Tanzania
5 Days Ndutu Calving Season Safari
Starts in Arusha · Ends in Arusha
At a glance
Overview
Between late December and March the wildebeest herds gather on the short-grass plains around Lake Ndutu, on the border of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, to give birth. Hundreds of thousands of calves are born within a few weeks — and lions, cheetahs and hyenas follow. This private safari spends two nights in the middle of it.
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Country
- Tanzania
- Start / end
- Arusha to Arusha
- Places visited
- Arusha · Tarangire · Karatu · Ndutu · Ngorongoro Crater
- Best time
- Late December to March (calving usually peaks around February)
- Price
- On request
Key inclusions
- Exclusive 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional driver-guide
- Full board on safari
- Airport pick-up
Places you'll visit
Route
- Arusha
- Road Tarangire
- Road Karatu
- Road Ndutu
- Road Ngorongoro Crater
- Road Arusha
Day by day
Day-by-day itinerary
-
Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire – Karatu
Your private guide collects you in Arusha for a game drive in Tarangire National Park, then continues to the Karatu area.
Overnight
Overnight at a lodge in the Karatu area.
Meals
Lunch Dinner
-
Day 2: Karatu – Ndutu
Drive over the Ngorongoro highlands and down onto the southern plains to the Ndutu area. Afternoon game drive among the gathering herds.
Overnight
Overnight at a lodge or seasonal tented camp in the Ndutu area.
Meals
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
-
Day 3: Ndutu
A full day on the calving plains. Watch newborn calves find their feet within minutes, and the predators that follow the herds. Where conservation-area rules allow, your guide can leave the tracks to reach the action.
Overnight
Overnight at a lodge or seasonal tented camp in the Ndutu area.
Meals
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
-
Day 4: Ndutu – Ngorongoro
Morning game drive around Lakes Ndutu and Masek, then drive back to the Ngorongoro highlands.
Overnight
Overnight at a lodge in the Karatu area or on the crater rim.
Meals
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
-
Day 5: Ngorongoro – Arusha
Game drive on the crater floor with a picnic lunch, then return to Arusha.
Meals
Breakfast Lunch
End of the safari.
Where you stay
Accommodation
Good to know
What's included
What's included
- Park entrance and conservation fees for every park in the itinerary
- Exclusive transport in a private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Accommodation as listed in the day-by-day plan
- Meals as listed in the day-by-day plan (full board while on safari)
- Drinking (mineral) water in the vehicle during game drives
- Airport pick-up and drop-off (Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport)
What's not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities for your guide and lodge staff
- Drinks other than drinking water in the vehicle
- Personal items such as laundry, phone calls and souvenirs
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary (for example a hot-air balloon flight)
Photos
Gallery
Questions
Frequently asked questions
When can I do this safari?
We run this itinerary all year round. Tell us your preferred travel dates and we will plan the safari around them.
How much does this safari cost?
Prices are on request. Your quotation depends on your travel dates, group size and choice of accommodation — send us an enquiry and we will prepare a free quote for you.
Can I customise this itinerary?
Yes. Our safaris are tailor-made — we can adjust the number of days, the lodges and the activities to suit you. Tell us what you would like to change when you enquire.
What's included in this safari?
Highlights of the inclusions: exclusive 4x4 safari vehicle, professional driver-guide, full board on safari, airport pick-up. The full lists of what is and is not included are in the "What's included" section above.
When is the best time for the calving?
The herds usually arrive on the southern plains in late December and stay until around March, with most calves born in February. Exact timing depends on the rains each year.
Which lodges will we stay at?
Your quotation names each lodge or camp. We choose them for location and standard (as described in each day) and can upgrade or change them on request, subject to availability.
How do I book?
Send us an enquiry. We will contact you to discuss your plans, then send your quotation. Once you are happy with it, you confirm the booking with a deposit and your safari is confirmed.
Read before you go
Destination guides
Tailor-made
Customise this safari
Change the days, the lodges or the activities — we will tailor this itinerary to you.
Simple booking
How booking works
- 1 Enquire Send your dates and group size
- 2 Consultation We discuss your plans with you
- 3 Quotation You receive your tailored quote
- 4 Deposit Confirm with a deposit
- 5 Confirmed Your safari is booked
Get a free quote
Tell us your dates and group — no obligation. We reply within 24 hours.
Prefer to chat? Fill in your dates and group above and we’ll include them.
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