6-Day Tanzania Ndutu Calving Season Safari

Q: What wildlife can I see?

You may see wildebeest, newborn calves, zebras, gazelles, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, giraffes and many bird species.

Q: Can I see wildebeest giving birth?

Yes, Ndutu is one of the best areas to look for newborn wildebeest and, with luck, witness births. Wildlife events cannot be guaranteed.

Q: Why spend four nights in the Serengeti?

The extra time allows you to explore Ndutu and the Southern Serengetimore extensively and gives you better opportunities to follow the migration and find predators.

Q: When is the Ndutu calving season?

The calving season is generally January to March, depending on rainfall and grazing conditions.

Overview

This 6-day Tanzania 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 6-day Tanzania safari with us

First, every 6-day Tanzania 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 the spectacular Ndutu Calving Season and Great Migration on this 6-day Tanzania safari. We designed the journey for travelers who want extended time in the Southern Serengeti. So you follow the migration and see the incredible concentration of wildlife during the calving season.

First, you spend four nights in the Serengeti, with several full-day game drives around Ndutu and the wider Southern Serengeti. Here you look for huge wildebeest herds, newborn calves, zebras and gazelles. You also watch for the predators that follow the migration, such as lions, cheetahs and spotted hyenas. In addition, the Serengeti offers excellent birdwatching and wildlife photography.

Ngorongoro Highlands and Crater

On Day 5, you leave the Serengeti and explore the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands. Then you continue to Inoga Lodge for the night. On the final day, you descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a memorable game drive before returning to Arusha.

In this way, the safari combines the best of the Great Migration, the Ndutu calving season and Southern Serengeti wildlife. It also adds the Ngorongoro Highlands and the Ngorongoro Crater, all in one carefully planned Tanzania safari.

Itinerary

Day 01 :

6-Day Tanzania Ndutu Calving Season Safari

Your safari begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Arusha. First, you meet your professional safari guide. Then you set off toward the Southern Serengeti and the Ndutu area. During the scenic drive through northern Tanzania, farmland slowly gives way to the vast plains of the Serengeti.

As you approach the Southern Serengeti, your first game drive begins. During the calving season, the area attracts huge numbers of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles. Meanwhile, your guide searches for the migration as well as predators such as lions, cheetahs and hyenas. Finally, you continue to Serengeti Classic View for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Serengeti Classic View
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 02 :

Full-Day Ndutu – Great Migration & Calving Season

After an early breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive in the Ndutu area.

This is the heart of your Great Migration experience. During the calving season, the short-grass plains become a nursery for the wildebeest migration. So you may see mothers giving birth, newborn calves taking their first steps and enormous herds crossing the plains.

The many young animals also attract predators. As a result, you have excellent chances to look for wildebeest and newborn calves, zebras and gazelles, and lions. In addition, keep an eye out for elephants and giraffes, ostriches and other birds.

Later, enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before your afternoon game drive. Then return to Serengeti Classic View for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Serengeti Classic View
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 03 :

Ndutu – Migration, Predators & Wildlife Photography

Wake early for another full day exploring Ndutu and the Southern Serengeti. With a second day in the migration area, you have more time to follow the herds and explore different habitats. The morning also offers excellent photography, thanks to beautiful light and active wildlife.

Meanwhile, your guide monitors wildlife movements and looks for predator activity around the migration. For example, you may meet lion prides, cheetahs, hyenas and other carnivores following the herds. After a picnic lunch, the afternoon game drive explores the plains, seasonal lakes and surrounding areas. Finally, return to Serengeti Classic View for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Serengeti Classic View
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 04 :

Full-Day Serengeti – Great Migration & Wildlife

After breakfast, enjoy another full day in the Serengeti. Instead of leaving the park today, you spend the entire day continuing your wildlife experience. So you have extra time to explore areas where the migration and predators are currently active. Your guide also chooses the best locations, based on recent sightings and herd movements.

During the day, you may see large wildebeest herds, zebras, gazelles, elephants, giraffes and buffaloes. Meanwhile, predators such as lions, cheetahs and hyenas may be nearby. For bird lovers, the Serengeti also offers raptors, vultures, ostriches, storks and colorful savanna birds.

At midday, enjoy a picnic lunch during the game drive, then keep exploring until the afternoon. Later, return to Serengeti Classic View for your fourth and final night in the Serengeti.

Accommodation: Serengeti Classic View
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 05 :

Serengeti – Ngorongoro Highlands – Inoga Lodge

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive as you leave the Serengeti. Then continue toward the Ngorongoro Highlands. Here the landscape changes dramatically, from open plains to green highlands, forests and farmland.

Today is all about the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands. Depending on the selected activity, you may visit a local community or enjoy a nature walk. You can also explore the highland landscapes or learn about traditional life in the area. After your highland experience, you continue to Inoga Lodge in the Karatu area. Finally, check in, relax and enjoy dinner at the lodge.

Accommodation: Inoga Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 06 :

Ngorongoro Crater – Game Drive – Arusha

After an early breakfast, you set off for the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater. First, descend into the crater for a morning game drive across the crater floor. The crater holds a remarkable concentration of wildlife, so it makes an excellent final safari experience.

Look for lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas and gazelles. With luck, you may also see the endangered black rhinoceros. Next, enjoy a picnic lunch in the crater before you climb out and head back to Arusha. Finally, you arrive in Arusha in the late afternoon or evening and say goodbye to your safari guide.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch