6-Day Serengeti Calving Season Safari – Tanzania (Dec–Mar)

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Tour Overview

This 6-day safari is specially designed for the Great Migration calving season, which takes place from December to March in the southern Serengeti ecosystem. During this period, thousands of wildebeest gather on the short-grass plains of Ndutu to give birth, creating one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles.

The nutrient-rich plains provide an ideal environment for newborn calves, while also attracting predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. This natural cycle offers dramatic wildlife encounters and exceptional photographic opportunities.

In addition to the Ndutu calving experience, this safari includes visits to Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and baobab trees; the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with dense wildlife populations; and a cultural visit to Lake Eyasi to meet the Hadzabe and Datoga communities.

The journey begins and ends in Arusha, combining wildlife, landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences into one unforgettable Tanzanian adventure.

Tour Highlights & Experiences:

Witness the Great Migration calving season in Ndutu (December to March)
Exceptional predator action including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas
Explore Tarangire National Park, home to large elephant herds
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a Big Five experience
Visit Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek during prime wildlife activity
Optional hot air balloon safari over the Ndutu plains
Cultural experience with the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers at Lake Eyasi
Visit the Datoga community and learn about traditional blacksmithing
Combination of mid-range and luxury lodge accommodations

Detailed Itinerary - Day by Day:

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel in Arusha.

Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to take an optional city tour. Highlights can include the Cultural Heritage Centre, local markets, and the Maasai Market, where you can purchase handcrafted souvenirs and experience local culture.

Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel (Mid-range hotel near Arusha)
Meals: At own expense
Drinks: Not included

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart Arusha for Tarangire National Park, approximately a two-hour drive. Tarangire is renowned for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees.

Enjoy a full-day game drive through diverse landscapes, including savannah plains, seasonal swamps, and the Tarangire River, which attracts a wide variety of wildlife. You may encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, impalas, lions, leopards, and numerous bird species.

After a picnic lunch inside the park, continue with afternoon wildlife viewing before transferring to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Moonbow Lodge (Mid-range lodge near Tarangire)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Drinks: Included (except spirits and liquor)

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive & Transfer to Ndutu

After an early breakfast, depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend approximately 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive.

The crater floor hosts a dense concentration of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, lions, hippos, and, with some luck, the endangered black rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch within the crater.

In the afternoon, ascend the crater and continue with a scenic drive to the Ndutu region in the southern Serengeti ecosystem. Arrive at your camp in time for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Safari Haven Migration Camp (Mid-range tented camp in Ndutu area)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Drinks: Included (except spirits and liquor)

Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Ndutu – Calving Season

Today is dedicated to exploring the Ndutu region during the calving season. After an early breakfast, depart for a full-day game drive across the short-grass plains.

From December to March, thousands of wildebeest calves are born here, often attracting predators. You may witness dramatic wildlife interactions as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas patrol the plains. Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek are key wildlife gathering areas and excellent locations for photography.

An optional hot air balloon safari is available at additional cost for a unique aerial perspective of the migration.

Return to camp in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Safari Haven Migration Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Drinks: Included (except spirits and liquor)

Day 5: Morning Game Drive in Ndutu & Transfer to Karatu

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in the Ndutu region. The open plains and woodlands offer excellent opportunities to observe wildlife activity during the cooler morning hours.

Later, depart Ndutu and drive toward Karatu, located on the edge of the Ngorongoro Highlands. The scenic journey offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.

Arrive at your lodge in Karatu in time for dinner and overnight relaxation.

Accommodation: Acacia Farm Lodge (Luxury lodge near Karatu)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Drinks: Included (except spirits and liquor)

Day 6: Lake Eyasi Cultural Experience & Return to Arusha

After an early breakfast, depart for Lake Eyasi for a cultural experience with the Hadzabe community, one of Tanzania’s last remaining hunter-gatherer groups. You will join them on a short traditional hunting walk and learn about their way of life, survival skills, and traditions.

You will also visit the Datoga community, known for their traditional blacksmithing techniques and distinct cultural heritage.

After lunch, begin the drive back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening. You will be transferred to the airport or your preferred drop-off location.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Drinks: Included (except spirits and liquor)

End of Tour

Additional accommodation in Arusha can be arranged at an extra cost if required.

Price Per Person:

Number of People	2 People	3 People	4 people	5 people	6 people
Price Per Person (USD)	2150	1950	1800	1750	1700

Tour Price Inclusions:

INCLUDES

Park fees (for non-residents)
All scheduled activities (unless labeled as optional)
Accommodation in luxury lodges and camps (unless listed as an upgrade)
Professional, English-speaking safari driver/guide
All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
Domestic flights during the tour (if applicable)
All government taxes and VAT
Round-trip airport transfers
Meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary
Drinks as specified in the day-by-day itinerary

EXCLUDES

International flights (to and from home country)
Additional accommodation before or after the safari
Tips and gratuities (recommended guideline: USD 20 per person per day)
Personal expenses (souvenirs, travel insurance, visas, etc.)
Government-imposed increases in taxes or park fees
Some meals, as specified in the day-by-day itinerary