Calving Season Focus: December to April
Best Months: January, February & March
Overview
This unforgettable safari experience is designed to follow the awe-inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration during its calving season. From December to April, over half a million wildebeest give birth in the rich plains of the Southern Serengeti and the Ndutu area. These fertile grasslands attract vast herds of grazers and intense predator action, offering an exceptional chance to witness dramatic wildlife moments, including live hunts and newborn calves taking their first steps.
This journey also includes visits to iconic locations such as Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, and multiple zones of the Serengeti National Park, promising diversity, adventure, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Itinerary
• Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
• Drive Time: ~4 hours
• Game Drive: ~7–8 hours
• Accommodation: Camping / Mid-range / Luxury Lodge
• Meals: Full Board
Depart early (around 6:00 AM) and drive to Tarangire, home to one of the largest elephant populations in Tanzania and dotted with majestic baobab trees. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, and various antelope species during a full-day game drive. Afterward, drive to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
• Main Destination: Ndutu (Southern Serengeti & Ngorongoro Conservation Area)
• Drive Time: ~4 hours
• Game Drive: Full Day
• Accommodation: Camping / Mid-range / Luxury Lodge
• Meals: Full Board
After breakfast, drive to the Ndutu area—strategically located between the Southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro. This region is famous during January–March as calving season unfolds. Witness newborn wildebeest take their first steps while predators such as cheetahs, lions, and hyenas lurk close by.
• Main Destination: Ndutu Area
• Game Drive: Full Day
• Accommodation: Camping / Mid-range / Luxury Lodge
• Meals: Full Board
Spend another day exploring the Ndutu plains and woodlands. Most of the wildebeest herds will be calving during this period, creating a rare opportunity to witness life-and-death moments in the wild. Optionally, take a hot air balloon safari for a breathtaking aerial view of the migration and landscapes.
• Main Destination: Serengeti National Park (Eastern/Central)
• Game Drive: Full Day
• Accommodation: Camping / Mid-range / Luxury Lodge
• Meals: Full Board
Continue your safari through the rich habitats of the Ndutu area before heading into the Serengeti proper. These open grasslands are ideal for spotting predators and herds in motion. You’ll witness the birth of calves and their first struggles for survival. Arrive in Central or Eastern Serengeti in the evening for overnight.
• Main Destination: Serengeti National Park (Eastern Region)
• Game Drive: Full Day
• Accommodation: Camping / Mid-range / Luxury Lodge
• Meals: Full Board
Enjoy morning and evening game drives in the vast Serengeti plains. This region is known for large lion prides and frequent sightings of cheetahs and leopards. In the heat of the day, relax at your camp or lodge before heading out for another thrilling evening drive.
• Main Destination: Serengeti National Park (Seronera) to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Game Drive: ~6 hours
• Accommodation: Camping / Mid-range / Luxury Lodge
• Meals: Full Board
This morning, embark on your final Serengeti game drive in the Seronera area—home to the famous “Big Five.” With large lion populations, leopards in the acacia trees, and elephants in the river valleys, today’s drive is a highlight. Later, begin your scenic transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area for dinner and overnight.
• Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
• Drive Time to Crater: ~45 minutes
• Game Drive: 6–8 hours
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Rise early for a sunrise descent into the Ngorongoro Crater—one of Africa’s best wildlife havens and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The crater is home to rhinos, lions, elephants, flamingos, and much more. After your game drive and picnic lunch, begin the journey back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha or proceed directly to the airport for your departure.
