead, and many travellers now plan 9 to 14 months in advance.