7-Day Wildebeest Migration Calving Tour

PRICE START FROM

$3,420

duration

7 Days

Min people

2 PEOPLE

MIN AGE

1+ YEARS

tour type

GAME DRIVE

OVERVIEW

Embark on an extraordinary 7-day wildebeest calving safari season that captures the raw beauty, drama, and magic of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife spectacle. Timed between December and March, this Ndutu calving safari takes you into the Southern Serengeti and Lake Ndutu region, where over half a million wildebeest calves are born within just a few weeks. The short grass plains become alive with dramatic predator-prey interactions, nurturing scenes of newborn wildebeests finding their footing, and incredible concentrations of wildlife. This journey also includes game drives in Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Central Serengeti, offering a rich and unforgettable wilderness experience. Stay in comfortable lodges and tented camps located at the heart of the action. From powerful migrations to intimate safari moments, this is the perfect safari for wildlife photographers, nature lovers, and those seeking front-row seats to nature’s most incredible event.

TOUR PLAN

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – The Safari Gateway

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you’ll be welcomed by your personal driver-guide and transferred to your lodge in Arusha. Nestled at the base of Mount Meru, this vibrant city is the starting point for many great Tanzanian safaris. At the lodge, receive a detailed pre-safari briefing and unwind in elegant surroundings, preparing your senses for the safari adventure ahead. Whether you arrive early or late, Arusha offers a peaceful place to relax after international travel, and its rich local culture offers a taste of Tanzanian hospitality.

Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner + Drinking water


Day 2: Tarangire National Park – Giants & Baobabs

After breakfast, begin your journey with a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, a hidden gem and a must-visit on any northern Tanzania safari. Known for its massive elephant herds and towering baobab trees, Tarangire offers spectacular game viewing with fewer crowds. Watch herds of wildebeests, zebras, and giraffes graze the savannah while predators like lions and leopards lurk nearby. For bird enthusiasts, the park is a haven, hosting species such as ashy starlings and yellow-collared lovebirds. After a fulfilling game drive, continue to Karatu, a charming town at the edge of the highlands, where you’ll overnight in a peaceful lodge surrounded by rolling hills and coffee plantations.

Accommodation: Karatu Villa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner + Drinking water


Days 3–4: Lake Ndutu – The Wildebeest Calving Season

Prepare for two unforgettable days in Lake Ndutu, nestled within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and forming part of the Southern Serengeti ecosystem. This region is the epicentre of the wildebeest calving migration, where thousands of females give birth on the lush short-grass plains. This moment is not only a celebration of life but also attracts large numbers of predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas looking to take advantage of the vulnerable young. You’ll witness incredible action, from predator chases to touching maternal moments. In addition to wildebeest, the region teems with elephants, gazelles, jackals, and vibrant birdlife. The open plains and soft morning light also make this an ideal destination for wildlife photography.

Accommodation: Kon Tiki Ndutu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner + Drinking water

Learn more about the wildebeests migration


Day 5: Ndutu to Central Serengeti – Predator Country

After breakfast, drive from the Ndutu plains to the wild heart of Serengeti National Park. The Central Serengeti, particularly around the Seronera Valley, is known for its resident populations of lions, leopards, and cheetahs, who stay behind even after the migratory herds move on. On your journey, you’ll cross various ecological zones – from open plains to woodlands and kopjes – spotting herds of elephants, giraffes, and antelope. The Central Serengeti offers fantastic game viewing year-round, and the landscape is iconic with its endless golden grasslands stretching to the horizon. Arrive at your camp in time for a sunset drink and a delicious dinner under the stars.

Accommodation: Engiterata Adventure Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner + Drinking water


Day 6: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park

Enjoy a full day exploring the Central Serengeti, where game drives can reveal the iconic Big Five and countless other species in their natural rhythm. Witness lions resting in the shade, cheetahs scanning the plains, hippos wallowing in pools, and giraffes moving gracefully through acacia trees. You’ll stop for a scenic bush lunch surrounded by the wild, taking in the unforgettable scenery that makes the Serengeti one of the best safari destinations in the world. This is the day to fully embrace the essence of the wild—spacious, timeless, and teeming with life.

Accommodation: Engiterata Adventure Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner + Drinking water


Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater – A Natural Wonder

On your final day, descend into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most unique wildlife sanctuaries. The crater floor is home to a high concentration of wildlife, including black rhinos, elephants, lions, flamingos, and jackals. It’s often referred to as “Africa’s Eden” for good reason. After a rewarding morning game drive and a picnic lunch beside a hippo-filled lake, begin your return to Arusha, where you can connect to your onward flight or enjoy a final evening reflecting on the journey.

Accommodation: No accommodation
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch + Drinking water.

Price Includes:
  • All accommodation
  • All activities (unless labelled as optional)
  • All Park fees
  • Private 4×4 vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Full-time Professional guide
  • All meals and drinking water
  • Vat / Tax
  • Airport transfers
  • Meals (as specified day by day)
  • Drinking water
Price Excludes:
  • Accommodation (before/after the tour)
  • International flight (from/to home)
  • Visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Tip (kindly recommended$20 pp per day)
  • Government imposed increased of Vat/Tax

Book Your Wildebeest Migration Safari Today

Start planning your unforgettable wildebeest migration safari in Tanzania with Maramatta Safaris. Let us take you deep into the Serengeti’s wild theatre, where nature performs its most dramatic spectacle. From river crossings to big cat encounters, we’ll help you craft a safari adventure filled with stories you’ll carry for a lifetime.

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