February 2019 - Wildebeest migration updates

The short grass plains of the Ndutu were a magical spectacle of wildebeest and zebra from a balloon safari this morning. 

The Ndutu plains have been experiencing good rains for the past two days. However, the great herds with their calves kicked up their heels and followed the smell of the rains in the Golini area all the way to the Gol Mountains where the grass is highly palatable and rich in essential minerals the lactating mothers and growing calves need. 

The miracle of life is the main theme for the migration herd on the Ndutu Plains. With the arrival of the rains on fertile volcanic soil, almost half a million wildebeests calve their young, mostly synchronised in a two week period. The calves quickly find their footing and can sprint within 15 minutes after birth.

Misty morning crossings in the Ndutu Safari Lodge. Ndutu’s 34 Cottages all face Lake Ndutu and have en-suite bathrooms and verandahs from which to enjoy the view.

Goh captured a herd of zebra and wildebeest in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Zebras are known to be the first chain before the wildebeests. They have superb memories and great eye sights whereas the wildebeest have a great sense of smell (for water). 

The Ndutu pride cubs are growing! Two mother lioness with eight lion cubs were captured on the edge of the Big Marsh.

There's truly nothing that compared to seeing a baby wildebeest or lion cubs after being born. Traveling to the Serengeti during the calving season promises an exciting adventure full of wonder and plenty of action. 

There are several great properties in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu areas that allow you to stay close to the action. Whether you choose to stay in a luxury lodge or a mobile-tented camp, you can be certain that game viewing during the calving season is one of the best time to be in Africa.  

It's that time of the year again! The topi have joined the resident zebra in their herds on the Western corridor plains. Although lesser known than the great wildebeest migration, this gathering of more than 1,000 topi is definitely a sight to be seen. 

Take the plunge and visit Ndutu Safari Lodge to witness unbelievable sightings of the wildebeest and zebra crossing the Lake Ndutu. 

Currently, the wildebeest are in the Ndutu which is actually in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and it is the calving season. February is the only time of the year when you are almost guaranteed to see the big herds all together as they come south for calving season. 

Safari guide Michael Thomas captured an incredible moment of a wobbly newborn wildebeest learning how to walk soon after birth. 

Safari guide spotted a large herd of zebra queuing by the water pool for a drink in the Hidden Valley. However, the migration is scattered in the southern part towards the Maswa all the way to the southern Ndutu area. 

The great herds were seen on the Kusini Plains heading towards the woodlands in the southern end of the ecosystem. 

Bobby-Jo Photography captured an intense cheetah hunt on the Ndutu Plains. The young male caught a newborn wildebeest calf - it was quite confronting as the young calf struggled for its life. Very emotional morning, but nature as it is! 

Olivia Wright spotted a lion pride and a wildebeest newly-born in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

With the promise of short rains, the young wildebeest are almost guaranteed fresh and constant grass all the way into the central parts of the Serengeti. 

With thousands of baby wildebeest running around it is much easier for a mother lion, cheetah or leopard to find a meal for their hungry cubs as well as give them the opportunity to learn how to hunt for themselves by practicing on young calves before they have to go out and fend for themselves! Young cubs learn valuable lessons during this time which is crucial to their success. 

February; now the calving season is in full swing, with thousands of wildebeest and zebra being born every day!

Be prepared for some heart-ache as the predators move quickly onto the newborn calves for their annual feast. Mother Nature is revealing what the circle of life means in full gore and vigour. Safari guide Mohamed captured a newly born wildebeest on the southern plains of the Serengeti. 

Serengeti Nomad safari guide spotted predators such as cheetah and wild dogs during their game drive from Gibbs farm to the Ndutu area. 

When they reached the Maswa Game Reserve, the Maswa plains were packed with lots of wildebeest heading towards the southern part of Makao.

The calving season is in full swing in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area!

The guides spotted about 50 newly-borns and over the next few months, 500,000 calves will begin their life in the Serengeti. 

Pilot Bucks Cassim captured a large herd from the bird's eye in the southern Serengeti Airstrip. 

In February, an incredible 80% of wildebeest females intuitively give birth within a period of two to three week, before the great migration commences. The synchronisation reduces the possibility of tender wildebeest calves becoming easy prey. 

Safari freelance Elia Edward captured a small herd of wobbly wildebeest babies in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area during his game drive.

 February is the only time of year when you are almost guaranteed to see the big herds all together as they always come south for calving season. The great migration was captured 10nm north of the Ndutu airstrip.

The good grazing of the southern Serengeti, Ndutu and Ngorongoro Conservation areas means the herds remain in the far south. 

The great herds were spotted around the Miti Mitatu area.  

February is the easiest month to predict where the migration will be in the Serengeti. For the past 10-12 years, the wildebeest herds have settled in and around Lake Ndutu and Masek. This area is lush in February and an ideal location for wildebeest to give birth to offspring.

Expect scenes of delight (newborns finding their feet) and horror (predators arrive to prey on the young). 

The herds were spotted heading to the Ndutu from the southern part of the Naabi Hills.