Serengeti, Tanzania
Great Migration Season 2026
Migration Calving season Tours
10% OFF
- 7 Days
- Tanzania
Overview
Calving season peaks in February and the best place to catch this striking phenomenon is at the Serengeti National Park in Ndutu Area. It’s easy to predict the migration during this month as migrating animals like zebras and wildebeest give birth to their offspring. It’s typical to see animals giving birth, as well as predators catching their prey. Besides following the migration, you can also do lots of activities at the Serengeti National Park.
About Calving Season in Serengeti Tanzania
During the calving season, the Serengeti plains come alive with one of the most remarkable natural spectacles – the Great Migration. This migration involves vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores moving in search of fresh grazing and water. The wildebeest, in particular, give birth to their young calves during this period.
The calving season is strategically timed to coincide with the short rainy season in the southern Serengeti. This ensures that there’s plenty of nutritious grass for the lactating mothers and their newborns. Predators are also drawn to this abundance of vulnerable prey, making it a prime time for wildlife enthusiasts and safari-goers to witness dramatic predator-prey interactions.
The Great Migration Crossing Season Tours
Overview
Each year from July to October, one of nature’s most electrifying spectacles unfolds across East Africa—the Great Migration Crossing. This season brings herds of wildebeest, zebras, and other grazers to the edge of the Mara River, where they must face one of the most dangerous challenges in their journey. Powerful currents, steep riverbanks, and lurking Nile crocodiles make every crossing a life-or-death struggle.
Watching thousands of animals leap into the water, driven by instinct, is an awe-inspiring scene that captures the resilience and raw beauty of the wild. The best spots to witness this unforgettable event are in Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s northern Serengeti.
About the Crossing Season in Serengeti and Masai Mara
The Crossing Season is a time of high drama on the Serengeti-Mara plains. Vast herds gather along the Mara River, pausing at the water’s edge before plunging forward. These moments are intense—crocodiles lie in wait, predators stalk nearby, and the collective power of the herd becomes a spectacle of survival. For those who witness it, the crossing is not just an event but a vivid reminder of the cycle of life and the determination of these animals to continue their ancient journey across the savanna. This journey, brimming with tension and courage, reveals the wild in its purest form, a memory to last a lifetime.
Great Migration
The Serengeti is host to one of the world’s most iconic wildlife spectacles – the Great Migration. This annual journey involves millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores traveling across vast distances in search of fresh grazing and water. The calving season is the peak of this migration, as thousands of wildebeest calves are born within a relatively short period.
What Makes It Special
About Gosheni Safaris
Our Guides
Professionally trained and highly experienced, our guides have verified TripAdvisor reviews, ensuring a safari that exceeds expectations.
Our Vehicles
Our fleet is meticulously maintained and fully equipped, with options for car seats and other customizations for your comfort.
Our Team
Proudly local and top-rated, our team has earned World Travel Awards and TripAdvisor accolades for outstanding service and expertise.
Explore FAQs
What is the Great Migration, and why is it so special?
- The Great Migration is a natural phenomenon where over 1.5 million wildebeests, along with zebras and gazelles, migrate across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara ecosystems. This journey is driven by the search for fresh grazing lands and water, and it includes dramatic events like river crossings and calving season, making it one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences on earth.
When is the Calving Season, and what can I expect?
- Timing: Calving Season occurs from January to March in the southern Serengeti.
- What to Expect: During this time, wildebeests and other animals give birth, creating a unique spectacle. You’ll witness newborns learning to walk almost immediately, and predators like lions and hyenas are often close by, taking advantage of the vulnerable young.
When is the best time to see the River Crossings?
- Timing: River crossings usually happen from July to October as the herds move northward toward the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
- Best Locations: The Mara River in the northern Serengeti is the most popular spot to view the river crossings, where thousands of animals bravely face the water and potential predators like crocodiles.
How long should I plan to stay for a Calving or River Crossing Safari?
- Recommended Stay: For the calving season, a 3-5 day stay in the Ndutu region in the southern Serengeti is ideal. For river crossings, a 5-7 day stay in the central and northern Serengeti will provide the best chances of witnessing this event.
What type of accommodation is available?
- Options: You can choose from mobile tented camps, which follow the migration, to luxury lodges and permanent tented camps. Mobile camps provide the advantage of staying close to the migration, while lodges offer more amenities and comfort.
- Booking Tip: Both calving and river crossing seasons are popular times to visit, so booking early is recommended to secure your preferred accommodation.
Will I see predator-prey interactions?
- Calving Season: Yes, during the calving season, predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are highly active, taking advantage of the vulnerable newborns in the herds.
- River Crossings: River crossings also offer dramatic encounters with crocodiles lying in wait as herds attempt to cross the Mara River, making this period intense and captivating for wildlife enthusiasts.
How physically demanding are these safaris?
- Level of Activity: Safaris are generally low-impact since most wildlife viewing is done from a safari vehicle. However, some drives may be long and over rough terrain. Walking safaris are sometimes available but are optional and guided by experienced rangers.
- Travel Considerations: Roads can be bumpy, especially in more remote areas, so travelers should be prepared for rugged conditions at times.
Is it safe to witness the Great Migration and Calving Season?
- Safety: Safaris are safe when conducted by experienced guides who follow strict protocols. During river crossings or near predator-rich areas, your guide will ensure safety while allowing you to enjoy these natural events.
- Wildlife Awareness: Always follow your guide’s instructions, stay inside the vehicle unless permitted otherwise, and avoid sudden movements or loud noises.
Can I bring children on a Great Migration or Calving Season Safari?
- Family-Friendly Safaris: Many safari lodges and camps welcome families and even provide special activities for children. However, the intensity of river crossings might be more suitable for older children due to the dramatic nature of these scenes.
- Child Safety: Guides are skilled at creating safe and engaging experiences for young travelers, making safaris both enjoyable and educational for families.
Are these safaris eco-friendly?
- Eco-Tourism Practices: Tanzania is committed to conservation, with many camps and lodges supporting wildlife preservation and community initiatives. Choosing a reputable safari operator helps ensure that eco-friendly practices are followed and local communities benefit.
Do I need any vaccinations or special health precautions?
- Health Precautions: Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if arriving from certain countries. Malaria is present, so consult your doctor about malaria prophylaxis. It’s also wise to bring insect repellent, as mosquitos can be more common during the green season (January-March).
- Health Tips: Stay hydrated, apply sunscreen, and follow health and safety instructions provided by your guide to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
What can I do to make the most of my safari experience as a first-timer?
- Tips for First-Timers:
- Embrace patience: Wildlife sightings are unpredictable, so be open to surprises.
- Listen to your guide: Their local knowledge will enhance your understanding and safety.
- Respect nature: Avoid disturbing the animals and keep your environment clean to preserve Tanzania’s natural beauty.
