6-Day Great Migration Ndutu Calving Season Safari.

6 days Lake Manyara, Ndutu Region & Ngorongoro Crater

Tour Type
Private tour
Start
Arusha
End
Arusha
Minimum People
1+

Tour Description:

Commence a unforgettable 6-day safari designed to immerse you in one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles—the Great Migration’s calving season. From December to March, the vast plains of Ndutu in the Southern Serengeti become the stage for the birth of over 8,000 wildebeest calves daily, attracting an abundance of predators and creating dramatic wildlife encounters.

This journey takes you through Lake Manyara National Park, home to tree-climbing lions and diverse birdlife, before venturing into the Ndutu area, where vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles gather for the birthing season. Witness the raw beauty of the Serengeti, tracking predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, and experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Ngorongoro Crater, a haven for Africa’s iconic wildlife.

With luxury tented camps and lodges, intimate wildlife encounters, and expert guides, this safari offers the perfect blend of adventure and comfort. Prepare for an awe-inspiring journey into the heart of the wild, where each day brings a new and unforgettable experience.

Tour Highlights:

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Gateway to Your Safari Adventure.
Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park – A Wildlife Haven Between Forests and Rift Valley.
Day 3: Journey to Ndutu – Witnessing the Great Migration in Southern Serengeti.
Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Ndutu – The Heart of the Calving Season.
Day 5: Tracking the Herds – Ndutu to Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater – The Final Safari Experience & Return to Arusha.

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative, who will assist you with immigration formalities if needed. After a refreshing meet-and-greet, you will be transferred to Arusha, a vibrant city nestled at the foot of Mount Meru.

At your hotel, take time to unwind from your journey and prepare for the adventure ahead. If you arrive early, you may explore the city, visit local markets, or simply relax at the lodge. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and an overnight stay in preparation for the start of your safari.

❖ Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel

After an early breakfast at the hotel, set off towards Lake Manyara National Park, a lush green paradise nestled between the towering cliffs of the Great Rift Valley and the expansive soda lake. Upon arrival, embark on an exciting full-day game drive, where you will encounter diverse wildlife, including large elephant herds, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and the famous tree-climbing lions—a rare sight found only in this region.

As you traverse the park’s varied landscapes—dense groundwater forests, open floodplains, and the shimmering lake—you will witness an extraordinary display of over 400 bird species, from flamingos to vibrant kingfishers.

For lunch, your guide will set up a bush dining experience in the shade, offering a hot meal complemented by a glass of wine, tea, or coffee. After an eventful day, return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.

❖ Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House

Wake up to the fresh highland air and enjoy breakfast at the lodge before heading toward Ndutu, the prime location for the wildebeest calving season. As you enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Southern Serengeti, the landscape transforms into endless short-grass plains, providing ideal conditions for the migrating herds.

Arrive in Ndutu for a thrilling game drive, following the massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, all gathered for the birthing season. You may witness a live wildebeest birth, an emotional moment followed closely by lurking predators—cheetahs, lions, hyenas, and jackals—ready to seize the opportunity.

Lunch will be served in a scenic spot before continuing your exploration until sunset. Later, head to your luxurious tented camp, where you can enjoy a cozy evening by the fire, a gourmet dinner, and a restful night under the African stars.

❖ Accommodation: Enkutoto Migration Camp

Rise early for an action-packed full-day game drive in the Ndutu plains, where nature’s most dramatic scenes unfold. During this period, over 400,000 calves are born within a three-week window, making it an unparalleled time to witness predator-prey interactions. Watch as lion prides, cheetahs, and hyenas take advantage of the young and vulnerable wildebeest calves.

Explore the varied terrain of woodlands, soda lakes, and open plains, capturing stunning wildlife moments through your camera lens. After a rewarding morning, return to the camp for a hot lunch and some leisure time. In the late afternoon, embark on another game drive, searching for elusive leopards, rhinos, and the resident elephants and giraffes that roam the area.

End the day with a mesmerizing sunset over the Serengeti, followed by a hearty dinner and storytelling around the campfire.

❖ Accommodation: Enkutoto Migration Camp

After breakfast, embark on your final game drive in Ndutu, focusing on tracking the great herds as they continue their migration journey. Observe calves taking their first steps, watch the synchronized movements of zebras and wildebeest, and spot the predators strategizing their next hunt.

At midday, enjoy a bush lunch under an acacia tree, before beginning your drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As you ascend into the highlands, the landscape shifts from open savannah to acacia woodlands and misty crater forests, offering a refreshing contrast to the previous days.

Arrive at your luxury camp near Ngorongoro Crater, where you will have dinner and an early night, preparing for tomorrow’s crater adventure.

❖ Accommodation: Acacia Ngorongoro Luxury Camp

Today, wake up before sunrise for an early descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an astonishing concentration of wildlife, including the rare black rhino, massive elephant bulls, and large prides of lions and hyenas.

Enjoy a spectacular morning game drive across the crater floor, passing lush grasslands, acacia forests, and Lake Magadi, where large flocks of flamingos, hippos, and other waterbirds thrive. Keep an eye out for buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, and elusive leopards as you traverse this natural wonder.

Midday, you will stop for a final bush lunch, before beginning your ascent out of the crater and heading back to Arusha. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight, or dropped off at your hotel if you have post-safari accommodations arranged.

❖ Accommodation: No accommodation (End of Tour)

Price

Solo: $
2 People: $
4 People: $
6 People: $

Inclusion &
Exclusion

Park Fees & Taxes: Covers all government park entry fees and conservation charges.
Inclusive Activities: Enjoy all excursions and experiences unless labeled as optional.
Expert Guidance: A professional driver-guide to enhance your safari experience.
Comfortable Accommodation: Stay in well-selected lodges or camps (upgrades available).
Seamless Transportation: All transfers included, unless stated otherwise.
Refreshments: Bottled mineral water and soda provided throughout the safari.

International Flights: Airfare to and from your home country is not included.
Personal Expenses: Covers souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, and other personal items.
Gratuities: Tips for guides (recommended $20 per person per day).

Important
Information

Prices are per person and do not include international flights to and from your home country.
This tour welcomes children aged 2 and above. Discounts apply for children under 12, and those under 5 can join for free.
In case of fully booked accommodations, we will offer a suitable alternative of similar quality.