6 Day Wildebeest Calving Season in Ndutu Area

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Overview

  • Duration:6 days 5 nights
  • Travelers:2 - 14 guests
  • Tour Type:Private tour

Experience the incredible calving season safari with Across Tanzania Expeditions, where you can witness one of nature’s most dramatic events in Serengeti National Park. During this period, thousands of wildebeest calves are born each day, attracting predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas.


This season offers exceptional opportunities to observe intense predator-prey interactions and capture remarkable wildlife moments, making it especially rewarding for photographers. Occurring between December and March, the calving season provides a unique and action-packed safari experience across the Serengeti plains.

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Tour Highlights

  • Witness the Great Migration calving season in the Serengeti
  • See thousands of wildebeest calves born each day
  • High chances of predator-prey interactions and dramatic wildlife scenes
  • Excellent opportunities for wildlife photography
  • Explore the southern plains of Serengeti National Park
  • Best travel period: December to March
  • Expert-guided game drives for optimal wildlife viewing
  • Ideal for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts

Includes/Excludes

  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • Accommodation during safari on Full Board basis
  • All park entry fees and government conservation fees
  • Ngorongoro Crater service fee
  • Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • All game drives as per itinerary
  • Bottled drinking water during safari
  • Picnic lunches during game drives
  • Government taxes and VAT
  • Accommodation in Arusha (before and after safari)
  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Optional activities
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks at lodges
  • Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, tips, etc.)
  • Tips and gratuities for driver guide and lodge staff
  • Government imposed increase of taxes

Cancellation policy

You can cancel up to 30 days in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Pickup → Transfer to Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your accommodation in Arusha. If time allows, you may enjoy an optional city tour, exploring local highlights such as the Cultural Heritage Centre, vibrant local markets, and the Maasai market. This offers a great introduction to the culture and atmosphere of Arusha before you relax and settle in at your lodge.

Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Arusha → Ndutu Area

After breakfast, depart from your hotel and drive approximately 260 km (about 5–6 hours) to the Ndutu region, passing through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands on your way to the vast plains of Serengeti National Park. As you arrive in the southern Serengeti, you’ll begin to see large herds of wildebeest grazing across the open plains, especially during the calving season.

An optional visit to a traditional Maasai boma can be arranged, offering insight into the rich culture and lifestyle of the Maasai people. The Serengeti is renowned for its incredible wildlife, including the Big Five, as well as the spectacular Great Migration that defines this iconic destination.

Accommodation: Ang'ata Migration - Ndutu Camp
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 3: Ndutu Game Drives – Calving Season Experience

Start your day early with a sunrise game drive in the Ndutu area of Serengeti National Park, when predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs are most active. Witness the beauty of the African sunrise as the plains come alive with wildlife activity.

After breakfast, continue with a full-day game drive across the open plains, where large herds of wildebeest gather during the calving season. This is one of the best times to observe dramatic predator-prey interactions, as big cats and other predators take advantage of the abundance of prey.

In the evening, return to your camp for dinner and an overnight stay, reflecting on a day filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Accommodation: Ang'ata Migration - Ndutu Camp
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4: Ndutu Area → Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Enjoy your final early morning game drive in the Ndutu area of Serengeti National Park, making the most of your last opportunity to witness the wildebeest herds and ongoing wildlife action. After returning for a hearty lunch, depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

As you travel through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands, enjoy excellent wildlife viewing along the way. Spot elephants, giraffes, gazelles, and antelopes, along with predators such as cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and lions, making this journey as rewarding as the destination itself.

Accommodation: Embalakai Ngorongoro Camp
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha

Begin your final day with an early breakfast before descending into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact and unfilled volcanic caldera. With a depth of over 600 meters and a floor spanning approximately 260 square kilometers, the crater offers one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in Africa.

Enjoy a 5–6 hour game drive across the crater floor, where you can spot a wide range of animals including lions, hyenas, cheetahs, buffaloes, hippos, and the rare black rhino. After a scenic picnic lunch near the hippo pool, ascend the crater walls and begin your return journey to Arusha, where you can relax at your hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable safari adventure.

Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 6: Departure to the Airport

You will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport or any other location within the same distance, according to your schedule, ensuring a smooth and convenient end to your safari with Across Tanzania Expeditions.

Meals: Breakfast

Frequently asked questions

Where is Tanzania located?

Tanzania is located in East Africa and is one of the most popular safari destinations in the world. It borders Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique and is home to world-famous wildlife areas such as Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.

What is the best time to go on a safari in Tanzania?

Tanzania is a year-round safari destination.
June to October: Dry season and best time for wildlife viewing.
December to March: Excellent for calving season in the southern Serengeti National Park.
April to May: Green season with fewer tourists and lush landscapes.
Wildlife can be seen throughout the year in parks like Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park.

What animals can I see on a Tanzania safari?

Tanzania offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa. Visitors commonly see:

- Lion
- Elephant
- Buffalo
- Leopard
- Rhino

These animals are known as the Big Five, and they can often be spotted in Ngorongoro Crater.
You may also see giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species.

What is the Great Migration?

The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the world. Each year, over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the plains of Serengeti National Park and into Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve in search of fresh grazing.

How long should a Tanzania safari be?

Most visitors choose safaris lasting 4 to 7 days. This allows enough time to explore several national parks such as:

- Tarangire National Park
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Lake Manyara National Park

Shorter safaris of 2–3 days are also possible for travelers with limited time.

Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?

Most travelers require a tourist visa to enter Tanzania. Visas can usually be obtained online through the e-visa system or on arrival at major airports such as Kilimanjaro International Airport.

What vaccinations are recommended for Tanzania?

Travelers are often advised to consult a medical professional before traveling. Common recommendations include:

- Yellow fever (required if coming from a yellow fever risk country)
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Malaria prevention medication

What should I pack for a safari?

Recommended items include:

- Lightweight clothing in neutral colors
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Binoculars
- Camera with extra batteries
- Insect repellent

Temperatures can vary, so a light jacket for early morning game drives is also recommended.

Are safaris safe in Tanzania?

Yes, safaris in Tanzania are generally very safe when organized with a professional tour operator and experienced safari guides. Visitors should always follow their guide’s instructions and park regulations when viewing wildlife.

What type of vehicles are used on safari?

Most safaris use 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicles with pop-up roofs. These vehicles allow excellent wildlife viewing and photography during game drives in parks like Serengeti National Park and Tarangire National Park.

Where do visitors stay during a safari?

Accommodation options range from:

- Budget camps
- Mid-range lodges
- Luxury tented camps

Many are located inside or near national parks such as Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Can I combine a safari with other activities?

Yes, many travelers combine their safari with:

- Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
- A beach holiday in Zanzibar
- Cultural visits to local villages
- Walking safaris or hot air balloon safaris
from$ 2,170 /person
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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 30 days in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Tanzania located?

Tanzania is located in East Africa and is one of the most popular safari destinations in the world. It borders Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique and is home to world-famous wildlife areas such as Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.

What is the best time to go on a safari in Tanzania?

Tanzania is a year-round safari destination.
June to October: Dry season and best time for wildlife viewing.
December to March: Excellent for calving season in the southern Serengeti National Park.
April to May: Green season with fewer tourists and lush landscapes.
Wildlife can be seen throughout the year in parks like Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park.

What animals can I see on a Tanzania safari?

Tanzania offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa. Visitors commonly see:

- Lion
- Elephant
- Buffalo
- Leopard
- Rhino

These animals are known as the Big Five, and they can often be spotted in Ngorongoro Crater.
You may also see giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species.

What is the Great Migration?

The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the world. Each year, over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the plains of Serengeti National Park and into Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve in search of fresh grazing.

How long should a Tanzania safari be?

Most visitors choose safaris lasting 4 to 7 days. This allows enough time to explore several national parks such as:

- Tarangire National Park
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Lake Manyara National Park

Shorter safaris of 2–3 days are also possible for travelers with limited time.

Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?

Most travelers require a tourist visa to enter Tanzania. Visas can usually be obtained online through the e-visa system or on arrival at major airports such as Kilimanjaro International Airport.

What vaccinations are recommended for Tanzania?

Travelers are often advised to consult a medical professional before traveling. Common recommendations include:

- Yellow fever (required if coming from a yellow fever risk country)
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Malaria prevention medication

What should I pack for a safari?

Recommended items include:

- Lightweight clothing in neutral colors
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Binoculars
- Camera with extra batteries
- Insect repellent

Temperatures can vary, so a light jacket for early morning game drives is also recommended.

Are safaris safe in Tanzania?

Yes, safaris in Tanzania are generally very safe when organized with a professional tour operator and experienced safari guides. Visitors should always follow their guide’s instructions and park regulations when viewing wildlife.

What type of vehicles are used on safari?

Most safaris use 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicles with pop-up roofs. These vehicles allow excellent wildlife viewing and photography during game drives in parks like Serengeti National Park and Tarangire National Park.

Where do visitors stay during a safari?

Accommodation options range from:

- Budget camps
- Mid-range lodges
- Luxury tented camps

Many are located inside or near national parks such as Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Can I combine a safari with other activities?

Yes, many travelers combine their safari with:

- Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
- A beach holiday in Zanzibar
- Cultural visits to local villages
- Walking safaris or hot air balloon safaris

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