Southern Serengeti & Ndutu

Southern Serengeti & Ndutu – Calving Season Safari Guide 2026–2027

The Southern Serengeti and Ndutu region form one of the most captivating areas of Serengeti National Park, especially during the calving season when thousands of wildebeest give birth across the short-grass plains. Stretching from Naabi Hill Gate to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this region is the heart of life, renewal, and predator action — a true paradise for wildlife photographers and safari enthusiasts.

Wildebeest calving in Ndutu, Southern Serengeti

About the Southern Serengeti

The Southern Serengeti lies between Ndutu, Kusini, Maswa, and Naabi Hill, covering vast open plains that come alive between December and March. This area becomes a lush haven after the short rains, attracting over 2 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles.

It’s here that the Great Wildebeest Migration pauses to give birth — an event that defines the rhythm of life in the Serengeti. The sight of endless herds dotting the plains, newborn calves taking their first steps, and predators lurking in the grass captures the raw essence of Africa.

Why Visit the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu

The Southern Serengeti offers one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on Earth. From December to March, over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born, drawing predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas in astonishing numbers.

This region is quieter than the northern and central areas for much of the year, but during the calving season, it transforms into a wildlife hub bursting with life and energy. It’s a must-visit for travelers who want to witness nature’s greatest cycle of birth and survival.

Highlights include:

Calving season with thousands of newborn wildebeest
Excellent predator sightings — especially cheetahs and lions
Open plains ideal for wildlife photography
Migratory birds and stunning green landscapes
Proximity to Ngorongoro and Lake Ndutu

The Calving Season – Nature’s Miracle

From late December to early March, the Southern Serengeti hosts the wildebeest calving season, a defining natural event in the annual migration cycle. During this time, an estimated 8,000 calves are born daily, filling the plains with life.

This abundance of prey attracts numerous predators, resulting in spectacular hunting action. It’s a rare opportunity to witness the circle of life — from the tender beginnings of a newborn wildebeest to the raw instincts of predators in pursuit.

Photographers and documentary teams, including Nat Geo Wild and BBC Earth, often film here during this period due to its unmatched wildlife drama.

Wildlife in the Southern Serengeti

While the Southern Serengeti shines during the migration, it also hosts a wide range of resident species throughout the year. Full guide at Serengeti wildlife.

Common sightings include:

Predators: Lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas dominate the plains during calving season.
Herbivores: Wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, giraffes, and elands graze the short grasslands.
Birdlife: Flamingos and pelicans flock to Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek, alongside raptors and ground birds.

The area’s open terrain offers unobstructed views, making it one of the best locations for wildlife photography in Tanzania.

The Ndutu Area – Heart of the Southern Serengeti

The Ndutu region, located between the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Southern Serengeti, is a vital part of the ecosystem. Its alkaline lakes — Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek — attract a wide variety of wildlife and birdlife.

This area is especially popular for off-road game drives, allowing visitors to get closer to the action than in most parts of the park. The flexible driving zones, combined with abundant wildlife, make Ndutu one of the most intimate safari experiences in East Africa.

Top attractions in Ndutu include:

Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek birding safaris
Big cat sightings and predator hunts
Off-road game drives during the migration
Scenic landscapes and photo opportunities

Best Time to Visit the Southern Serengeti

The best time to visit the Southern Serengeti depends on what you wish to see. See our full best time to visit Serengeti guide.

December–March: The peak calving season — lush scenery, newborn calves, and intense predator action.
April–May: Fewer crowds, greener plains, and migrating herds moving northward.
June–November: Quieter months, with resident wildlife and beautiful landscapes.

For photographers and wildlife lovers, January and February are the most rewarding months for the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu region.

Safari Activities in the Southern Serengeti

Visitors to the Southern Serengeti can enjoy a range of immersive safari activities. Full list at things to do in Serengeti:

Game Drives: Daily drives across Ndutu plains, Naabi Hill, and Kusini areas.
Off-Road Safaris: Exclusive to Ndutu, allowing close encounters with wildlife.
Hot-Air Balloon Safaris: A breathtaking way to see the herds — book your balloon safari.
Guided Nature Walks: Explore on foot with experienced rangers in select areas.
Birdwatching Tours: Spot flamingos, eagles, and migratory species near the lakes.
Photographic Safaris: Capture the beauty of the calving season and predator interactions.

How to Get to the Southern Serengeti

There are two main ways to reach the Southern Serengeti. Full details at how to get to Serengeti:

By Air: Fly from Arusha or Zanzibar to Ndutu Airstrip or Seronera Airstrip. This is the quickest and most convenient way.
By Road: Drive from Arusha through Ngorongoro, entering the park via Naabi Hill Gate. The journey takes about 6–8 hours, with scenic stops along the way.

Many safari itineraries combine the Ngorongoro Crater and Southern Serengeti, especially during the migration months.