Calving Season Safari Adventure
Destinations:
Tarangire, Ndutu, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater
Safari Overview
This seven-day safari follows one of the most rewarding wildlife routes in Northern Tanzania during the calving season. The tour begins in Tarangire National Park before continuing to the Ndutu region, where large concentrations of wildebeest gather between December and March to give birth on the short grass plains.
The safari then continues into Central Serengeti, a region known for year round wildlife viewing and excellent predator sightings. The final stage takes you to the Ngorongoro Highlands and into the famous Ngorongoro Crater, home to one of Africa’s highest densities of wildlife. The route balances quality game viewing, comfortable accommodation, and enough time in each destination to appreciate each destination.
Experiences:
Wildlife, Great Migration, Calving Season, Photography, Game Viewing
Suitable for:
Couples, Honeymooners, Families, Solo Travellers, Private Groups
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Kilimanjaro Int’l Airport - transfer to hotel in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by your driver guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. The remainder of the day is reserved for relaxation after your international flight and preparation for the safari ahead.
Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to enjoy the lodge facilities or simply rest before the adventure begins. A safari briefing will be provided either upon arrival or later in the evening.
Meal Plan
Bed and Breakfast
Overnight
Comfortable hotel in Arusha
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart Arusha and travel southwest toward Tarangire National Park for your first game drive. Covering approximately 2,850 km², Tarangire is known for its impressive elephant population, ancient baobab trees, and the Tarangire River, which serves as a reliable water source for wildlife throughout much of the year.
As you explore the park, you may encounter elephant herds, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, and several antelope species. Predators including lions and leopards are also present, although sightings depend on wildlife activity. Lunch is served at a designated picnic site within the park before continuing with an afternoon game drive. Later in the day, proceed to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight
Tented camp in Tarangire
Day 3: Tarangire to Ndutu - Serengeti National Park
Following breakfast, continue toward the Ndutu region, situated within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and bordering the southern Serengeti ecosystem. The drive offers changing scenery as the landscape gradually opens into vast grasslands. Between December and March, Ndutu hosts one of the most important stages of the Great Migration as hundreds of thousands of wildebeest gather to calve on the nutrient rich plains.
During this period, thousands of calves can be born each day, attracting predators such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals. After arriving in Ndutu, enjoy an afternoon game drive focused on migration activity and predator interactions. The flexible off road game viewing permitted in this area allows guides to position vehicles effectively while respecting wildlife regulations
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight
Tented camp in Ndutu
Day 4: Ndutu to Central Serengeti
The morning begins with a game drive in the Ndutu region before continuing toward Central Serengeti. Wildlife activity remains excellent throughout this transition, particularly during the calving season when predator sightings are frequent. As you travel northward, the landscape gradually changes from open short grass plains to the rolling savannah and granite kopjes that characterize Central Serengeti. Covering approximately 14,763 km², Serengeti National Park supports one of the world’s most significant wildlife ecosystems. Upon arrival in the Seronera area, enjoy an afternoon game drive exploring river valleys, open plains, and rocky outcrops that provide habitat for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous antelope species. Continue to your lodge in time for dinner and a relaxed evening.
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight
Tented lodge in Central Serengeti
Day 5: Full Day in Central Serengeti
Today is dedicated to exploring Central Serengeti, one of the most rewarding wildlife viewing areas in East Africa. The Seronera Valley supports permanent water sources that attract wildlife throughout the year, creating excellent opportunities for game viewing regardless of season. You may choose to begin the day with an optional hot air balloon safari, available at an additional cost and requiring advance booking.
After landing, a bush breakfast is served before continuing with game drives. Throughout the day, your guide will focus on areas where wildlife activity has recently been reported. Lion prides, leopards resting in riverine trees, cheetahs scanning the plains, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous herbivore species are commonly encountered. A picnic lunch is enjoyed in the park before returning to camp later in the afternoon.
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight
Tented lodge in Central Serengeti
Day 6: Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
An early morning game drive offers one final opportunity to experience the Serengeti at a time when wildlife activity is often at its highest. After breakfast at the lodge, continue with a final game viewing drive while gradually making your way toward the southeastern boundary of the park. This journey provides opportunities for additional sightings before leaving the Serengeti ecosystem behind.
By midday, proceed toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where the terrain changes noticeably as elevation increases and the climate becomes cooler. The route passes through the highlands surrounding the crater and offers impressive views of the surrounding landscape. After arriving at your lodge on the crater rim or nearby highlands, enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure before dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight
Mid-range lodge in Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha and Departure
After an early breakfast, descend approximately 600 metres into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half day game drive. The crater floor covers about 260 km² and supports a remarkable concentration of wildlife within a relatively compact area. Open grasslands, freshwater springs, swamps, acacia woodland, and Lake Magadi create a variety of habitats that sustain animals throughout the year.
Wildlife commonly seen includes lions, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, hippos, elephants, and, with luck, the endangered black rhinoceros. Following a picnic lunch at a designated site inside the crater, ascend to the rim and begin the drive back to Arusha. Depending on your international flight schedule, transfer directly to Kilimanjaro Int’l Airport for your onward journey.
Meal Plan
Breakfast and Lunch
Overnight
None
Price Includes
- All entry fees
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation as specified
- Domestic flight from Arusha to Serengeti
- Domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
- Private safari vehicle
- English speaking guide
- Scheduled game drives as indicated
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during safari
- Government taxes and levies applicable at the time of booking
Price Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Entry visa fees
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Optional activities in Zanzibar
- Laundry services
- Items of a personal nature
- Any services not specifically mentioned under ‘Price Includes’
Inquire this Tour
How to Book a Safari With Us
Let's plan your trip
Enquire now and a Travel Expert will get back to you within 24 hours.
Wildlife Beyond Expectations
Featured Safari Packages
