5-Day Ndutu Safari

Q: When is the Ndutu calving season?

The main calving season is generally January to March, although the exact timing depends on rainfall and grazing conditions.

Q: What wildlife can I see?

You can expect opportunities to see wildebeest, newborn calves, zebras, gazelles, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, giraffes and many bird species.

Q: Why is Ndutu famous during calving season?

The area attracts huge numbers of wildebeest because of its nutrient-rich grasslands. The concentration of newborn calves also attracts predators such as lions, cheetahs and hyenas.

Overview

Experience the spectacular Ndutu Great Migration and Calving Season on this 5-day Tanzania safari, designed for travelers who want to witness newborn wildebeest, massive herds, and exciting predator activity in the Southern Serengeti. Spend three nights at Serengeti Classic View, giving you plenty of time to explore Ndutu and follow the migration through full-day game drives. Look for wildebeest mothers with their calves, zebras, gazelles, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and abundant birdlife. On Day 4, leave the Serengeti and travel through the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands, staying overnight at Inoga Lodge. The safari concludes on Day 5 with a game drive inside the Ngorongoro Crater before returning to Arusha.

Itinerary

Day 01 :

Arusha – Southern Serengeti – Ndutu

Your safari begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Arusha. Meet your professional safari guide and begin your journey toward the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu. As you approach the Serengeti, the landscape changes into vast open plains, acacia woodland, and seasonal wetlands. Begin your first game drive while heading toward the Ndutu area, searching for wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and other wildlife. During the calving season, you may already encounter large herds and newborn calves, while lions, cheetahs, and hyenas may be found following the migration. Continue to Serengeti Classic View for dinner and overnight.

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

Day 02 :

Full-Day Ndutu – Calving Season & Predators

After an early breakfast, enjoy a full-day game drive across the Ndutu plains. This is the main highlight of your safari. During the calving season, thousands of wildebeest gather to give birth, creating one of the most remarkable wildlife spectacles in Tanzania. (NCAA) Spend the day searching for newborn calves, mothers with their young, huge wildebeest herds, zebras, and gazelles. The abundance of newborn animals attracts predators, giving you excellent opportunities to search for: Wildebeest and newborn calves, Zebras and gazelles, Lions and lion prides, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, jackals, elephants and giraffes, ostriches and other birdlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing your afternoon game drive. Return to Serengeti Classic View for dinner and overnight.

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

Day 03 :

Ndutu & Southern Serengeti – Great Migration & Wildlife

After breakfast, continue exploring the Ndutu and Southern Serengeti ecosystem with another full day of wildlife viewing. Your guide will follow the current location of the migration and explore different areas of the plains, seasonal lakes and surrounding habitats. This is an excellent day for wildlife photography and observing natural behavior. Look for wildebeest mothers with calves, large zebra herds, gazelles and predators positioned near the migration. The Ndutu wetlands, lakes, grasslands and woodland also support abundant birdlife, making this a rewarding day for birdwatchers. (NCAA) Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing your afternoon game drive. Return to Serengeti Classic View for your final night in the Serengeti.

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

Day 04 :

Serengeti – Ngorongoro Highlands – Inoga Lodge

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti before leaving the migration area. Continue toward the Ngorongoro Highlands, enjoying changing landscapes as you travel from the open Serengeti plains toward the highlands. Depending on the selected experience, enjoy a cultural visit, nature walk, or other highland activity while learning more about the landscapes and communities around the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Later, continue to Inoga Lodge in Karatu for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Inoga Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 05 :

Ngorongoro Crater – Game Drive – Arusha

After an early breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Crater for your final wildlife experience. Descend into the crater and enjoy a game drive across the crater floor. You may encounter lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas and gazelles. With luck, you may also see the endangered black rhinoceros. (NCAA) Enjoy a picnic lunch in the crater before ascending and beginning your journey back to Arusha. Arrive in Arusha in the late afternoon or evening, marking the end of your 5-Day Ndutu Great Migration Safari.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch