8 Days Ndutu Calving Season Wildlife Safari Experience

Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Arusha  

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) with your morning/afternoon/evening Flight, you will meet our English Driver and a colleague from the office for your transfer to your to your Hotel in Arusha, arriving in time for morning/afernoon/evening relaxation while waiting for your overnight.

Day 2: Arusha – Lake Manyara NP/ Karatu            

After early breakfast, drive to the Lake Manyara  National Park, arriving in time for a morning and afternoon game drive along with your Picnic Lunch. Lake Manyara National Park is located in the heart of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, bordered by the majestic lake Manyara. This exceptional park boasts a rich and diverse ecosystem, serving as a natural haven for a wide array of wildlife. Visitors can witness the captivating sight of baboons, elephants, zebras, hippos, flamingos, giraffes, various primates, and several species of antelope. The park’s most sought-after attraction is the elusive tree climbing lions, which add an element of excitement and adventure to any safari experience.

Moreover, Lake Manyara is renowned for its lush vegetation, hosting over 400 bird species and a vast alkaline lake that serves as a seasonal breeding ground for numerous colonies of flamingos. The park’s varied habitats provide a sanctuary for a multitude of mammals, reptiles, and birds. A highlight of the park is the 400m canopy walk, which begins with a short board-walk and gradually ascends through the enchanting Manyara forest. Later on, drive back to Karatu at your Lodge, arriving for evening leisure, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Karatu – Ndutu Area         

After breakfast, drive to Ndutu Area via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, arriving in time for a game drive with your Picnic Lunch, following and sightseeing the thousands of wildebeest giving birth to their calves. After the trip, proceed to your Tented Lodge for evening Leisure, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Ndutu Area          

After breakfast, Full day game drive in the Ndutu Area, with your Picnic Lunch, while following and sightseeing the thousands of wildebeest giving birth to their calves. The Ndutu region is an integral part of the northern section of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and extends to the unfenced southern reaches of the Serengeti National Park, serving as a convergence point between these two remarkable wilderness areas. This area comprises expansive rolling plains, picturesque alkaline lakes that attract large flocks of flamingos, and lush acacia woodlands.

The optimal time to visit the Ndutu is from December to April, when herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle migrate from the north. In February, the peak calving season for wildebeest occurs, with approximately 4,000 young being born daily over a two-week period. This phenomenon garners the attention of cheetahs, lions, hyenas, and jackals, making it an ideal time for photographic safaris and witnessing predator-prey interactions. The Ndutu region is home to a diverse range of resident wildlife throughout the year, including giraffes, elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and various antelope species. From June to November, some of these animals congregate around water holes. After the trip, drive back to your Tented Lodge for evening Leisure, dinner and overnight stay.

Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari.

Day 5: Ndutu Area – Central Serengeti   

After breakfast, morning and afternoon game drive with your Picnic Lunch, while following and sightseeing the thousands of wildebeest giving birth to their calves. Central Serengeti boasts an abundance of predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as an impressive population of over two million wildebeest, half a million Thomson’s gazelle, and a quarter of a million zebras, standing as the ultimate hub for wildlife in all of Africa. Prepare to be amazed by extraordinary phenomenon, the awe-inspiring Great Migration! From late December to March, one can observe this remarkable event during the calving season. Additionally, between May and July, there is the opportunity to witness the breathtaking sight of thousands of wildebeest and zebras, along with their newborns, crossing the perilous Grumeti River, infested with crocodiles.

From August to October, these magnificent creatures migrate to the remote Northern Serengeti, where they face the daunting task of crossing the Mara River, home to a substantial population of colossal Nile crocodiles. Central Serengeti boasts an abundance of predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as an impressive population of over two million wildebeest, half a million Thomson’s gazelle, and a quarter of a million zebras, standing as the ultimate hub for wildlife in all of Africa. Prepare to be amazed by extraordinary phenomenon, the awe-inspiring Great Migration! From late December to March, one can observe this remarkable event during the calving season. Additionally, between May and July, there is the opportunity to witness the breathtaking sight of thousands of wildebeest and zebras, along with their newborns, crossing the perilous Grumeti River, infested with crocodiles.

From August to October, these magnificent creatures migrate to the remote Northern Serengeti, where they face the daunting task of crossing the Mara River, home to a substantial population of colossal Nile crocodiles. Later in the afternoon, drive back to your Lodge/ Tented for evening Leisure, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6: Central Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater/ Karatu    

After breakfast, morning game drive in the Park with your Picnic Lunch. Today you have an option of visiting Olduvai Gorge for an Archeological Experience. This extraordinary location is where Mary Leaky discovered the earliest remains of homo sapiens, making it a fascinating destination for anyone with an interest in the origins of humanity. Take the opportunity to explore the charming museum and marvel at the rugged landscape. This paleoanthropological site, situated in the eastern Serengeti Plain, is a steep-sided ravine consisting of two branches that span approximately 48 km and reach a depth of 90 metres. The deposits exposed in the sides of the gorge have yielded a wealth of fossil remains. Later on proceed to Karatu at your Lodge, arriving in time for your evening leisure, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7: Karatu – Tarangaire NP/Arusha    

After early breakfast, drive to the Tarangire National Park, arriving in time for a morning and afternoon game drive along with your Picnic Lunch. Tarangire National Park is widely regarded as one of the premier locations in Africa for observing large herds of elephants in close proximity. This is due not only to the presence of thousands of these majestic animals roaming the park, but also to the fact that they are not disturbed by the presence of vehicles or humans. In addition to the park’s impressive baobab trees, another major attraction is the presence of tree-climbing pythons in the acacia woodlands.

While Tarangire is also home to buffaloes, zebras, and a variety of bird species, orix are relatively scarce. Leopards, which tend to sleep in trees during the day, are rarely seen in daylight hours. From the elevated vantage point of an open-roofed safari vehicle, visitors can take in the breathtaking landscape of the savannah, which is adorned with massive baobab trees, as well as swamplands and wooded areas. Later on, drive out the Park and proceed to Karatu at your Lodge, arriving for evening leisure, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8: Arusha – Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)  

After breakfast, depending on your Fligh schedules, you will be transferred to the Airport or departure point, back home or to your next destination.