Overview

The Great Wildebeest Calving Season in Ndutu

This specially crafted safari is designed to follow the Great Serengeti Wildebeest Migration during the calving season, which occurs from December to April. You'll explore key migration hotspots including the Lake Ndutu area, as well as the southern and central regions of Serengeti National Park, where large herds of wildebeest are typically found during this period.

A highlight of this journey is a visit to the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater, offering incredible wildlife viewing in a stunning natural amphitheater.

The Ndutu region in the Southern Serengeti is the ultimate destination during January, February, and March, when thousands of wildebeest gather on the open plains to give birth. The lush, short-grass pastures provide ideal conditions for calving—and attract predators such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and the elusive leopard. This is prime time for witnessing high-intensity predator-prey action and rare wildlife encounters, making it a dream experience for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

A representative from Silence of Nature Africa will greet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. Upon arrival, you'll receive a detailed briefing about your upcoming safari. Enjoy a peaceful night’s rest before the adventure begins the following day.

Arusha, often called the "Geneva of Africa" by travelers worldwide, is located at the base of Mount Meru. The city’s high altitude provides a pleasant climate and lush greenery. While Arusha may not be renowned for its breathtaking attractions, many visitors see it primarily as a gateway to the safari experience. However, the city’s warm, welcoming locals and vibrant atmosphere make it an exciting stop for those willing to explore beyond the surface.

Day 02 & 03: Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, we'll begin our journey to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife and unique landscapes. Enjoy an exciting game drive through the park to maximize your chances of spotting a variety of animals. Before sunset, we’ll head to the nearby town of Karatu for a delicious dinner and an overnight stay.

Tarangire is the sixth-largest national park in Tanzania, following Ruaha, Serengeti, Mikumi, Katavi, and Mkomazi. During your visit, you’ll experience an incredible wildlife game drive, where you might see pythons draped over trees, as well as lions, leopards, and more. For bird enthusiasts, keep your eyes peeled for the striking yellow-collared lovebirds, alongside the more subtle rufous-tailed weaver and ashy starling—species endemic to the dry savannah of north-central Tanzania.

Day 3: Tarangire to Ndutu Area

After breakfast, we’ll begin our journey to the Ndutu area, located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which forms part of the southern Serengeti National Park ecosystem.

Lake Ndutu, like most rift lakes, is alkaline (basic), yet the water remains drinkable and is frequented by a diverse range of local wildlife. The short-grass plains surrounding the lake are a prime spot for viewing the wildebeest migration, which typically occurs from December to April. This region is also home to large elephant herds, various bird species, and a variety of resident game, making it a rich and vibrant wildlife destination.

Day 4:Ndutu and Serengeti Central

After breakfast, you'll spend the morning exploring the diverse habitats of the Ndutu area, including wetlands, seasonal swamps, woodlands, soda lakes, and the iconic Serengeti short-grass plains. During this time, you'll have the chance to see large groups of wildebeest and zebras, especially from February for about three weeks, when the majority of wildebeest calves are born.

As you continue with your game drive, you'll make your way toward Serengeti Central, where you'll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

The vast sea of grass in this area provides minimal cover, making the young calves vulnerable to predators like hyenas. However, wildebeest calves are incredibly resilient: they can stand and run within just three minutes of birth, and within three days, they are strong enough to keep up with the herd.

Day 5: Serengeti National Park (Central)

A Full Day of Game Drive in Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s oldest and most iconic wildlife reserve, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. A UNESCO World Heritage site and recently named the 7th Wonder of the World, the Serengeti is not only a natural marvel but also boasts four consecutive award wins. Famous for the awe-inspiring annual wildebeest migration, millions of hooves (ungulates) traverse the vast plains, creating one of nature's most incredible spectacles.

This legendary park offers an unparalleled safari experience with extraordinary game viewing. Watch in awe as massive herds of buffalo roam, along with smaller groups of elephants and giraffes. You’ll also encounter thousands of elands, topi, kongoni, impalas, and both Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles. The Serengeti offers a chance to witness wildlife up close that you’ve previously only seen in National Geographic documentaries.

Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro

After breakfast, we’ll depart for Ngorongoro Crater, and by sunset, we’ll head straight to your accommodation.

Ngorongoro is a vast highland region along the eastern arm of the Great Rift Valley, with the iconic Ngorongoro Crater as its centerpiece. While not a national park in the strict sense, the area was established to conserve wildlife and natural resources. It also aims to protect the interests of the indigenous people while promoting sustainable tourism.

Day 7: Karatu – Manyara – Arusha

After breakfast, we’ll depart for Lake Manyara National Park, where you’ll enjoy a game drive through one of Tanzania’s most diverse and compact reserves. Later in the afternoon, we’ll head back to Arusha.

Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife. The park is unique, with two-thirds of its area covered by the lake, set against the stunning backdrop of the Great Rift Valley. With over 400 bird species, including vast flocks of lesser flamingos migrating through the lake, and other large waterbirds like great white pelicans, ducks, cormorants, and yellow-bellied storks, birdwatchers will be in paradise.

End of tour

  • Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
  • You'll be dropped off at the airport.

          Includes:

    • Park fees
    • All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
    • All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
    • A professional driver/guide
    • All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
    • All Taxes/VAT
    • Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
    • Drinking water(On all days)
    • Roundtrip airport transfer

Excludes:

  • International flights(From/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
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