5 Days Calving Season Safari

Tour Overview

Highlights

• Extended 5-day safari focused on the wildebeest calving season
• Prime wildlife viewing in Ndutu Plains (January–March)
• Excellent chances to witness big cat hunting action
• Multiple game drives in Ndutu Area and Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Full-day game drive inside Ngorongoro Crater
• Opportunity to spot the Big Five
• Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with professional safari guide

1. Pre day Arriving in Tanzania

   Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, you will be met by a Kilisa Tours & Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Later, you will receive a detailed safari briefing from your professional guide, covering the itinerary, wildlife expectations, and safety information.

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

2. Day 1 Arusha – Ndutu Area (Ngorongoro Conservation Area)

   Depart Arusha at approximately 08:00 hrs and drive toward the Ndutu Area, passing through the scenic landscapes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The terrain gradually changes from lush highland forests to open savannah and short-grass plains.

   Upon arrival in Ndutu, begin an afternoon game drive, with a picnic lunch served in the bush. Ndutu is a vital part of the Great Wildebeest Migration route, hosting vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles during the calving season. The presence of Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek attracts abundant wildlife year-round.

   Predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, servals, caracals, and hyenas are commonly encountered, making this area exceptional for wildlife photography.

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

3. Day 2 Full Day Game Drive – Ndutu Area

   After breakfast, enjoy a full day of game viewing in the Ndutu Plains, following the movements of the wildebeest migration. During the peak calving months (January–March), the plains transform into a vast nursery, with newborn calves attracting intense predator activity.

   This extended day allows flexibility to track wildlife behavior, revisit active predator sightings, and explore different parts of the Ndutu ecosystem. A picnic lunch will be served in the bush to maximize time spent in the field.

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

4. Day 3 Ndutu Area – Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Additional Exploration Day)

   This added day enhances the safari experience by allowing additional game drives within the Ndutu and surrounding Ngorongoro Conservation Area. After breakfast, depart for another immersive game drive, focusing on areas less explored during the previous days.

   This day is ideal for tracking elusive species, observing extended predator interactions, and enjoying the dramatic calving season landscapes at a relaxed pace. Wildlife densities remain high, and sightings often include large lion prides, cheetah coalitions, and scavengers.

   In the late afternoon, 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 Ndutu Area – Ngorongoro Crater Rim

   After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Ndutu, capturing final wildlife moments before departing the plains. After a picnic lunch, proceed toward the Ngorongoro Crater rim, with scenic wildlife viewing along the way.

   The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most remarkable natural wonders, supporting a dense population of wildlife within its volcanic walls. The evening is spent relaxing at the crater rim in preparation for the descent the following day.

   Optional activity: Hot Air Balloon Safari (USD 600 per person) – A sunrise flight over the Serengeti ecosystem followed by a champagne-style bush breakfast.

   Game drive time: 5–6 hours
   Overnight: Budget campsite – Ngorongoro Crater Rim
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

6. Day 5 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 hosting an extraordinary diversity of wildlife.

   During the game drive, you may encounter black rhinos, 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 Tanzania safari.

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

Parks Visited

• Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Prices