Great Migration Calving Season March 2026-2027 – Best Safari Guide

Great Migration Calving Season March 2026-2027 – Safari Itinerary & Guide

The Great Migration calving season March 2026-2027 is a unique time to visit Tanzania. It follows the peak calving of February but still holds dramatic wildlife experiences, including predator hunts, newborn calves, and large herds moving across the Ndutu and Southern Serengeti plains. March is also when the herds begin shifting toward the Central Serengeti, setting the stage for the next phase of the Great Migration.

Why March 2026-2027 Is Special for Calving Season

By March, most calves have already been born, but the Great Migration calving season March 2026-2027 is still filled with action. The calves are learning to run and survive, predators remain highly active, and the herds begin stretching into new grazing areas. For safari travelers, this means fewer crowds compared to February, yet still plenty of unforgettable wildlife drama to witness.

Wildebeest Herd Movements During March 2026-2027

During the Great Migration calving season March 2026-2027, the wildebeest herds remain concentrated in Ndutu and the Southern Serengeti, though some groups begin drifting north. Travelers can still witness large herds with calves, but also enjoy the anticipation of the migration’s gradual push toward the Central Serengeti.

Predator-Prey Action in March 2026-2027

Predators do not ease off in March. Lions, hyenas, and cheetahs are still active, targeting both newborn and slightly older calves. The Great Migration calving season March 2026-2027 remains one of the best times to see hunts in broad daylight. Travelers often witness survival struggles as calves attempt to outrun predators, offering thrilling safari experiences.

Weather and Landscape in March 2026-2027

The Serengeti in March is lush and green, thanks to the short rains that ended earlier in the season. This makes the Great Migration calving season March 2026-2027 especially photogenic. The green plains stretch endlessly, dotted with acacia trees and watering holes, and the lighting is softer, making it excellent for wildlife photography.

Best Places to Stay During Great Migration Calving Season March 2026-2027

Ndutu mobile camps remain excellent bases, but as the herds begin shifting, some camps closer to the Central Serengeti also become good options. Lodges and tented camps in both Ndutu and Southern Serengeti offer the perfect mix of comfort and proximity to the herds during March 2026-2027.

Sample 9-Day Great Migration Calving Safari – March 2026-2027

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Overnight at a lodge in Arusha as you prepare for the Great Migration calving season March 2026-2027.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

Visit Tarangire, known for elephants and baobabs. Overnight near Karatu.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Explore Ngorongoro Crater, home to the Big Five, before heading to Ndutu. Overnight in a camp near the wildebeest herds.

Day 4: Ndutu – Calving Season Action

Spend the day in Ndutu, where the Great Migration calving season March 2026-2027 is in full swing. Watch calves running alongside mothers, predators hunting, and dramatic wildlife interactions.

Day 5: Ndutu Predator Encounters

Search for lions, cheetahs, and hyenas that remain active throughout March. This is one of the best months to photograph predator-prey encounters.

Day 6: Southern Serengeti Safari

Expand your safari into the Southern Serengeti, where zebras, gazelles, and giraffes graze alongside wildebeest. Continue to capture incredible photography moments during the Great Migration calving season March 2026-2027.

Day 7: Transition to Central Serengeti

Some herds begin moving north by March. Travel toward Central Serengeti to witness early herd movements while still enjoying predator action. Overnight in a Serengeti lodge or tented camp.

Day 8: Central Serengeti Game Drives

Game drives in the Central Serengeti reveal large predator populations and the first signs of the migration moving northward. This is the transition period of the Great Migration calving season March 2026-2027.

Day 9: Return to Arusha or Zanzibar Extension

Fly or drive back to Arusha. Optionally extend to Zanzibar for a relaxing beach holiday after the calving season safari.

Why Choose March for Your Safari 2026-2027

• Fewer crowds: March is quieter than February, offering a more exclusive safari experience.
• Predator action continues: Lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are still very active in March 2026-2027.
• Herd movement begins: Watch the transition as herds prepare to head north.
• Photographic opportunities: Green landscapes and dramatic skies make March visually stunning.

Photography in Great Migration Calving Season March 2026-2027

For photographers, March provides unique opportunities: calves running with mothers, predator hunts, and breathtaking landscapes. The lighting conditions in March 2026-2027 make it one of the best months for capturing professional-quality safari images.

Tips for Visiting in March 2026-2027

• Pack for warm days and occasional rain showers.
• Bring telephoto lenses to capture predator hunts in detail.
• Stay flexible with itineraries as herds begin moving north.
• Book early, especially for Ndutu camps in March 2026-2027.

Conclusion – Great Migration Calving Season March 2026-2027

The Great Migration calving season March 2026-2027 offers travelers the chance to witness the end of the birthing season and the beginning of the migration’s northward journey. With lush landscapes, fewer tourists, predator action, and the sight of calves growing stronger, March is a fantastic month for safari enthusiasts. For anyone planning a Tanzania safari in 2026-2027, March provides an unforgettable balance of wildlife drama and natural beauty.