6-Day Ndutu Calving Season & Wildlife Safari
Ndutu, Ngorongoro & Tarangire
Overview
Experience the drama, beauty, and pulse of Africa on this 6-day Great Migration safari, designed to capture the very essence of Tanzania’s wild heart. This adventure takes you through the Ndutu region, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park—each offering unforgettable scenes for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers alike.
Your journey begins in the Ndutu plains, nestled in the southern part of the Serengeti ecosystem, where the Great Migration’s calving season unfolds between December and March. During this spectacular time, tens of thousands of wildebeest and zebras give birth on the open plains, creating an explosion of life—and attracting an army of predators. You’ll witness nature’s raw intensity as cheetahs, lions, hyenas, and jackals seize the opportunity for survival. With off-road access allowed in Ndutu, your photographic opportunities are unparalleled—framing dramatic chases, new life, and intimate animal moments at close range.
From the action of Ndutu, you’ll ascend to the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Descend into this ancient volcanic caldera to explore a diverse ecosystem rich with wildlife—from black rhinos, hippos, and elephants to flamingos, lions, and leopards. The early morning mist, crater walls, and close-range sightings make this one of the most rewarding photographic landscapes in the world.
Your next destination is the elephant haven of Tarangire National Park, where towering baobab trees and riverine landscapes create the perfect backdrop for safari scenes that feel timeless. With its thriving populations of elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and big cats, Tarangire offers an elegant finale to your wildlife adventure.
Wrap up your safari with a return to Arusha, where you can reflect on the journey—or choose to extend your trip to Zanzibar. Relax on white-sand beaches, explore vibrant coastal culture, or capture the rich colors of island life—an ideal contrast to your time in the bush.
With expert guides, photography-ready vehicles, and comfortable mid-range lodges and camps, this 6-day safari is crafted to deliver intimate wildlife encounters, immersive landscapes, and powerful storytelling moments from beginning to end.
Safari Itinerary
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your Arusha accommodation. Take the remainder of the day to relax, recover from your journey, or explore the local surroundings at your leisure, preparing for the thrilling experiences ahead.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
After breakfast, depart Arusha and travel to the southern Serengeti region, specifically Ndutu—famed for its role in the Great Migration cycle. Witness vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles spread across the rich grasslands, attracting predators such as lions and cheetahs. Arrive in the afternoon for an introductory game drive before settling into your camp.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: African Safari Ndutu
Premium Accommodation: In The Wind
Devote the entire day to exploring Ndutu’s fertile plains, where new life abounds during the calving season, usually between December and March. With ample prey available, this is prime predator-viewing country, offering a front-row seat to thrilling wildlife encounters. Capture stunning photographs of the iconic acacia dotted landscape and relax in the serenity of the African bush.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: African Safari Ndutu
Premium Accommodation: In The Wind
Rise early for a final morning game drive in Ndutu before heading to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, home to one of the densest populations of wildlife in Africa, including the endangered black rhino. After a picnic lunch on the crater floor, ascend and drive to Karatu, a verdant highland town where you’ll spend the night.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
Depart Karatu after breakfast for Tarangire National Park, famous for its majestic baobab trees and large elephant herds. Enjoy game drives through this wildlife rich park, seeking out lions, giraffes, buffalos, and diverse bird species. In the late afternoon, journey back to Arusha, arriving in time to relax and share highlights from your safari.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
Depending on your flight schedule, spend the morning exploring Arusha or simply bask in the final moments of your Tanzanian adventure. Bid farewell as you depart for Kilimanjaro International Airport, or choose to extend your stay with a relaxing escape to Zanzibar—where Tanzaniatrail can arrange everything from pristine beach accommodations to cultural Stone Town tours.
Meals: Breakfast
MID-RANGE INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- Airport Transfers
- National Park Fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
MID-RANGE EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
LUXURY INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- VIP airport pick-up and drop-off
- All national park and conservation area fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
- Premium accommodation in high-end lodges or luxury tented camps
LUXURY EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
- Premium wines and spirits (unless specified)
FAQs
The Great Migration is the largest land-based wildlife migration on Earth, involving over 1.5 million wildebeest, 300,000 zebras, and thousands of gazelles as they move in a circular path through the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water. This incredible journey is filled with dramatic scenes of river crossings, predator hunts, calving, and long-distance movement—making it one of the most breathtaking wildlife spectacles in the world.
The migration is year-round, but the best time depends on what you want to see:
Dec–Mar (Calving Season): Southern Serengeti (Ndutu) – Wildebeest give birth; predator action is intense.
Apr–May (Green Season): Central Serengeti – Herds begin moving north.
Jun–July (Grumeti River Crossings): Western Serengeti – Smaller river crossings; good predator sightings.
Aug–Oct (Mara River Crossings): Northern Serengeti – Dramatic river crossings, crocodile attacks.
Nov: Herds return south toward Ndutu.
No. While wildebeest dominate the scene, the migration includes zebras, gazelles, and eland, as well as predators like lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, jackals, and vultures. It's an interconnected drama of prey and predators across the plains.
The migration is continuous and cyclical, with the herds covering 1,800+ km (1,100+ miles) each year. It’s a full-year phenomenon, not just a single event.
Ideally, 6–12 days allow for deep exploration, including time in Serengeti, Ndutu, and/or Ngorongoro Crater. This provides flexibility to track the herds and enjoy other parks along the way.
Yes! The migration can be part of a romantic honeymoon, family safari, or photography tour. It’s perfect for all ages, although kids under 6 may need custom arrangements.
While Kenya's Maasai Mara is part of the migration route, Tanzania hosts 80% of the migration—including calving season and longer durations of the herds' stay. Tanzania offers more diversity and larger wildlife populations over a longer period.
Yes. Popular combinations include:
Ngorongoro Crater
Tarangire National Park
Lake Manyara
Zanzibar beach extension
Tanzaniatrail can tailor your trip based on your interests and timing.
Dec–Mar (Ndutu): Warm days, occasional showers, green scenery
Jun–Oct (Serengeti North): Dry season, cooler nights, best for river crossings
April–May: Rainy, but fewer tourists and lush landscapes (great for photographers)
Tanzaniatrail offers expert-guided, mid-range photographic safaris with flexible routing, small group sizes or private tours, and up-to-date tracking of herd movements. We personalize each safari to ensure you’re in the right place at the right time—with comfort and great service.
Contact us directly:
📧 info@tanzaniatrail.co.tz
📱 +255 764 987 596
We’ll help you plan the perfect route, pick the best dates and locations, and ensure you get the most from this once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.
Explore Tanzania`s Beauty
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