4 Days Calving Season Safari

Tour Overview

Highlights

• This 4 Days Calving Season Great Wildebeest Migration Safari in Tanzania is carefully designed to maximize your chances of witnessing one of the most dramatic wildlife events on earth: the wildebeest calving season in the Ndutu Area, located in the southern Serengeti ecosystem within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Between late December and March, vast herds of migratory wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle gather on the nutrient-rich short-grass plains of Ndutu. During this short window, nearly half a million wildebeest calves are born within just two to three weeks, attracting an exceptional concentration of predators including lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and serval cats. This makes Ndutu one of the best safari destinations in Tanzania for big cats and predator action. This safari combines extensive game drives in the Ndutu Plains with a visit to the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most spectacular natural wildlife sanctuaries. The itinerary operates as a drive-in and drive-back safari from Arusha, ensuring flexibility and immersive wildlife viewing without domestic flights. Ideal for travelers seeking an authentic Great Wildebeest Migration calving season safari, this short yet comprehensive itinerary offers exceptional value, expert guiding, and high wildlife density.

1. Pre day Arriving in Tanzania

   Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, you will be warmly met by a Kilisa Tours & Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Later in the day, you will receive a detailed safari briefing from your professional guide, covering the itinerary, wildlife expectations, and safety guidelines. This is an ideal time to ask any questions and prepare for the adventure ahead.

   Approximate transfer time: 1 hour
   Overnight: Hotel in Arusha (Planet Lodge or Under The Shade Arusha)
   Meals: Bed & Breakfast

2. Day 1 Arusha - Ngorongoro (Ndutu Area)

   After breakfast, depart Arusha at approximately 08:00 hrs for the Ndutu Area. The drive takes you through the scenic landscapes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, transitioning from lush highland forests to open savannah and rolling grasslands.

   Upon arrival in Ndutu, you will begin an extensive afternoon game drive, with a picnic lunch served in the bush. The Ndutu Plains form a crucial part of the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration route, hosting thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes during the calving season. The presence of Ndutu Lake and Lake Masek attracts abundant wildlife year-round.

   This area is also renowned for its high density of predators, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, servals, caracals, and wild cats, offering exceptional photographic and wildlife viewing opportunities.

   In the late afternoon, you will proceed to your camp for dinner and overnight.

   Game drive time: 6–7 hours
   Overnight: Budget campsite – Ndutu Area
   Meals: Lunch & Dinner

3. Day 2 Full Day Game Viewing In Ndutu

   After an early breakfast, enjoy a full day of game viewing in Ndutu, following the movement of the wildebeest migration across the plains. Depending on wildlife activity, game drives may extend into both the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the southern Serengeti ecosystem.

   During the peak calving months (January to March), the Ndutu Plains transform into a vast nursery, with newborn calves learning to stand and run within minutes of birth. This abundance of young animals draws large numbers of predators, creating dramatic and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

   Lunch will be served as a picnic in the bush, allowing uninterrupted wildlife observation throughout the day. In the evening, return to camp for dinner and overnight.

   Game drive time: 6–7 hours
   Overnight: Budget campsite – Ndutu Area
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

4. Day 3 Ngorongoro (Ndutu Area) - Ngorongoro Crater Rim

   After an early breakfast, enjoy a full day of game viewing in Ndutu, following the movement of the wildebeest migration across the plains. Depending on wildlife activity, game drives may extend into both the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the southern Serengeti ecosystem.

   During the peak calving months (January to March), the Ndutu Plains transform into a vast nursery, with newborn calves learning to stand and run within minutes of birth. This abundance of young animals draws large numbers of predators, creating dramatic and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

   Lunch will be served as a picnic in the bush, allowing uninterrupted wildlife observation throughout the day. In the evening, return to camp for dinner and overnight.

   Game drive time: 6–7 hours
   Overnight: Budget campsite – Ndutu Area
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

5. Day 4 Ngorongoro Crater-Arusha

   Begin the day with an early breakfast before descending into the Ngorongoro Crater floor around 06:30 hrs. The crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, covering approximately 260 square kilometers, and is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife.

   During the game drive, you may encounter black rhinos, African elephants, buffalo, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, and flamingos. A picnic lunch will be served at the Hippo Pool before ascending the crater rim.

   In the afternoon, drive back to Arusha, arriving by approximately 18:00 hrs, marking the end of your unforgettable Tanzania safari adventure.

   Game drive time: 5–6 hours
   Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

   Overnight at Planet Lodge or Under the Shade Arusha

Parks Visited

• Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Prices