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The 6-Day Great Migration Calving Season Safari offers an incredible opportunity to witness one of nature’s most remarkable spectacles in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. This period, from January to March, is when over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born, attracting predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas in a dramatic display of survival.
This safari takes you deep into the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu region, where the vast grasslands provide the perfect setting for calving. You’ll also explore Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, adding diversity to your wildlife encounters. Expect thrilling game drives, breathtaking landscapes, and close-up views of the Great Migration in action.
With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and immersive wildlife experiences, this safari is ideal for photographers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers looking to witness the circle of life unfold in the African wilderness.
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Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Arusha
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Accommodation: Planet Lodge, Arusha
Meals: Dinner- Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), you will be met by our representative for a warm welcome.
- Transfer to Planet Lodge, Arusha, a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush gardens, offering a relaxing start to your safari.
- Enjoy a delicious dinner and rest ahead of your adventure.
Day 2
Arusha to Tarangire National Park – The Land of Giants
Accommodation: Eileen’s Tree Inn, Karatu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~2.5 hours (120 km)
- After an early breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, renowned for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and diverse wildlife.
- Enjoy a full-day game drive, spotting lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, and over 500 bird species along the Tarangire River.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before continuing your game drive.
- In the late afternoon, drive to Eileen’s Tree Inn in Karatu, a charming lodge offering warm hospitality and comfortable accommodations.
Day 3
Karatu to Ndutu (Southern Serengeti) – The Great Migration Calving Grounds
Accommodation: Kuhama Camp, Ndutu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~4 hours (190 km)
- Depart early for the Ndutu region, located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Southern Serengeti, where the Great Migration herds gather for calving season.
- During January to March, over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born, attracting predators like lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals.
- Game drive en route to Kuhama Camp, a comfortable tented camp offering an immersive safari experience with stunning views of the open plains.
- Settle in and enjoy a delicious dinner under the African sky.
Day 4
Full Day in Ndutu – Witness the Great Migration Calving Season
Accommodation: Kuhama Camp, Ndutu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Today is fully dedicated to exploring the Great Migration calving grounds.
- Spend the day tracking massive wildebeest herds, witnessing the birth of newborn calves, and observing the intense predator-prey interactions.
- Experience unparalleled photography opportunities, capturing the raw beauty of nature.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing your afternoon game drive.
- Return to Kuhama Camp for dinner and a night under the stars.
Day 5
Ndutu to Ngorongoro Crater – Exploring the Wildlife Eden
Accommodation: Eileen’s Tree Inn, Karatu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~3.5 hours (180 km)
- After breakfast, depart for Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife havens and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Descend into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and diverse wildlife.
- Enjoy a game drive across the crater floor, witnessing the densest concentration of animals in Africa.
- After a picnic lunch by the Hippo Pool, continue game viewing before ascending to Karatu.
- Overnight at Eileen’s Tree Inn, Karatu, an elegant lodge offering scenic views and luxurious comfort.
Day 6
Return to Arusha & Departure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive Time: ~3.5 hours (190 km)
- After breakfast, drive back to Arusha, with an optional visit to local souvenir shops or cultural sites.
- Enjoy lunch in Arusha before transferring to the airport for your departure.
- For evening flights, Arusha Town tour can be arranged for freshening up before heading to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK).
✔ All park entry fees & conservation fees (Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Ndutu)
✔ Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing
✔ Professional English, German, Spanish, French -speaking safari guide
✔ Full-board accommodation in lodges & tented camps as per itinerary
✔ All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the safari
✔ Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
✔ Game drives in Serengeti, Ndutu, Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater
✔ Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport / Arusha Airport)
✔ Ngorongoro Crater descent fees
✔ AMREF Flying Doctors emergency evacuation coverage
✔ Government taxes & service charges
✘ International & domestic flights
✘ Visa fees for Tanzania ($50 for most nationalities, $100 for U.S. citizens)
✘ Travel & medical insurance (highly recommended)
✘ Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, etc.)
✘ Alcoholic & soft drinks (unless specified)
✘ Tips & gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff (recommended: $10–$20 per day per traveler for the guide)
✘ Optional activities (hot air balloon safari, Maasai village visit, cultural tours, etc.)
✘ Any extra accommodation before or after the safari (can be arranged upon request)
The best time to witness the calving season is from January to early March, when over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born in the Ndutu region of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This attracts predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, offering incredible wildlife encounters.
During this safari, you can expect to see:
✔ Wildebeest herds giving birth to newborn calves
✔ Predators in action (lions, cheetahs, hyenas, leopards)
✔ The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) in Ngorongoro Crater
✔ Elephant herds, zebras, giraffes, hippos, and diverse birdlife
You will travel in a private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for excellent wildlife viewing and photography. Vehicles are fitted with charging ports, comfortable seats, and a fridge or cooler for drinks.
Yes, most lodges provide Wi-Fi in common areas, but connections may be slow or unavailable in remote locations like Ndutu.
Yes! Lodges and camps can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs with prior notice.
Yes, but we recommend this safari for children 6 years and older due to long drives and wildlife encounters. Some lodges offer family-friendly accommodations.
Absolutely! You can add extra days in the Serengeti, visit Zanzibar for a beach getaway, or include a hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti. Let us know your preferences!
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