Calving Season in Ndutu Region of Serengeti
Calving season is one of the amazing wilderness moments not to be missed on Tanzania safaris. The Ndutu calving/birthing season allows visitors to closely observe thousands of wildebeest as they give birth. Over 8,000 calves of wildebeest are born on every calving session every year. Witnessing this magical moment in the wilderness of Ndutu leaves long memories in you. Calving experience occurs in the Ndutu region of Serengeti thanks to the abundant pasture and water. This makes Ndutu region an ideal location for wildebeest to give birth. In addition to observing the calving session of wildebeest, there is also a chance to enjoy the sight of hyenas, lions, and cheetahs. These are common predators to be encountered and make the lives of wildebeest calves more vulnerable.
About Ndutu region – calving spot in Serengeti
The Ndutu region in Serengeti should be a must-visit spot for any enthusiastic photographer or nature lover. Ndutu boasts of its breathtaking landscapes which are characterized by grassland and woodland. A huge concentration of wildlife roams around Ndutu and most importantly, it is the best location for witnessing the Great Migration.
Aside from wildebeest, it is possible to find other wildlife including zebras, and gazelles plus several predators including hyenas. Ndutu is also most popular for its exceptional archaeological site – Olduvai Gorge which is known for its human evolution history. Other than wildlife encounters, there is room to explore the unique cultures and traditions of the Masai people.
When is the Ndutu calving season?
The best time to visit Ndutu to witness the wildebeest calving session is around January and February. First, 1000s to millions of wildebeest cross the Grumeti River from June to July and proceed northwestward. From December, the wildebeest descend southwestward where they will settle on the Southern side (Ndutu). The actual calving session starts in January and runs up to March. Considering the mass migration that this region records, a significant population of calves is, estimated to be about 8,000. It is such an incredible spectacle finding wildebeest to give birth and watch their young ones in the wild.
January, February, and early March are the best months of the year for tourists to experience the most of the Ndutu calving session. The Ndutu plains are part of the Southern section of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The best way for you to enjoy the calving experience in Ndutu Serengeti National Park is by booking a Tanzania wildlife tour with local experts such as Native Africa Tours.
Best spots to observe the Ndutu calving season
Choosing the ideal location to retire for the night is essential for you to experience the most of Ndutu calving season. Some of the comfortable mobile migration camps and permanent lodges to book in Ndutu include Ubuntu Tented Camp, Olakira Tented Camp, Kimondo Tented Camp, and more.
Olakira Camp
Olakira Camp lies in the Ndutu area in the Southern Serengeti. It is a perfect spot for nature lovers to witness the full action of the Great Migration. This is especially during the peak months June to October when the zebras traverse the Northern Serengeti, then cross the Mara River.
Olakira Migration Camp features 9 tents and accommodates families in its family units.
It is run by solar power with a backup generator available. The lodge also features en suite bathrooms, and where you can charge your gadgets. Olakira Migration is a mobile camp and is usually moved twice a year. When moved, it is positioned in an area where visitors can enjoy excellent views of the Great Migration.
Ubuntu Migration Camp is distinctly designed with comfortable tents.
This eco-friendly camp is also mobile and can be moved to places with massive wildlife action. Ubuntu camp has 10 tents, charging points/facilities, en suite bathrooms, and is run by solar power.
Kimondo
Kimondo is another best place to settle for you to enjoy the clear sight of wildebeest calving sessions or generally the Great Migration. It is a luxury mobile tented camp whereby from June to October, is set on the Northern end of the Mara River just opposite the Olakira camp. This is to allow visitors to enjoy a close view of the river crossing. To witness a calving session in Kimondo, the camp is moved southwest of Ndutu. This camp is comprised of 8 tented rooms and is credited for its luxurious mobile tents. They come with flushing toilets and a sink plus taps. The main Kimondo area features a lounge, and mess tent for you to grab some delicious meals and feel the surroundings.
What to expect on Ndutu wildebeest calving season
The Ndutu calving season allows you to witness millions of wildebeest that are confined in this region. They will be accompanied by 1000s of zebras, while they traverse the area from Kenya to the Southern Plains. The wildebeest calving season also brings with it a great deal for you to observe a diversity of predators including hyenas, leopards, and lions.
Why is Ndutu calving?
The Ndutu wildebeest calving season offers an unforgettable experience to nature lovers. This is a remarkable natural spectacle and is also essential to the Serengeti ecosystem. The season comes with abundant food sources for predators so a great chance to watch them.
Additional experiences to enjoy
Hot air balloon tour
Visitors on Tanzania safari in the Ndutu region can also be part of the mesmerizing aerial experience. The balloon excursions in this area are usually carried from December to March. A hot air balloon excursion over the stunning grassland of Ndutu is a great deal to enjoy the sights of wildlife including wildebeest and their calves as well as big cats etc.
Walking safari
A guided walk in Ndutu is a perfect opportunity for visitors to explore the hidden treasures in the Southern Serengeti. This can be done during the morning session or in the afternoon. On a guided walking safari, expect to explore different wildlife, birds, and much more.
What should you expect to see in Ndutu–Serengeti?
Other diverse animal species can be witnessed in the Ndutu region besides wildebeests and predators. Additional species of animals to find in this area include African elephants, giraffes, African wild cats, serval, caracals, and more. Explore Olduvai Gorge, one of the best paleoanthropological sites on planet Earth. This site is 48 km long and is accessible 25 km off from Lake Ndutu and Masek. It is here where the earliest evidence of the early man was discovered.
What to pack for Ndutu wildebeest calving safari?
Essentials to consider packing on your Tanzania safari in Ndutu include a good camera with extra batteries, anti-malarial tablets, safari cloths, a first aid kit, insect repellent, and others.
How to get to Ndutu
Ndutu region lies in the Northern circuit of Tanzania. Getting to this region is about 6-hour drive and you proceed to the Southern end of Serengeti National Park. Alternatively, you can take a scheduled flight to Ndutu and land in Kusini Airstrip to access the Southern Serengeti Ndutu Airstrip is a perfect access point to the Ndutu region. Visitors are required to clear the park entry fees to access the Ndutu region. The entrance fee stands at USD 71 valid for 24 hours. Plan and book a wildlife tour to witness a calving session in Ndutu, a Great migration expedition, and Big 5 game with Native Africa Tours.
