8 Days Ndutu - Wildebeest Calving Season Safari

The 8 day Ndutu Exclusive Calving safari is 100% proof that there is never a dull day at the Ndutu Migration Area. Indulge in the drama that comes with this off-roading wildebeest calving migration safari tucked away in Northern Tanzania, South of the Serengeti, bordering the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area.

Choose this 8-day adventure through Tanzania’s northern circuit, experiencing the wonders of the Ndutu migration area for the Calving and Migration season in the Serengeti. The itinerary begins with a stay in Arusha, followed by visits to Tarangire National Park and Serengeti National Park. Witness the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater and explore Lake Manyara, National Park. The highlight of the trip is the exploration of Lake Ndutu during the calving season, where you’ll encounter an abundance of wildlife and witness the great wildebeest migration. This 8-day safari offers a perfect blend of diverse landscapes, thrilling game drives, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Best time for this Ndutu Calving Season Safari

Ndutu’s calving season begins at the end of December and lasts through January, February, and March. This is the best time to take this trip because wildebeests give birth on the Serengeti grasslands and the Ndutu grasslands of northern Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Areas as grass and pastures are abundant around this time.

8-Day Wildebeest Calving Safari Highlights

Witness the incredible phenomenon of the Ndutu Migration in southern Serengeti during the calving season.
Explore Tarangire National Park and encounter large herds of elephants, as well as a variety of wildlife including zebras, wildebeests, buffalo, and giraffes.
Experience the vast landscapes and diverse habitats of the Serengeti National Park, home to the renowned wildebeest migration.
Enjoy game drives in the Serengeti and have the opportunity to spot a wide range of wildlife, including impalas, crocodiles, hippos, and the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros).
Visit Lake Ndutu, a picturesque alkaline lake, and observe the abundant wildlife that congregates in the area, including elephants, giraffes, and over 400 species of birds.
Marvel at the incredible sight of wildebeest calves being born during the calving season, witnessing the circle of life and predator-prey interactions.
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and witness its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife population, including a chance to spot the endangered black rhino.
Explore Lake Manyara National Park and its unique ecosystem, known for its flamingos, diverse birdlife, tree-climbing lions, and breathtaking scenery.
Enjoy comfortable accommodations and delicious meals throughout the safari, ensuring a relaxing and memorable experience in the heart of the Tanzanian wilderness.
Gain insights into the local culture and traditions by interacting with the Maasai people and learning about their way of life.
Travel with experienced guides who provide an informative commentary, ensuring a deeper understanding of the wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation efforts in the region.

Day-by-Day Itinerary Summary:

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha. Transfer to accommodation.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park. Game drive and overnight stay.

Day 3: Serengeti National Park. Journey through Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Game drive and overnight stay.

Day 4: Serengeti National Park. Full day of game drives. Overnight stay.

Day 5: South Serengeti (Ndutu). Drive to Lake Ndutu. Afternoon game drive and overnight stay.

Day 6: South Serengeti (Ndutu). Full day game drive in Ndutu. Overnight stay.

Day 7: Ndutu to Ngorongoro Crater. En route game drive. Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for game viewing. Overnight stay.

Day 8: Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha. Visit Lake Manyara National Park. Return to Arusha. Wildebeest Calving Safari concludes.

Day 1

Arrival in Arusha

Upon your arrival in Arusha, you will be greeted by a Tranquil Kilimanjaro staff member who will escort you to your point of accommodation. Take this time to relax, unwind, and prepare for the exciting adventures that await you.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Grand Melia Lodge / Mount Meru Hotel / Arusha Coffee Lodge
Mid-range: Ilboru Safari Lodge / Arusha Planet Lodge/ Airport Planet Lodge
Budget: Outpost Lodge / Tulia Boutique Hotel / Green Mountain Hotel

Day 2

Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart from Arusha and embark on a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass through the picturesque Masai plains, observing the vibrant culture and wildlife. Tarangire National Park is renowned for its large elephant herds and diverse wildlife. Enjoy a thrilling game drive in search of zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffes, and possibly catch a glimpse of predators like lions and leopards. After the game drive, head to your carefully selected accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Kitela Lodge / Lake Manyara Kilima Moja / The Retreat at Ngorongoro
Mid-range: Eileen’s Tree Inn / Endoro Lodge / Karatu Simba Lodge
Budget Camping: Lilac Campsite / Panorama Campsite

Day 3

Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, continue your journey toward the lush highlands, passing through the mist-covered rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. If you’re fortunate, you may spot baboons, leopards, or elephants in the dense vegetation. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Ngorongoro Crater before proceeding to the Serengeti National Park, arriving by midday. The Serengeti is Tanzania’s largest park, characterized by its diverse landscapes, including grassy plains, swamps, lakes, savannah, and mountains. Embark on an extensive game drive and then head to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Kubu Kubu Tented Camp / Melia Serengeti Lodge / Four Season Serengeti
Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp / Embalakai Camp / Acacia Central Camp
Budget Camping: Nyani Campsite

Day 4

Serengeti

This day is dedicated to exploring central Serengeti through thrilling game drives. Witness the incredible wildlife population, including impalas, buffalos, crocodiles, hippos, and the iconic herds of migrating zebras, antelopes, and wildebeest. The movement of these herds is influenced by the rainfall, varying from year to year. Serengeti is also home to resident predators such as leopards, cheetahs, and lions, ensuring an awe-inspiring experience. After a rewarding game drive, return to your tented lodge for dinner and a night under the starry African sky.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Kubu Kubu Tented Camp / Melia Serengeti Lodge / Four Season Serengeti
Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp / Embalakai Camp / Acacia Central Camp
Budget Camping: Nyani Campsite

Day 5

South Serengeti (Ndutu)

Following breakfast, head to the enchanting Lake Ndutu region in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This area offers a breathtaking landscape within the southern Serengeti ecosystem. After a scenic drive of approximately three hours, arrive at Lake Ndutu for a delightful lunch at your lodge or tented camp. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive in the Ndutu region, known for its abundant wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, over 400 bird species, and a variety of other resident game. This region is especially popular from December to April, when the majority of the wildebeest migration can be found on the short-grass plains. After an unforgettable day, return to The Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp for dinner and relaxation by the campfire under the African night sky.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Lake Masek Tented Lodge / Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge
Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Ndutu / Ang’ata Ndutu Camp

Day 6

South Serengeti (Ndutu)

Enjoy a full day of game drives in the Ndutu region. Explore the diverse habitats, including swamps, woodlands, soda lakes, and the famous Serengeti short-grass plains. Marvel at the spectacular sight of wildebeest and zebra herds, and if you’re fortunate, witness the remarkable event of wildebeest calving, which occurs for about three weeks in February. During this time, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves are born, attracting predators like cheetahs, lions, hyenas, and leopards. Observe the resilient young wildebeest as they quickly adapt and join the herd within days. As the African night approaches, return to The Heritage Camp, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s experiences.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Lake Masek Tented Lodge / Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge
Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Ndutu / Ang’ata Ndutu Camp

Day 7

Ndutu to Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, enjoy an en-route game drive through the Ndutu Area before heading to the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a natural wonder, formed millions of years ago. Descend into the crater and witness the incredible density of wildlife. Spot wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, elephants, and an array of bird species. If luck is on your side, you might even spot the endangered black rhino grazing in the grasslands. After a full afternoon exploring the crater, proceed to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Kitela Lodge / Lake Manyara Kilima Moja / The Retreat at Ngorongoro
Mid-range: Eileen’s Tree Inn / Endoro Lodge / Karatu Simba Lodge
Budget Camping: Lilac Campsite / Panorama Campsite

Day 8

Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha

As this day marks the end of the 8 days of wildebeest calving safari, depart after breakfast and head to Lake Manyara National Park. This compact yet diverse park is known for its shallow salt lake, which attracts thousands of flamingos and over 500 bird species. Explore the park’s various landscapes, including grassy plains, woodlands, and cliffs adorned with baobab trees. Along the way, encounter monkeys, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalos, and with luck, lions lounging in the trees. After a fulfilling day, return to Arusha in the late afternoon, concluding your unforgettable adventure in the wilds of East Africa, with cherished memories of the sights and sounds that will forever stay with you.

Please note that the accommodations mentioned are examples and may vary based on availability.

The cost for the whole 8 Days Wildebeest Migration Calving safari includes and excludes the following items