When people ask me about seeing the wildebeest migration, they’re almost always talking about the much-hyped river crossings when the herd stampedes across the Mara River on its way from the Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara.

Much less marketed but no less spectacular is the calving season. This is the counterpoint to the river crossing season, the period when the herd swells in size – something like 8,000 births per day – and regroups before embarking on the next phase of its momentous journey, never far from the jaws of their ferocious predators.

Seeing a birth during this time is one of the most amazing experiences in my life. You can see a calf getting to its feet for the first time, clambering to its mother, and beginning its journey through life. You can’t help but ask yourself: will this be one of the lucky ones, or just a lion’s next meal?

How to see it

The wildebeest gather in Ndutu and the Southern Serengeti, where they remain relatively stationary, maximising survival chances for their young. The area’s nutrient-rich grasses provide ideal conditions for both mother and calf. This concentration of wildlife makes game viewing exceptional, with predators taking advantage of the easy prey. Mobile tented camps can follow the herd’s seasonal movements to get you close to the action. Game drives at sunrise and sunset provide the best chances of witnessing births and predator interactions.

Need to know

Calving season runs from December to March, peaking from mid-January to the end of February.

You can reach Ndutu by road from Arusha or Karatu, though flying into Ndutu Airstrip by bush plane gives you more time on safari.

This is a high-season period so camps book up quickly, often six to nine months in advance. Prices during this period are comparable to peak season in July and September.

Things can get busy, and it’s essential you travel with responsible operators and camps with skilled guides who won’t crowd the wildlife. Ask about their approach to responsible safari tourism before booking.