8-Day Great Wildebeest Calving Safari

This 8-day Great Wildebeest Calving Safari is carefully structured to give you an exceptional opportunity to witness the calving season of the Great Wildebeest Migration, which occurs in the Ndutu Plains of Serengeti National Park near Lake Ndutu.

The itinerary also includes exploration of the Northern Serengeti Plains and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Between January and March, the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu Plains become the stage for the birth of tens of thousands of wildebeest calves. Visitors can observe these newborns taking their first steps, as well as the dramatic interactions between vulnerable calves and nearby predators.

Safari Highlights

• Day 1 – Airport pick-up
• Day 2 – Tarangire National Park
• Day 3 – Lake Manyara National Park
• Day 4 – Serengeti National Park (Ndutu Area)
• Day 5 – Serengeti National Park (Seronera)
• Day 6 – Serengeti National Park (Seronera)
• Day 7 – Ngorongoro Crater
• Day 8 – Arusha

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Airport Pick-Up

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver-guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Spend the evening relaxing at the hotel, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel
Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2 – Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, located approximately three hours away. Upon arrival, enjoy a game drive through the park, known for its scenic landscapes and iconic baobab trees.

Lunch will be served at a designated picnic site, followed by an afternoon game drive. Expect sightings of large elephant herds, buffaloes, gazelles, giraffes, lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Accommodation: Baobab Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Lake Manyara National Park

Following breakfast, travel to Lake Manyara National Park, a picturesque destination famous for its lake and unique tree-climbing lions.

During the game drive, you may spot lions resting in fig trees, along with zebras, buffaloes, gazelles, cheetahs, and large flocks of flamingos along the lake, which covers a significant portion of the park.
Accommodation: Acacia Farm Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Serengeti National Park (Ndutu Area)

After breakfast, proceed to the Ndutu Plains in the southern Serengeti. This region includes Lake Ndutu, an alkaline lake that remains a vital water source for wildlife.

Spend the afternoon on a game drive across the plains, observing elephants, wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and a variety of bird species. Return to your lodge in the evening.
Accommodation: Enkutoko Migration Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 & 6 – Serengeti National Park (Seronera)

Over these two days, explore the Seronera region, known for its diverse habitats including swamps, woodlands, soda lakes, and the classic Serengeti plains.

This period coincides with the peak calving season, typically around February, when vast numbers of wildebeest give birth within a short timeframe.

You will also encounter a wide range of wildlife such as lions, leopards, giraffes, warthogs, elands, zebras, gazelles, cheetahs, and African wild dogs.
Accommodation: Olkarien Eco Safari Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – Ngorongoro Crater

Begin the day with an early breakfast before heading to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend approximately 600 meters into the crater for a game drive.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact and unfilled caldera. The crater floor supports a dense population of wildlife, including wildebeest, lions, buffaloes, warthogs, elephants, rhinos, and hippos.

Return to your lodge in the evening.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Arusha

After breakfast, depart Ngorongoro and travel back to Arusha. You will be dropped off either at your hotel or at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey.

End of 8-Day Great Wildebeest Calving Safari

Inclusions

• Park entry fees
• All scheduled activities (except optional ones)
• Accommodation as specified
• Professional driver/guide
• Transportation throughout the safari
• Taxes and VAT
• Round-trip airport transfers
• Meals as outlined in the itinerary
• Camping equipment
• Porter services

Exclusions

• International flights
• Pre- and post-tour accommodation
• Tips (recommended: US$20 per person per day)
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, visas, insurance, etc.)
• Any increase in taxes or park fees
• Alcoholic beverages
• Services not listed in the itinerary
• Travel insurance and medical evacuation
• Personal items
• Rescue fees
• Climbing gear
• Sleeping bag