Embark on an unforgettable safari adventure to the heart of Tanzania’s Ndutu Plains, the ultimate destination for wildlife enthusiasts during the calving season. Between late January and March, the plains come alive with the annual birth of thousands of wildebeest and zebras, creating one of nature’s most dramatic and photogenic spectacles.
During this period, predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are highly active, offering incredible wildlife sightings for safari-goers. Expect dynamic game drives across vast savannahs, witnessing both the tender moments of newborn animals and the thrilling hunts of predators.
This safari combines expert-led game drives, comfortable lodge or tented camp stays, and opportunities for photography, birdwatching, and guided nature walks, making it ideal for families, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re chasing the perfect shot or simply soaking in the raw beauty of the Serengeti ecosystem, the Ndutu Plains during calving season promises memories that last a lifetime.
Tour Highlights
- Serengeti National Park
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Tarangire National Park
Experience Tanzania’s wildlife wonders in style on this 5-day safari. Explore Tarangire National Park’s elephants and baobabs, the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, and the endless plains of the Serengeti, home to the Great Migration. Stay in premium lodges and tented camps with all meals and drinks included, enjoying thrilling game drives, breathtaking landscapes, and unmatched comfort every day.
Your safari begins with arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, followed by a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its vast herds of elephants and iconic baobab trees. On your first afternoon game drive, you’ll explore the park’s diverse landscapes, spotting wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, and an array of bird species. As the sun sets over the savannah, the golden light illuminates the majestic scenery, creating perfect photo opportunities. After an exciting day in the bush, relax and unwind at Marera Valley Lodge, enjoying the tranquility and comfort of your lodge accommodation.
🏨 Accommodation | Marera Valley Lodge
🍽️ Meal Plan | Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, journey toward the Ngorongoro Crater area, taking in the breathtaking highland landscapes. Stop along the way for short game drives and wildlife viewing, exploring the unique ecosystem of the Crater rim. Continuing on to the Ndutu Plains, you’ll arrive in time for an afternoon game drive to begin your first encounter with the wildlife spectacle of this region. The Ndutu area is renowned for its large herds of wildebeest and zebras, especially as the calving season approaches. Settle into Highview Classic Camp, a comfortable base for your safari, and enjoy a dinner under the stars while listening to the sounds of the African bush.
🏨Accommodation | High View Classic Camp
🍽️Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Your day in and around Ngorongoro Crater could just be one of the most memorable of your whole safari. You’ll explore the crater rim and then drive down onto the crater floor, where the critically endangered black rhinos are the stars of an astonishing wildlife show. You’ll almost certainly see large-tusked elephants, at least one of the Ngorongoro’s four lion prides, and wandering clans of spotted hyenas. It also just happens to be one of Africa’s most beautiful corners, a hidden world where you’ll be surrounded by steep, deep-green crater walls, a salt lake, forests and hippo-filled waterways
🏨Accommodation |High View Classic Camp
🍽️Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Dedicate another full day to Ndutu, maximizing your chance to see predator-prey interactions and newborn animals in their natural habitat. Take early morning and late afternoon game drives, exploring less-traveled areas of the plains. This is an ideal day for photography, birdwatching, and nature observation, capturing the raw beauty of Tanzania’s southern Serengeti ecosystem. In the evening, transfer to Bougainvillea Lodge to enjoy your final night in the Ndutu area.
🏨Accommodation |Bougainvillea Lodge
🍽️Meal Plan |Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
On your final morning, enjoy a short game drive or bush walk before beginning the drive back to Arusha. Along the route, you may stop near Lake Manyara, where tree-climbing lions and flamingos can often be seen. Arrive in Arusha in time for your onward flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of Tanzania’s wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and the incredible calving season spectacle.
🍽️Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch
Rates
Here's how your price comes together.
Cost Includes
- All accommodations
- All activities, unless indicated as optional
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Taxes / VAT
- Flying doctor services
- Drinking water (On all days)
- Park fees
- Professional guide
- Hot Air Balloon Safari
Cost Excludes
- International flights
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$15.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs
- Visa fees, etc.)
he ideal time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season from June to October, when animals gather near water sources and the vegetation is sparse. The period December to February also offers warm, dry conditions with excellent wildlife sightings.
Yes! Jema Safaris offers fully tailor-made itineraries. You can adjust the duration, activities, or accommodation level, or add extra experiences such as cultural tours, additional beach days, or adventure activities.
Our route through Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater provides excellent chances to see the Big Five — lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos. Wildlife sightings depend on the season and animal movements.
Tanzania is generally a safe and welcoming destination. Standard travel precautions — such as keeping personal belongings secure and following your guide’s instructions — ensure a smooth and worry-free safari experience.
We recommend consulting your healthcare provider before travel. Common advice includes vaccines for Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, yellow fever, and rabies depending on your activities. Malaria prophylaxis is also recommended for most areas.
Yes — travel insurance is strongly recommended. It covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or unexpected events during your safari and beach stay.
Essentials include light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a hat, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, camera/binoculars, and swimwear for Zanzibar. Jema Safaris can provide a detailed packing guide tailored to your itinerary.
Yes — all national park entrance fees, Ngorongoro Crater fees, transfers between lodges, and airport pick-ups are included in the price of your safari package.
Absolutely. You will be met at Kilimanjaro International Airport by your Jema Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha to start your adventure.
Your safari guide will be professional and English-speaking. Guides fluent in other languages such as French, German, or Spanish can be arranged upon request.
Yes! You can extend your safari with additional parks, adventure activities, or extra days on Zanzibar. Jema Safaris can help plan extensions such as Mt. Kilimanjaro treks, Pemba or Mafia Island trips, or cultural tours.
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