An Insider’s Guide to the Serengeti Safari in January

Serengeti Safari in January: A Wildlife Lover’s Paradise

A Serengeti safari in January is fantastic for witnessing the start of the Great Migration’s calving season in the lush, green Southern Serengeti and Ndutu Plains, offering incredible predator action (lions, cheetahs) around newborn wildebeest and rich birdlife, though slightly thicker vegetation makes game spotting harder at times. Expect warm days, cooler nights, and occasional rain, making it a visually stunning and wildlife-packed “green season” experience with generally fewer crowds than peak times.

January is a great time to go on a safari in the Serengeti since you may see the wildebeest calving season in the southern Serengeti and the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari. It is easier to see animals in the south, where it is drier, especially during the green season in January, when there is abundant foliage, which offers for excellent game viewing possibilities.

Pros of a Serengeti Safari in January:

  • Great Migration:
    During this period, the Ndutu region becomes a grazing ground for the migrating wildebeest in the southern Serengeti.
  • Wildebeest Calving:
    The wildebeest calving season begins in January, and it’s a once in a lifetime chance to see thousands of calves being born.
  • Green Season:
    In the Ndutu area in particular, the copious water sources and verdant foliage provide for spectacular wildlife viewing.
  • Drier Conditions:
    It is easier to see wildlife in the southern Serengeti in January since there is less rain there than in other parts of the park.
  • Predator Action:
    It is more likely that you will spot lions or other predators hunting during calving season since they follow the migration.
  • Pleasant Temperatures:
    Average highs of 83 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of 60 degrees Fahrenheit make for mostly agreeable weather.

Things to consider:

  • Crowds:
    There may be more tourists in the Seronera area in January because it is a popular tourist destination.
  • Accommodation:
    If you are planning to go during the busiest part of the calving season, it is highly suggested that you book your accommodations in advance.
  • Rain:
    January is usually a dry month in the southern Serengeti, but there is a chance of rain, particularly in the middle and later parts of the month.

Where to Go on a Serengeti Safari in January

  • Ndutu Plains
    In January, you simply must visit the Ndutu Plains. Wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes are just some of the animals that call this region in the southern Serengeti home. Predator sightings are more common during the calving season.
  • Southern Serengeti
    Another great place for a safari in January is the southern Serengeti. You can see the Great Migration in all its glory on the expansive grasslands, which are inhabited by huge herds of zebras and wildebeests.
  • Ngorongoro Conservation Area
    The Ngorongoro Crater is a popular stop on safaris, even though it isn’t really part of the Serengeti. There is a significant concentration of animals, including the Big Five, in the crater because of its special environment.

Tips for Planning Your Serengeti Safari in January

  • Book Early: Safaris are very popular in January, particularly in the days leading up to New Year’s. Book your lodgings and obtain the necessary permissions ahead of time.
  • Pack Smart: On hot days, pack light, and in the mornings and evenings, bring a jacket just in case. For those rare rainstorms, it’s best to have waterproof clothing as well.
  • Choose the Right Guide: Finding the greatest places to see animals and avoiding the crowds are both made easier with the assistance of an experienced guide.
  • Consider Private Conservancies: Visit private conservancies that border the Serengeti for a more intimate encounter.

Book Your Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari Now!

Reserve Your Spot to See the Great Serengeti Wildebeest Migration with a 50% Deposit!

Now is the moment to organise your adventure—the Great Wildebeest Migration is happening—and it is one of the most breathtaking natural spectacles on Earth. Book this once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure six to twelve months in advance with just a thirty percent deposit. The annual migration of millions of zebras, antelopes, and wildebeests across the Serengeti in quest of better pastures is an experience you won’t want to miss.