Tanzania’s calving season
One of the most rewarding wildlife adventures of your life could be witnessing the calving season in Tanzania. This period comes right after the rain season between November and December and offers a softer, greener, and calmer side of safari.
While calving season happens within the same country, the safari experience differs greatly depending on whether you decided to explore the Northern or Southern circuit. Understanding these differences helps travelers choose the experience that best matches what they want to see and feel during their journey.
Here are a few guideline for both circuits;-
1. Calving season in the Northern circuit
The Northern Circuit includes the world-famous Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the likes of Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara.
Of the parks in the Northern Circuit, Serengeti is the most synonymous with the calving season, a preceding event before the dramatic great migration.
It is estimated that during this period, the wildebeest population adds around 500,000 newborns; at the peak, a day could see around 9000 births. In Serengeti, the southern part of the park, known as Ndutu, is where a high percentage of birthing and calving takes place.
During this time, safari feels calmer compared to peak season but still a bit more dramatic than the Southern circuit. There is a large concentration of wildebeest, zebras and a few other prey and predators can be seen lurking around ready to take advantage. The parks are decorated in lush greenery adding to the spectacle.
2. The Southern circuit during calving season
The Southern Circuit of Tanzania includes Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), Ruaha National Park, and Mikumi National Park.
The short November-December gives a new lease to the park, rejuvenating water sources and plants making it perfect for herbivores to feed to their fill and bring new life. The Southern circuit comes with unprecedented calmness, especially during this period.
Unlike the Northern Circuit, the Southern Circuit is not part of the wildebeest migration route, meaning calving on a mass scale does not occur here but you can expect to see species such as impala bringing new life.
3. Key differences
The difference between the Northern and Southern Circuits during calving season lies mainly in wildlife focus and safari atmosphere.
Northern Circuit offers mostly wildebeest and zebras calving, large herds, and predator interactions while Southern Circuit provides overall wildlife diversity, space, and exclusivity.
4. Your preference dictates your choice
To make it an easier choice, here are a few things to consider when choosing between Northern and Southern Circuit
● Experiencing the wildebeest calving season is on top of your list
● You are interested in migration-related wildlife events
● You enjoy iconic landscapes and classic safari experiences
Go to the Southern Circuit if:
● You prefer quieter parks and fewer safari vehicles
● You value exclusivity and slower-paced safaris
● You want a different perspective of Tanzania’s wilderness
For travelers with enough time, combining both circuits creates a rich and balanced safari experience.
The calving season is a testament to the diversity in experience that Tanzania offers. While the Northern Circuit is filled with hundreds of thousands of births during this period, the Southern Circuit offers space, solitude, and a deeper sense of wilderness. Both are guaranteed to be beautiful and unforgettable.
Choosing one over another boils down to the kind of safari story you want to take home.
Book with us now to experience the intimate calving season.
Q&A
What are the main differences between the Northern and Southern circuits during Tanzania’s calving season?
The Northern Circuit features wildebeest and zebras calving with large herds and predator interactions, while the Southern Circuit offers diverse wildlife, space, and tranquility, with less emphasis on wildebeest migration.
When is the best time to visit Tanzania to witness the calving season, and what is the scenery like during this period?
The calving season occurs right after the rainy season between November and December, offering greener landscapes and a calmer safari atmosphere.
What should travelers consider when choosing between the Northern and Southern circuits for their safari experience?
Travelers should consider whether they want to witness wildebeest calving and migration events for the Northern Circuit or prefer quieter, more exclusive parks with diverse wildlife in the Southern Circuit.
Why is Serengeti National Park particularly significant during Tanzania’s calving season?
Serengeti National Park is significant because it is the most renowned park for calving, especially in the Ndutu region, where a high percentage of wildebeest births occur, making it a dramatic and vibrant spectacle.
Is it possible to experience both the Northern and Southern circuits during the calving season, and what benefits does this offer?
Yes, combining both circuits provides a balanced safari experience, offering the excitement of large herd calving in the North and the tranquility and diversity of wildlife in the South, making for a richer adventure.
