6 Days
Calving Season Ndutu
Safari
Overview
Experience one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles on this unforgettable 6-day Ndutu Calving Season Safari. Journey through Northern Tanzania’s iconic landscapes, from the Ngorongoro Highlands to the wildlife-rich plains of Ndutu, where thousands of wildebeest gather to give birth during the Great Migration. Enjoy exceptional game viewing with opportunities to witness predator-prey interactions, large herds of wildebeest and zebra, and diverse resident wildlife in their natural habitat. Explore the stunning Ndutu region and Ngorongoro Conservation Area while staying in comfortable safari accommodations, before concluding your adventure with a scenic return to Arusha for your onward journey.
Day by day
Full Itinerary
JRO/ARK to Arusha
You’ll be met at the airport by a Heart of Africa representative and transferred to your accommodation in Arusha. Here, you’ll unwind and settle in ahead of your safari adventure.
Heart of Africa Lodge, located in the heart of Arusha, offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by the natural beauty of the Tanzanian landscape. Set on a tranquil plot off Ryan Road in Kisongo, just a short 10–15 minute drive from Arusha Airport, Heart of Africa Lodge is nestled within lush gardens and open lawns—the perfect oasis to unwind before or after your safari.
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
In the morning, your personal safari guide will collect you from your lodge in Arusha as you begin your journey to Tarangire National Park. Traveling along a smooth tarmac road, you’ll pass through the scenic Maasai plains dotted with acacia trees. Along the way, spot Maasai locals in vibrant attire walking, cycling, or herding livestock. Upon entering Tarangire, famous for its massive elephant herds, you’ll explore a landscape of open savannah, seasonal swamps, and the life-giving Tarangire River. From the open roof of your custom safari vehicle, watch for wildlife such as zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffes, and elephants. If lucky, you may even spot lions on the hunt or leopards resting in the treetops. After a rewarding game drive filled with wildlife encounters and stunning scenery, you’ll head to your lodge for a relaxing evening, dinner, and an overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
Accomodation at Eileen’s Trees Inn
Karatu to Southern Serengeti (Ndutu)
Accomodation at Ndutu Heritage Camp
Southern Serengeti (Ndutu)
After a hearty breakfast, we set out for a full-day game drive in the Ndutu region, exploring its diverse habitats—ranging from swamps and woodlands to soda lakes and the iconic Serengeti short-grass plains. This area offers front-row seats to the spectacular Great Migration, where vast herds of wildebeest and zebras fill the landscape. Around January, a remarkable event unfolds: in just a few weeks, nearly half a million wildebeest calves are born in a synchronized birthing, a powerful display of nature’s rhythm. With little cover on the open plains, newborns must stand and run within minutes, and within days, they’re strong enough to move with the herd—an incredible survival strategy. After a thrilling day immersed in wildlife and sweeping views of the ‘Endless Plains,’ we return to your lodge for dinner and a restful overnight stay.
Accomodation at Ndutu Heritage Camp
Ndutu to Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, we begin our journey with an en-route game drive through the Serengeti, heading toward the Ngorongoro Crater. With a bit of luck, we may spot members of the famed “Big Five” as we cross the vast Serengeti plains. The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was formed by the collapse of an ancient volcano once taller than Kilimanjaro. Today, it spans about 304 sq km and plunges 610 meters deep, creating a natural enclosure that supports around 25,000 large animals. We’ll arrive at the Crater rim before lunch and pause to take in the breathtaking views. Then, we descend the winding track into the Crater floor, where sightings of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, elephants, and—if fortune smiles—critically endangered black rhino await. After a picnic lunch and a rewarding afternoon of game viewing, we drive to Karatu, where you’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at our carefully selected midrange lodge
Accomodation at Eileen’s Trees Inn
Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, we set off for the final destination of this unforgettable safari—Lake Manyara National Park, located about 120 km west of Arusha. Though relatively small, the park boasts remarkable ecological diversity. Its centerpiece is a shallow, alkaline lake that expands and contracts with the seasons, drawing thousands of flamingos and supporting over 500 species of birds. As we explore, keep an eye out for tree-climbing lions, playful monkeys, elegant giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, elephants, buffalo, and more. The park’s varied landscapes range from open plains and dense woodlands to towering cliffs adorned with ancient baobab trees. After a scenic game drive and lunch, we return to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon. As your journey concludes, you’ll carry with you the vivid sights, sounds, and memories of East Africa’s wild heart—an adventure to last a lifetime.
Safari Include
- Airport and hotel transfers as per itinerary
- Accommodation in lodges and tented camps as mentioned
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
- Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
- All national park and conservation area entry fees
- Ngorongoro Crater service fees
- All scheduled game drives and safari activities
- Bottled drinking water during safari
- Government taxes and VAT
Safari Exclude
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Optional Maasai Boma visit and other optional activities
- Alcoholic and soft drinks unless specified
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
- Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, and telephone calls
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari
- Any items not specifically mentioned in the inclusions section
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Safari Itineraries
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Experience a thrilling Tanzanian wildlife safari , encountering majestic lions, graceful giraffes, and playful elephants amidst stunning landscapes.
When to Visit Tanzania?
The best time to visit Tanzania depends on what you hope to experience. Generally, mid-June to October is East Africa’s dry season, providing ideal safari conditions. The best months to see the wildebeest migration are from June to early October. The calving season from late January to early March offers a chance to witness the wildebeest calving and predator sightings. April-May is regarded as the low season due to heavy rains.
