NDUTU CALVING SEASON SAFARI & CULTURAL TOUR

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly met by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Arusha is the gateway to Tanzania’s famous Northern Safari Circuit and sits at the foot of Mount Meru, surrounded by fertile landscapes and coffee farms. It is the perfect place to relax after your international flight and prepare for your upcoming wildlife adventure. Overnight stay at Gold Crest Hotel

After breakfast, depart Arusha and drive toward Tarangire National Park, famous for its giant baobab trees and large elephant herds.

Tarangire is one of Tanzania’s most beautiful parks and offers incredible wildlife viewing. During the game drive you may see elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, lions, and many bird species. The Tarangire River acts as the main water source for wildlife during the dry season, attracting animals from across the region.

Enjoy a scenic game drive with picnic lunch inside the park, exploring the savannah landscapes dotted with acacia trees and ancient baobabs.

Later in the afternoon drive to Mto wa Mbu area for overnight.

Overnight at Panorama Safari Camp

Panorama Camp sits on the Great Rift Valley escarpment overlooking Lake Manyara and offers spectacular views, restaurant facilities, and authentic African cuisine.

Accommodation: Panorama Safari Camp http://panoramasafaricamp.com/

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, depart for the Ndutu area in the southern Serengeti ecosystem, traveling through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and enjoying views of the highlands and open plains.

Ndutu forms part of the southern Serengeti migration ecosystem and is one of the best places in Africa to witness the Great Migration calving season between December and March. During this period, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest gather in the short-grass plains to give birth to thousands of calves every day.

Enjoy an afternoon game drive in Ndutu, searching for large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, and for predators such as lions and cheetahs that follow the migration.

In the evening drive to the Ngorongoro rim area.

Overnight at Simba Campsite https://www.ncaa.go.tz/accommodations/

Simba Campsite is located on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater rim and offers spectacular views into the caldera. The campsite provides basic facilities including shared bathrooms, hot showers, and a true wilderness atmosphere.

Accommodation: Simba Campsite

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, depart for a full-day safari in Ndutu, one of the most exciting wildlife areas in Tanzania during the migration season.

The Ndutu plains feature short grass that is rich in minerals, making it ideal for newborn wildebeest calves. During calving season, thousands of calves are born within a few weeks, creating intense predator-prey interactions.

You will spend the day exploring different areas, including Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek, where wildlife such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, and large herds of wildebeest can be seen.

Picnic lunch will be served in the bush before continuing the game drive.

Return in the evening to Ngorongoro rim for overnight at Simba Campsite https://www.ncaa.go.tz/accommodations/

Accommodation: Simba Campsite

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy another morning game drive in Ndutu to maximize wildlife sightings during the migration calving season.

Early morning is one of the best times to spot predators hunting as lions and cheetahs are often active before the day gets hot.

Continue exploring the plains and woodlands of Ndutu before returning to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the afternoon.

Dinner and overnight again at Simba Campsite overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater.

Accommodation: Simba Campsite https://www.ncaa.go.tz/accommodations/

After an early breakfast, descend approximately 600 meters into the famous Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular wildlife safari.

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations and is home to nearly 30,000 animals including lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, and the rare black rhinoceros.

Often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” this natural volcanic caldera offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa.

Enjoy a picnic lunch near the hippo pool before ascending the crater walls in the afternoon.

Drive to mto wa mbu for an overnight and dinner

Accommodation: Panorama Safari Camp http://panoramasafaricamp.com/

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, depart from the Ngorongoro highlands and drive to the Lake Manyara area near Lake Manyara National Park and the village of Mto wa Mbu for cultural and outdoor activities.

Begin with a canoeing experience on Lake Manyara (water level permitting), where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Rift Valley escarpment and spot water birds such as pelicans and flamingos.

Later, enjoy a cycling tour through Mto wa Mbu village, passing banana plantations, rice fields, and local farms. Continue with a guided cultural and nature walk through the plantations where you will learn about local farming, fruits, and Tanzanian village life.

After lunch, drive back to Arusha, marking the end of your Tanzania migration calving season safari.

Accommodation: None

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch