Amazing 7-Day Ndutu Calving Season Serengeti Migration Safari

An amazing 7-day Ndutu calving season Serengeti migration safari offers an unparalleled wildlife experience during the peak birthing season of wildebeest, typically from January to March, with February and March being the most active calving months. This safari typically includes explorations of the Ndutu area, the Ngorongoro Crater, and various parts of the Serengeti, providing opportunities to witness the intense predator-prey interactions that define this period.

On this ultimate 7-Day safari, the great migrating herds of wildebeests and zebras are situated at Lake Ndutu, located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. And a part of the Serengeti ecosystem, and our main target is from December to April. From January, it is the best time to witness the calving as they spread out across the short-grass plains. Predators are just around waiting for their opportunities to make a hunt. You will experience both Tarangire National Park, Ndutu South Serengeti, Ngorongoro craCraterter, and Lake Manyara Park.

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania | Safari in Tanzania

Your epic Tanzanian safari begins with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or the closer Arusha Airport (ARK). Upon disembarkation, you’ll be warmly greeted by your dedicated safari guide, who will be your expert companion throughout this incredible journey. You’ll then be transferred to the Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha for your overnight. After checking in, take some time to settle into your comfortable room. The Mount Meru Hotel offers splendid views of its namesake peak and provides a serene environment to relax and prepare for the adventures ahead. You can unwind by the pool, enjoy a refreshing drink, or simply soak in the ambiance. Dinner will be served at the hotel’s restaurant, offering a delicious introduction to Tanzanian hospitality and cuisine.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

We will pick you up from your hotel at 8:30 am and take you to a very special national park. Tarangire National Park is famous for its diverse landscape with nine different vegetation zones. The park is particularly known for the abundance of ancient baobab trees (the largest trees in the continent) which fill the landscape and dwarf the animals next to them.

The river of the park is full of wildlife ranging from a large variety of birds to lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes and, of course, elephants. In fact, the park has the largest concentration of elephants in the whole country. And provides unique chances to observe the interaction between elephant families. The lunch area is fascinating, boasting an observatory with amazing views to the river and wildlife (with good chances of seeing a hunt while having your picnic). Dinner and overnight at Kitela Lodge.

Day 3: South Serengeti (Ndutu)

After breakfast, we will head to the Lake Ndutu region, situated in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a sublime landscape of the southern Serengeti ecosystem. The drive takes approximately 3 hrs. Taking us across the beautiful landscape of  the rift valley lake Ndutu. Alkaline like most of the other Rift Valley is frequently inhabited by a wide array of wildlife.  With appetites sated, undertake our game drive in the Ndutu region. The majority of the wildebeest migration can normally be found on the short-grass plains from December to April. After the late afternoon game drive, you will drive to your accommodation for dinner and overnight at Ndutu kati kati tented camp/ Ndutu under canvas/ Ndutu Lake Masek.

Day 4: Ndutu Southern Serengeti Wildebeest Calving

After a hearty breakfast, you will head out to enjoy a full day’s game drive in Ndutu. You will explore the range of different habitats found here including swamps, woodland and savannah. With luck, you will see vast crowds of wildebeest, zebra and antelope, sometimes stretching to the horizon. The sound of the wildebeest gently mooing is hauntingly beautiful.

During a short time frame (normally in February), many of the female wildebeest give birth to their young, dropping over half a million young in this incredible act of synchronized birthing. The grass provides little cover and the young are easy pickings for a variety of predators (cheetah, lion, hyena, and leopard). Wildebeest calves can run minutes after they are born and within 3 days they are normally strong enough to keep up with the herd. After a full day’s exploration, you will return to your Tented Camp dinner and overnight at Ndutu kati kati tented camp/ Ndutu under canvas/ Ndutu Lake Masek.

Day 5: Ndutu to Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu

After breakfast, you will drive from Southern Serengeti ( Ndutu) to the Ngorongoro Crater proceed directly to the crater floor for a five-to-six-hour big game tour classic wildlife viewing. When you first see Ngorongoro Crater, it looks like a forgotten world. Concealed by the steep volcanic walls is a pristine wilderness including sweeping savannah. Pockets of acacia woodland, and glistening lakes and swamps. The Crater was created when a large volcano exploded and collapsed in on itself two to three million years ago. After game drive to Karatu Kitela lodge or Ngorongoro farm house for dinner and overnight. 

Day 6: Lake Manyara National Park – Arusha – Airport 

After your breakfast, and then we drive to Lake Manyara National Park. On our exploration of the park we will see millions of birds including flamingo. Monkey, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, elephant, and, with some luck, lions lounging in the trees. This impressive National Park is one of Tanzania’s most dramatically located wildlife areas, consisting of a massive but shallow soda lake (covering two-thirds of the park) at the foot of the Great Rift Valley Western escarpment.

The Park’s varied habitat attracts a wide variety of animals, including one of Africa’s largest concentrations of Elephants. Manyara is famous for a Tree-climbing lion, as well as large flocks of flamingos attracted by the algae in the lake. Dinner and overnight at the Karatu farm of Valley or other related accommodation, depending on availability

Day 7: Farewell in Tanzania – Departure Day

Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast at your hotel in Arusha. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have some time for last-minute souvenir shopping or simply to relax and reflect on your incredible safari adventure.

At the appropriate time, your safari guide will pick you up from your hotel in Arusha and transfer you to either Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) for your onward flight. As you depart, you’ll carry with you not just photographs, but a lifetime of cherished family memories – the roars of lions, the dust of the migration, the vastness of the plains, and the unique beauty of Tanzania’s wilderness.

Practical Information for 7-Day Tanzania Calving Season Safaris

Clothing. Pack light, breathable clothing in neutral colors (khaki, beige, olive green) to blend in and minimize insect attraction. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers are crucial for sun protection and evening insect bites. Essential additions are a warm jacket, fleece, or even a light down jacket for chilly early mornings and evenings, especially at Ngorongoro’s higher altitude.

Footwear. Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes or sturdy boots are recommended. Sandals or flip-flops for relaxing around the lodge/camp are also useful.

Sun Protection. Wide-brimmed hats, high-quality sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are absolute must-haves for everyone.

Insect Repellent. A DEET-based repellent is highly recommended to protect against mosquitoes (which can carry malaria) and tsetse flies. Consider protective clothing for children.

Camera Gear. Bring a good camera with a strong zoom lens (200mm+ is highly recommended for wildlife photography), extra batteries, and plenty of memory cards. A power bank for charging devices is also a good idea. Consider a small, robust camera for younger family members.

Health. Consult your doctor well in advance about anti-malarial medication for all family members, as well as any necessary vaccinations. Pack a comprehensive first-aid kit with any personal medications, pain relievers (including children’s dosages), anti-diarrhea medication, allergy relief, antiseptic wipes, and band-aids.

Miscellaneous. Binoculars (one pair per person or shared between two, as they significantly enhance viewing), reusable water bottles, small daypacks for daily essentials, and universal travel adapters. Soft-sided duffel bags are preferred over hard suitcases for easier packing in safari vehicles. For families, consider bringing books, card games, or small travel games for downtime.