5-Day Luxury Ndutu Calving Season Safari

Q: When is the Ndutu calving season?

The calving season usually takes place from January to March, with February often being a peak period.

Q: What can I expect to see in Ndutu?

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

Q: Is this safari suitable for honeymooners and couples?

Absolutely. The combination of luxury accommodation, intimate wilderness experiences, and exceptional wildlife makes it ideal for couples and honeymooners

Q: What is the best month for this safari?

February is generally considered one of the best months for the calving season, although wildlife movements depend on rainfall and natural conditions.

Overview

This ndutu safari lodge 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 lodge with us

First, every ndutu safari lodge 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 in style on this exclusive 5-day luxury safari, built around the spectacular Ndutu calving season. The journey combines the calm elegance of Gibb’s Farm in the Ngorongoro highlands with the exceptional wildlife location of Ndutu Safari Lodge. As a result, you stay close to the heart of the migration.

Your safari begins in Arusha and first takes you into the Ngorongoro highlands. There you enjoy a luxurious stay at Gibb’s Farm before you explore the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. Then you continue to Ndutu for three nights at Ndutu Safari Lodge. So you have valuable time on the calving plains without long daily transfers.

Following the calving herds

During your full-day Ndutu game drives, you follow the great herds of wildebeest and zebra as they gather to give birth. The many newborn calves create extraordinary chances to witness the circle of life. At the same time, they attract predators such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas and jackals.

In addition, your private safari vehicle and experienced guide let you follow wildlife movements at a comfortable pace. This also helps you make the most of your photography opportunities.

Itinerary

Day 01 :

Arusha – Ngorongoro Highlands

Your luxury safari begins in Arusha, where your private safari guide meets you in the morning. Then you drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and enjoy the changing landscapes as you leave the town behind. Later, you arrive at Gibb’s Farm, a beautiful historic property set among lush gardens and coffee plantations on the slopes of Ngorongoro.

After check-in, enjoy a leisurely lunch and some time to relax. In the afternoon, you may explore the farm, coffee plantation and gardens, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Gibb’s Farm also offers a variety of farm and nature experiences, such as coffee activities, garden walks and walks into the surrounding forest. (Gibb's Farm | A Sanctuary for the Senses)

Overnight: Gibb’s Farm
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 02 :

Ngorongoro Crater – Ndutu(ndutu safari lodge)

Rise early for a memorable day of wildlife exploration. After breakfast, you descend into the Ngorongoro Crater in your private safari vehicle for a spectacular game drive. The crater is renowned for its exceptional concentration of wildlife. For example, you may encounter lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and, with luck, the endangered black rhinoceros.

Next, enjoy a picnic lunch in the crater before you climb out and continue towards Ndutu. Along the way, the landscape gradually opens into the southern plains. In the afternoon, you arrive at Nyikani Migration Camp and settle into your accommodation. Then, if time and wildlife activity allow, you enjoy an introductory game drive around the Ndutu area before dinner at the lodge.

Overnight: Nyikani Migration Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 03 :

Full-Day Ndutu Calving Season Safari

Today is all about the Great Wildebeest Migration. After an early breakfast, you head into the Ndutu plains with a picnic lunch. During the calving season, enormous herds of wildebeest gather on the short-grass plains. Here the abundance of fresh grass provides ideal conditions for mothers and newborns.

Spend the day following the herds and observing the incredible cycle of life. For example, you may witness mothers giving birth and newborn calves taking their first uncertain steps. You may also see large groups of wildebeest and zebra moving across the plains.

The many young animals also attract predators. So keep your eyes open for lions, cheetahs, hyenas and jackals moving through the herds. Meanwhile, your guide carefully positions the vehicle for excellent wildlife viewing and photography, while respecting the animals and the wilderness. Finally, you return to Nyikani Migration Camp in the evening for a relaxed dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight: Nyikani Migration Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 04 :

Ndutu – Southern Serengeti. A Day Among the Migration

Wake early for another extraordinary day in the wilderness. After breakfast, you set out with your guide to explore the Ndutu and southern Serengeti plains. Your guide also adapts the route to the latest wildlife movements. Today you immerse yourself in the Migration rather than simply driving from one destination to another.

First, follow large herds of wildebeest and zebra. Then search for newborn calves and observe the predators that gather around the nursery grounds. The open landscape provides excellent visibility. In addition, dramatic skies, green plains, wildlife and newborn animals create outstanding photography opportunities.

At midday, enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before you continue your game drive into the afternoon. Finally, as the sun sinks lower, you return to Nyikani Migration Camp to relax after an exceptional day of wildlife viewing.

Overnight: Nyikani Migration Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 05 :

Ndutu – Arusha

Enjoy an early breakfast, followed by your final morning game drive in Ndutu. This is your last chance to search for the Migration herds, newborn calves and predators before your journey back towards Arusha.

After the game drive, you leave Ndutu and travel through the scenic landscapes of northern Tanzania. On the way, enjoy lunch before you continue to Arusha. Finally, you arrive in Arusha in the late afternoon or evening, which marks the end of your 5-Day Luxury Ndutu Calving Season Safari.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Safari ends: Arusha.