5-Day Luxury Ndutu Calving Safari via Tarangire

Q: When is the Ndutu calving season?

The calving season normally takes place between January and March, with February often being a particularly good time to visit.

Q: Can we see wildebeest giving birth?

There are excellent opportunities to witness births and newborn calves, although actual births cannot be guaranteed.

Q: What will we see during the calving season?

You can expect large herds of wildebeest and zebra, newborn calves, lions, cheetahs, hyenas and other predators.

Overview

This ndutu 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 ndutu safari with us

First, every ndutu 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 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. It also includes a comfortable overnight stay in Karatu, so the travel schedule stays relaxed and realistic.

First, you explore Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater. Then you continue to Ndutu, where you spend three nights at Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge. With two full days in Ndutu, you have plenty of time to follow the migration and witness wildebeest births and newborn calves. You can also search for predators such as lions, cheetahs and hyenas.

Overall, this itinerary suits travellers who want comfort, exceptional wildlife and an unhurried safari. It offers an ideal combination of luxury accommodation, private game drives and unforgettable Great Migration encounters.

Itinerary

Day 01 :

Arusha – Tarangire National Park – Karatu

Leave Arusha early in the morning and drive to Tarangire National Park, approximately 2–3 hours away. First, spend the morning and early afternoon on a game drive through Tarangire. The park is famous for its large elephant populations, ancient baobab trees and diverse wildlife.

Then 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

Day 02 :

Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater – Ndutu

After an early breakfast, set off for the Ngorongoro Crater. Then descend into the crater for a morning game drive and explore its remarkable concentration of wildlife. Meanwhile, look for lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and, with luck, black rhinos.

After lunch, climb out of the crater and continue towards Ndutu. The drive from the Ngorongoro area to Ndutu is approximately 80–90 km. It generally takes around 2–3 hours, depending on road conditions (ndutu.com).

In the afternoon, you arrive at Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge and settle into your luxury tented accommodation. Finally, if time and wildlife conditions allow, enjoy a short introductory game drive before sunset.

Overnight: Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 03 :

Full-Day Ndutu Calving Season Safari

Today you enjoy a full day on the Ndutu plains during the calving season. After breakfast, set out with your guide to follow the migration herds. Along the way, look for wildebeest births, newborn calves and predators such as lions, cheetahs and hyenas.

Later, return to Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge for the evening. For more background on the area, see the ndutu.com fact sheet.

Overnight: Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 04 :

Full-Day Ndutu Calving Season Safari

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 numbers 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 such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas and jackals. As a result, Ndutu is one of the most exciting areas for wildlife viewing during the migration.

Meanwhile, your experienced safari guide follows current wildlife movements and chooses the best areas for game viewing and photography. Finally, return to Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge in the evening.

Overnight: Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 05 :

Full-Day Ndutu Safari

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. This second full day also gives you more flexibility to follow changing wildlife movements, rather than rushing from one place to another.

Also look for wildebeest mothers with their calves, large zebra herds and predators moving through the plains. Then enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before 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

Day 06 :

Ndutu – Arusha

Final Morning Game Drive

Wake early for your final game drive in Ndutu. In fact, the morning is an excellent time to search for predators and watch the migration before your journey back to Arusha.

After the game drive, leave Ndutu and travel back towards Arusha, with lunch on the way. The journey is approximately 280 km and can take around 6–7 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions (ndutu.com). Finally, you arrive in Arusha in the late afternoon or evening. This marks the end of your 5-Day Luxury Ndutu Calving Season Safari – Wildebeest Births & Predator Action.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Safari ends: Arusha