Experience the Great Wildebeest Migration during the spectacular calving season on this carefully designed 5-day luxury safari. The journey combines the wildlife-rich landscapes of Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and the Ndutu plains, with a comfortable overnight stay in Karatu to ensure a relaxed and realistic travel schedule. After exploring Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater, continue to Ndutu, where you will spend three nights at Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge. With two full days dedicated to Ndutu, there is plenty of time to follow the migration, witness wildebeest births and newborn calves, and search for predators such as lions, cheetahs and hyenas. Designed for travellers seeking comfort, exceptional wildlife and an unhurried safari experience, this itinerary offers an ideal combination of luxury accommodation, private game drives and unforgettable Great Migration encounters.
Depart Arusha early in the morning and drive to Tarangire National Park, approximately 2–3 hours away. Spend the morning and early afternoon on a game drive through Tarangire, famous for its large elephant populations, ancient baobab trees and diverse wildlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before continuing towards the Ngorongoro highlands. In the late afternoon, leave Tarangire and drive to Karatu for a relaxing evening and overnight stay.
Overnight: Gibb’s Farm Lodge
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
After an early breakfast, depart for the Ngorongoro Crater. Descend into the crater for a morning game drive, exploring its remarkable concentration of wildlife. Look for lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and, with luck, black rhinos. After lunch, ascend from the crater and continue towards Ndutu. The drive from the Ngorongoro area to Ndutu is approximately 80–90 km and generally takes around 2–3 hours, depending on road conditions. (ndutu.com) Arrive at Lake Ndutu Luxury TentedLodge in the afternoon and settle into your luxury tented accommodation. If time and wildlife conditions allow, enjoy a short introductory game drive before sunset.
Overnight: Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After an early breakfast, depart for the Ngorongoro Crater. Descend into the crater for a morning game drive, exploring its remarkable concentration of wildlife. Look for lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and, with luck, black rhinos. After lunch, ascend from the crater and continue towards Ndutu. The drive from the Ngorongoro area to Ndutu is approximately 80–90 km and generally takes around 2–3 hours, depending on road conditions. (ndutu.com) Arrive at Lake Ndutu Luxury TentedLodge in the afternoon and settle into your luxury tented accommodation. If time and wildlife conditions allow, enjoy a short introductory game drive before sunset.
Overnight: Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Wildebeest Births & Predator Action
Today is dedicated entirely to the Ndutu calving season. After an early breakfast, head into the plains with a picnic lunch. During this spectacular period, huge concentrations of wildebeest gather across the short-grass plains to give birth. Spend the day following the migration and looking for newborn calves, wildebeest herds, zebra and dramatic predator activity. The abundance of young animals attracts predators including lions, cheetahs, hyenas and jackals, making Ndutu one of the most exciting areas for wildlife viewing during the migration. Your experienced safari guide will follow current wildlife movements and select the best areas for game viewing and photography. Return to Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge in the evening.
Overnight: Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following the Migration
Enjoy another full day exploring Ndutu and the surrounding Southern Serengeti ecosystem. After breakfast, set out with your private safari guide to search for the migration herds. The second full day gives you greater flexibility to follow changing wildlife movements rather than rushing from one location to another. Look for wildebeest mothers with their calves, large zebra herds and predators moving through the plains. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing your afternoon game drive. As the sun begins to set, return to Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge for your final evening in the wilderness.
Overnight: Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Final Morning Game Drive
Wake early for your final game drive in Ndutu. The morning is an excellent time to search for predators and observe the migration before beginning your journey back to Arusha. After the game drive, depart Ndutu and travel back towards Arusha, enjoying lunch en route. The journey from Ndutu to Arusha is approximately 280 km and can take around 6–7 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions. (ndutu.com) Arrive in Arusha in the late afternoon or evening, marking the end of your 5-Day Luxury Ndutu Calving Season Safari – Wildebeest Births & Predator Action.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Safari ends: Arusha
The calving season normally takes place between January and March, with February often being a particularly good time to visit.
There are excellent opportunities to witness births and newborn calves, although actual births cannot be guaranteed.
You can expect large herds of wildebeest and zebra, newborn calves, lions, cheetahs, hyenas and other predators.
