5-Day Tanzania Ndutu Calving Season Safari

Q: When is the Ndutu calving season?

The calving season normally takes place between January and March, with January and February often offering excellent opportunities to see newborn wildebeest.

Q: What makes Ndutu special during the calving season?

Ndutu becomes a major gathering area for the Great Wildebeest Migration. Thousands of wildebeest come to the nutrient-rich plains to give birth, attracting predators such as lions, cheetahs and hyenas.

Q: What wildlife can I expect to see?

You may see wildebeest, newborn calves, zebra, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, gazelles and many other species

Overview

Experience the unforgettable Ndutu Calving Season on this 5-day Tanzania safari, specially designed for travelers who want to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration during one of its most spectacular moments. The journey takes you through Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Ndutu plains, with dedicated time to follow the migrating herds and observe the incredible predator activity that accompanies the calving season. The highlight of the safari is the time spent in Ndutu, where thousands of wildebeest gather to give birth. The nutrient-rich short-grass plains provide ideal conditions for newborn calves, while lions, cheetahs, hyenas and other predators are drawn to the abundance of young animals. You will enjoy 4 nights at Serengeti Classic View, providing a comfortable base throughout the safari. With early-morning and full-day game drives, the itinerary allows you to experience the landscapes, wildlife, and dramatic moments of the migration at a relaxed pace.

Itinerary

Day 01 :

Arusha – Tarangire National Park

Your 5-day Ndutu Calving Season Safari begins with a morning departure from Arusha. Drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its impressive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees and diverse wildlife. Upon arrival, enjoy a game drive through the park, exploring its beautiful landscapes and searching for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, gazelles and numerous bird species. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before continuing your journey toward your accommodation. In the afternoon, proceed toward Serengeti Classic View, where you will arrive in the evening. Enjoy dinner and relax at the lodge as you prepare for the exciting Ndutu Calving Season experience ahead.

Accommodation: Inoga Karatu Lodge
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 02 :

Ngorongoro Crater – Ndutu

After an early breakfast, travel toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive. Explore the crater floor, where you may encounter lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas and, with luck, black rhinos. After lunch, continue toward Ndutu, entering the heart of the Southern Serengeti ecosystem. During the calving season, the area attracts enormous concentrations of wildebeest and zebra. Enjoy an afternoon game drive before returning to your accommodation.

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

Day 03 :

Full-Day Ndutu Calving Season Safari

Today is dedicated entirely to the Ndutu Calving Season. Start with an early morning game drive when wildlife is most active. Explore the Ndutu plains and surrounding areas in search of the Great Migration herds and newborn wildebeest calves. The abundance of young animals attracts predators, offering opportunities to see lions, cheetahs, hyenas andjackals hunting or following the migration. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness and continue exploring throughout the afternoon. Your experienced guide will follow the movement of the herds and choose the best areas for wildlife viewing. Return to Serengeti Classic View in the evening.

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

Day 04 :

Ndutu – Southern Serengeti – Full-Day Game Drive

After breakfast, spend another full day exploring Ndutu and the Southern Serengeti. With another full day in the area, your guide can follow current wildlife movements and search for exceptional sightings. Look for large wildebeest and zebra herds, newborn calves, lions resting near the migration, cheetahs hunting across the plains, and hyenas moving through the grasslands. The green landscapes of the calving season also provide excellent opportunities for wildlife photography. Enjoy lunch in the bush before continuing with the afternoon game drive and returning to camp in the evening.

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

Day 05 :

Ndutu – Arusha

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Ndutu. Take the opportunity to search for the migration herds and enjoy one last wildlife experience in the calving grounds. After the game drive, begin your journey back to Arusha by road. Enjoy the changing landscapes of northern Tanzania along the way, with lunch en route. Arrive in Arusha in the late afternoon or evening, marking the end of your 5-Day Tanzania Ndutu Calving Season Safari.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch