serengeti migration

Calving season: The best kept secret of the great migration When one thinks of the Great Migration, pictures of thundering herds of wildebeest plunging into muddy rivers teeming with toothy (and starving) crocodiles come to mind. And while watching these river crossings is a dramatic and thrilling experience, there is a hidden migration season that is often overlooked. What is the calving season? The Great Migration’s calving season typically occurs between January and February of each year. The migratory route hasn’t changed much over the years, but the exact timing of the journey varies based on seasonal rainfall, so these timings are merely a guide. The herds usually migrate Tanzania’s Serengeti between January and March in seeking out fresh grass. The wildebeest migrate as far south as the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, but they don’t quite make it inside the actual Crater. There, they spread out across the lush plains to feast on the new grasses that have sprung following the rains. These plains, with their abundance of nourishment, are also the perfect place for female wildebeest to give birth. The wildebeest aren’t traveling alone; they’re accompanied by large numbers of zebra and gazelle, which serve the useful purpose of eating the longer grasses that are less appetizing to young wildebeest. After the zebra and gazelle have finished grazing, the tender, nutritious shoots are left exposed and are ideal for young wildebeest calves to easily nibble on. What is so unique about the South? The animals migrate south to graze and give birth for a reason. It turns out that the sweet grasses of the southern Serengeti are not only delicious, but also the ideal nourishment for young wildebeest to consume during their first few weeks. Why is the grass here so nourishing? The shocking fact goes back thousands of years to a highly volcanic period in the area around Ngorongoro. The ash that these erupting volcanoes throw forth was blown over the plains of Ndutu and settled here, fertilizing and nourishing the soil and making the grasses that grow here just tempting to mother wildebeest and their young. Oh, baby! On these vast plains near Ndutu, something quite remarkable takes place. Within a two- to three-week period, more than half a million wildebeest give birth. In a single day, up to 8000 wildebeest calves can be born. Of course, this makes for some sweet and lovely moments, but don’t be deceived to believe there isn’t drama involved. Even though wildebeest calves are masters at joining the herds shortly after birth, this does not guarantee that opportunistic predators aren’t seeking for a way to make a meal of the weak and the vulnerable. prime predator picking The presence of predators in the area increases to an all-time high at this time of year, which should not come as a surprise given the large number of baby wildebeest stumbling around on their wobbly legs. A simple meal, though, is not always a guarantee! Since they have been using this path for years, these mothers are familiar with the majority of the predators’ techniques. Instinctively, moms of wildebeest know that the shorter grass plains are the safer places to give birth since they make it easier to see approaching predators. To provide the youngest and most vulnerable new members of the herd the best chance of surviving, additional moms join them at this location. Together, they actually build a protective barricade around them. Though you will have the chance to see not only the older, more experienced predators. To give their young the best chance of surviving, they have also coordinated their birthing schedules to correspond with the birth of their prey. A mother lion, cheetah, or leopard will have an easier time finding food for her young while also giving them the chance to learn hunting independently when there are thousands of baby wildebeest running around. Young cubs learn crucial lessons that will be crucial to their future success by practicing on young calves before they have to go out and fend for themselves. Why go on a safari during calving season? A migration safari during the calving season will provide amazing views of wildebeest and their young, as well as an abundance of big cats eager to go on a successful hunt. In addition to the breathtaking view of the seemingly endless Serengeti plains dotted with grunting, grazing wildebeest as far as the eye can see, there is also plenty of dramatic drama to be seen. Not to mention, there are many of adorable newborn animals. Where to stay? The greatest place to experience a calving season safari is from one of our tented mobile camps, which travel around the entire year to stay in the center of the activity. The Kenzan ndutu migration camps give visitors a year-round front-row view of the migration’s action.

Why you should book a hot air baloon safaris A few hundred meters below you, you might be able to see herds of wildebeest, giraffe towers, or a dazzle of zebra running across the African plains. You can almost imagine the splendor of an African hot-air balloon safari when you combine breathtaking aerial views with a spectacular sunrise. What is it all about? Before the sun even rises, you’ll be woken and driven to the launch site at an extremely early hour. Be sure to layer up because it may be quite chilly at this time of the morning, and it will get even colder once you are in the air. As your expert balloonist prepares for your takeoff, arrive at your balloon and observe. It’s normal to have a startle as they gas up the balloon because the noise can be pretty loud. But once you’re in the air, it’s mostly silent (apart from the odd scream of the engine), allowing you to completely absorb the marvel of serenely soaring high above the ground. A hot-air balloon expedition typically lasts one to two hours. Watching the sun rise over the huge plains as wildlife roams is one of the most breathtaking views to behold. Once you are up high enough, the animals below become less aware of their audience. Anyone with a bad back or similar injury should check with their doctor first because returning to land can be a little bumpy. A delicious champagne breakfast will be served to you once you have returned to the ground. Isn’t that the perfect way to end off a fantastic morning in the African skies? How does it work properly? The weather has a huge impact on hot-air balloon expeditions. If it’s too windy or rainy, the flight will be canceled, and you can choose to get a full refund or reschedule for an other day (if possible). It is necessary to make reservations well in advance. This is not something that can be planned for the day of. It is best to let your agent know that you are interested in this fantastic experience and request that they make the reservation as long in advance as possible because it is not always available due to the reliance on the weather. The entire experience is safe because the balloons are well-maintained and often serviced. Another thing to keep in mind is that a hot-air balloon safari can be rather expensive due to the numerous safety precautions and large team needed to make it happen. It is completely worthwhile, though, if it is within your means.