5 Days Ndutu Calving Season Joining Group Safari

Q: When is the best time to visit Ndutu?

The best time is December to March, when the Great Migration reaches the southern Serengeti and the annual wildebeest calving season takes place.

Q: Why is the Ndutu Calving Season so special?

During this period, approximately 500,000 wildebeest calves are born on the Ndutu Plains. This attracts large numbers of predators, making it one of the best wildlife-viewing experiences in Africa.

Q: Can I see the Big Five?

Yes. This itinerary offers excellent opportunities to see lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and the endangered Black Rhino, especially in the Ngorongoro Crater.

Q: Is this safari suitable for photographers?

Absolutely. The lush green landscapes, newborn wildebeest, dramatic predator interactions, and abundant wildlife make this one of the best photography safaris in Tanzania.

Q: Is this a joining group safari?

Yes. This is a shared safari where travelers from around the world join together, making it an affordable and social way to explore Tanzania's wildlife.

Overview

Experience one of Africa's most remarkable wildlife adventures on this 5 Days Ndutu Calving Season Joining Group Safari, a carefully designed itinerary that showcases Tanzania's most spectacular wildlife destinations during the Great Wildebeest Migration Calving Season. Operating between December and March, this safari takes you to Tarangire National Park, the lush Ndutu Plains, the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, and the scenic Lake Manyara National Park, with an optional cultural experience in Mto wa Mbu. Every year, more than 1.5 million wildebeest migrate across the Serengeti ecosystem, and from late December through March they gather in the fertile Ndutu region, where approximately 500,000 calves are born. This incredible natural event attracts lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and other predators, making it one of the best wildlife spectacles on Earth. Travel in a comfortable shared 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with Serengeti Wildlife Safaris, accompanied by experienced local guides who know the best wildlife viewing locations and are passionate about sharing Tanzania's extraordinary natural heritage

Itinerary

Day 01 :

Arusha – Tarangire National Park

Your safari begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Arusha before departing for Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania's most beautiful wildlife reserves. Tarangire is famous for its enormous elephant population, iconic baobab trees, and the life-giving Tarangire River, which attracts wildlife throughout the year. During your full-day game drive, search for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest, impalas, ostriches, warthogs, and more than 550 bird species. After an exciting day of wildlife viewing, drive to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Ngare Lodge
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 02 :

Tarangire – Ndutu

After breakfast, depart for the spectacular Ndutu region, located between the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the southern plains of Serengeti National Park. Travel through the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands before arriving in Ndutu, where the fertile grasslands attract vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles during the calving season. Enjoy an afternoon game drive as you search for lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, jackals, bat-eared foxes, and numerous bird species. Witness the incredible abundance of wildlife that makes Ndutu one of Africa's premier safari destinations.

Accommodation: Safari Haven Camp – Ndutu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 03 :

Full-Day Game Drive in Ndutu

Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the magnificent Ndutu Plains, one of the most exciting wildlife destinations in Africa. Spend the day following the Great Migration as thousands of wildebeest calves are born across the open grasslands. The abundance of newborn animals attracts predators, offering unforgettable opportunities to witness dramatic wildlife interactions and natural hunting behavior. Your expert safari guide will take you to the best wildlife viewing areas, where you may encounter lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, jackals, and countless bird species. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush before continuing your afternoon game drive until sunset.

Accommodation: Safari Haven Camp – Ndutu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 04 :

Ndutu – Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, drive to the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. Descend approximately 600 meters into the world's largest intact volcanic caldera for an unforgettable game drive. The crater supports one of Africa's highest concentrations of wildlife and offers one of the best opportunities to see the endangered Black Rhino. During your safari, look for lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas, flamingos, serval cats, jackals, and numerous bird species. After your crater game drive, continue to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Ngare Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 05 :

Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, enjoy your final day exploring either Lake Manyara National Park or taking part in a fascinating Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tour.

Option 1: Lake Manyara National Park

Explore one of Tanzania's most scenic national parks, famous for its lush groundwater forest, soda lake, tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, baboons, blue monkeys, flamingos, and over 400 bird species.

Option 2: Mto wa Mbu Cultural Experience

Immerse yourself in local Tanzanian culture by visiting the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu. Meet local communities, visit banana plantations, rice farms, local workshops, and colorful markets while learning about the traditions of the many ethnic groups living in the area. You may also enjoy a traditional local lunch (optional).

After your chosen activity, return to Arusha in the afternoon, marking the end of your unforgettable safari with Serengeti Wildlife Safaris.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch