5 Days Ndutu Calving Season Joining Group Safari

Q: When is the best time to visit Ndutu?

The best time is December to March, when the Great Migration reaches the southern Serengeti and the annual wildebeest calving season takes place.

Q: Why is the Ndutu Calving Season so special?

During this period, approximately 500,000 wildebeest calves are born on the Ndutu Plains. This attracts large numbers of predators, making it one of the best wildlife-viewing experiences in Africa.

Q: Can I see the Big Five?

Yes. This itinerary offers excellent opportunities to see lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and the endangered Black Rhino, especially in the Ngorongoro Crater.

Q: Is this safari suitable for photographers?

Absolutely. The lush green landscapes, newborn wildebeest, dramatic predator interactions, and abundant wildlife make this one of the best photography safaris in Tanzania.

Q: Is this a joining group safari?

Yes. This is a shared safari where travelers from around the world join together, making it an affordable and social way to explore Tanzania's wildlife.

Overview

This 5 Days Ndutu Group Safari is run by Serengeti Wildlife Safaris, a locally based Tanzanian operator. You travel with an experienced local guide, and we plan every detail with you.

Why book this 5 Days Ndutu Group Safari with us

First, every 5 Days Ndutu Group Safari we run is tailor-made, so we can adjust the dates, accommodation and pace. In addition, our local team supports you from arrival to departure. Before you travel, you can also read about the area on the official Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) website. For more ideas, see our other Serengeti National Park tours.

Experience one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife adventures on this 5 Days Ndutu Calving Season Joining Group Safari. This carefully designed itinerary showcases Tanzania’s most spectacular wildlife destinations during the Great Wildebeest Migration Calving Season.

The safari operates between December and March. During the trip, you visit Tarangire National Park, the lush Ndutu Plains, the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater and the scenic Lake Manyara National Park. In addition, you can choose an optional cultural experience in Mto wa Mbu.

Why the calving season is special

Every year, more than 1.5 million wildebeest migrate across the Serengeti ecosystem. Then, from late December through March, they gather in the fertile Ndutu region, where approximately 500,000 calves are born. As a result, this incredible natural event attracts lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas and other predators. So it is one of the best wildlife spectacles on Earth.

Throughout the safari, you travel in a comfortable shared 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with Serengeti Wildlife Safaris. Our experienced local guides also know the best wildlife viewing locations, and they love sharing Tanzania’s extraordinary natural heritage.

Itinerary

Day 01 :

Arusha – Tarangire National Park

Your safari begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Arusha. Then you set off for Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most beautiful wildlife reserves. Tarangire is famous for its enormous elephant population and iconic baobab trees. It also has the life-giving Tarangire River, which attracts wildlife throughout the year.

During your full-day game drive, look for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest, impalas, ostriches and warthogs. You can also spot some of the more than 550 bird species. Finally, after an exciting day of wildlife viewing, you drive to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Ngare Lodge
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 02 :

Tarangire – Ndutu

After breakfast, you set off for the spectacular Ndutu region, between the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the southern plains of Serengeti National Park. First, you travel through the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands. Then you arrive in Ndutu, where the fertile grasslands attract vast herds of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles during the calving season.

In the afternoon, you go on a game drive to look for lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, jackals and bat-eared foxes. You also see numerous bird species. In this way, you witness the incredible abundance of wildlife that makes Ndutu one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.

Accommodation: Safari Haven Camp – Ndutu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 03 :

Full-Day Game Drive in Ndutu

Today you explore the magnificent Ndutu Plains, one of the most exciting wildlife destinations in Africa. During the day, you follow the Great Migration while thousands of wildebeest calves are born across the open grasslands. So many newborn animals attract predators. As a result, you have unforgettable chances to witness dramatic wildlife interactions and natural hunting behavior.

Meanwhile, your expert safari guide takes you to the best wildlife viewing areas. Here you may see lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos and jackals, as well as countless bird species. At midday, enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush. Then continue your afternoon game drive until sunset.

Accommodation: Safari Haven Camp – Ndutu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 04 :

Ndutu – Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, you drive to the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. Next, you descend approximately 600 meters into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera for an unforgettable game drive. The crater supports one of Africa’s highest concentrations of wildlife. It also offers one of the best chances to see the endangered Black Rhino.

During your safari, look for lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas and flamingos. You may also spot serval cats, jackals and numerous bird species. Finally, after your crater game drive, you continue to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Ngare Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 05 :

Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, you spend your final day either exploring Lake Manyara National Park or taking part in a fascinating Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tour.

Option 1: Lake Manyara National Park

Explore one of Tanzania’s most scenic national parks. It is famous for its lush groundwater forest and soda lake, as well as tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, baboons, blue monkeys and flamingos. In addition, the park is home to over 400 bird species.

Option 2: Mto wa Mbu Cultural Experience

Alternatively, immerse yourself in local Tanzanian culture in the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu. First, meet local communities. Then visit banana plantations, rice farms, local workshops and colorful markets while you learn about the traditions of the many ethnic groups in the area. You may also enjoy a traditional local lunch (optional).

After your chosen activity, you return to Arusha in the afternoon. Finally, this marks the end of your unforgettable safari with Serengeti Wildlife Safaris.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch