7-Day Calving Migration Safari | Ndutu, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Arusha • Tarangire • Ndutu • Serengeti • Ngorongoro
Trip Summary
- •Witness 8,000 wildebeest calves born daily in Ndutu (February peak)
- •Exceptional predator viewing with 6 big cat species
- •Tarangire National Park elephant herds and baobab forests
- •Full day exploring Central Serengeti wilderness
- •Ngorongoro Crater descent with Big Five sightings
- •Mto wa Mbu village cultural experience
- •Sundowner experience in the Serengeti
- •Optional hot air balloon safari over the plains
Day-by-Day Overview
2026 Pricing (USD per person)
* High season rates shown. Shoulder and low season discounts available.
Safari Overview
Synchronize your pulse with the earth on this extraordinary 7-day calving migration safari through Tanzania's most spectacular wildlife landscapes. This carefully timed adventure takes you to witness one of nature's most dramatic spectacles - the annual wildebeest calving season when over 8,000 calves are born every single day on the verdant plains of the Ndutu region. Experience the raw power of the African wilderness as newborn wildebeest take their first steps while predators circle, creating unmatched wildlife photography opportunities.
Journey through Tarangire National Park's ancient baobab forests where massive elephant herds roam, explore the endless grass plains of Central Serengeti home to the Big Five, and descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the world's highest concentration of predators. Complete your adventure with an authentic cultural experience at Mto wa Mbu village, connecting with the local Maasai communities who have coexisted with this wildlife for centuries.
Safari Highlights
Calving Migration Spectacle
Witness the dramatic calving season in Ndutu with over 8,000 wildebeest calves born daily, attracting predators like cheetahs, lions, and hyenas for extraordinary wildlife action.
Tarangire Elephant Herds
Encounter massive elephant families roaming beneath ancient baobab trees in Tarangire National Park, renowned for the highest elephant concentration in Tanzania.
Ngorongoro Crater Descent
Explore the world's largest intact volcanic caldera with its 260 sq km floor teeming with lion prides, black rhinos, wading hippos, and Africa's largest elephants.
Big Cats & Predator Action
Experience exceptional predator sightings with lions, leopards, cheetahs, caracals, servals, and wildcats hunting vulnerable newborn calves in the Ndutu region.
Serengeti Endless Plains
Immerse yourself in the timeless vistas of Central Serengeti with wide horizons and complete wilderness, home to the Great Wildebeest Migration and diverse wildlife.
Maasai Cultural Experience
Connect with authentic Maasai culture at Mto wa Mbu village through nature walks, visiting local farms, schools, markets, and churches for genuine cultural immersion.
Accommodation Options
Midrange Category (3★)
Kerama Silent Lodge
Peaceful retreat in Arusha offering comfortable rooms, beautiful gardens, and warm hospitality - the perfect place to rest before your safari adventure begins.
Lake Burunge Tented Lodge
Elevated tented rooms with spectacular treetop views and thatched roofs, offering authentic safari atmosphere in close proximity to Tarangire National Park.
Intimate Camp Zebra
Seasonal mobile camp positioned for optimal calving migration viewing in the Ndutu region, offering authentic bush experience with comfortable amenities.
Tukaone Serengeti Camps
Well-appointed tented camp in Central Serengeti with stunning views and excellent access to year-round wildlife viewing areas.
Marera Valley Lodge
Charming lodge with well-kept gardens, swimming pool, fine restaurant, and sweeping views of the Crater Highlands near Ngorongoro.
Deluxe Category (4★)
Mount Meru Hotel
Upscale hotel with elegant rooms, lush tropical gardens, swimming pool, and fine dining in central Arusha - perfect for pre-safari comfort.
Lake Burunge Baobab Tented Lodge
Superior tented accommodation with enhanced amenities and stunning views, perfectly positioned near Tarangire for exceptional wildlife experiences.
Malaika Luxury Camp
Luxury mobile camp offering superior comfort in the heart of the calving migration area with spacious tents and personalized service.
Zuri Camp Serengeti
Boutique tented camp blending contemporary African design with traditional safari ambiance in Central Serengeti's prime wildlife area.
Ngorongoro Farm House
Upscale farm lodge set among coffee plantations with cozy cottages, beautiful gardens, and warm hospitality near Ngorongoro Crater.
Luxury Category (5★)
Gran Melia Arusha
Five-star luxury hotel with world-class amenities, spa, gourmet dining, and exceptional service - the epitome of refined safari preparation.
Tarangire Elephant Springs Camp
Exclusive luxury tented camp with spacious suites, private decks, plunge pools, and unparalleled views of Tarangire's elephant herds.
Lake Masek Tented Lodge
Premium lodge overlooking Lake Masek in the Ndutu region, offering luxurious comfort with front-row seats to the calving migration spectacle.
Serengeti Explorer by Elewana
Ultra-luxury mobile tented camp that follows the migration, featuring spacious suites with ensuite bathrooms and exceptional personalized service.
Acacia Farm Lodge Karatu
Luxury boutique lodge with elegant cottages, infinity pool, gourmet cuisine, and stunning crater highland views - refined comfort after crater exploration.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha (Late Dec - Mar)
Karibu Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team warmly welcomes you and transfers you to your accommodation in Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. After checking in, if you arrive early, stretch your legs with an optional town tour or relax at the lodge to acclimatize to the weather. In the evening, enjoy a hosted dinner where you'll receive a comprehensive briefing on the thrilling adventure that awaits over the next seven days. Rest well as your calving migration safari begins tomorrow.
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, hop into your custom 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and venture to Tarangire National Park, which rivals the Serengeti in wildlife diversity and abundance. This park is renowned for frequent elephant sightings, with herds numbering in the hundreds gathering along the Tarangire River - the only permanent water source in the area. The landscape is a photographer's dream with high concentrations of scenic baobab trees, some over 2,000 years old, and extensive marshlands that paint the reserve in vibrant greens during the wet season. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint before continuing your afternoon game drive. Late afternoon, proceed to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Tarangire to Ndutu Area - Calving Migration
Today's journey takes you to the legendary Ndutu region, which forms part of the northern Ngorongoro Conservation Area and stretches to the unfenced southern reaches of Serengeti National Park. This meeting point between two incredible wilderness areas serves as the calving ground for the Great Migration. In the early months of the year - with a spectacular peak in February - the wildebeest herds drop thousands upon thousands of calves every single day on the verdant grassy plains. This abundance of vulnerable newborns attracts intense predator attention from cheetahs, lions, hyenas, and even leopards. Ndutu is also home to all six big cat species: lion, leopard, cheetah, caracal, serval, and wildcat. Spend the day witnessing this raw display of nature's circle of life with exceptional wildlife photography opportunities.
Day 4: Ndutu to Central Serengeti National Park
This morning, proceed northward to Central Serengeti National Park with a scenic drive and en route game viewing. Consider an optional visit to Olduvai Gorge, the historic archaeological site known as the "Cradle of Mankind" where some of humanity's earliest fossils were discovered by the Leakey family. The Serengeti ecosystem is considered the most thrilling spectacle in the animal kingdom, with the annual mass migration of over two million wildebeest and other herbivores, accompanied by their ever-present entourage of predators. Arrive at your camp in Central Serengeti for evening leisure time, taking in the breathtaking African sunset. Dinner and overnight in the heart of this legendary wilderness.
Day 5: Full Day in Central Serengeti
A morning in Serengeti is an experience worth cherishing. Wake to the enchanting sounds and scents of the wilderness, staring at a magnificent breathtaking sunrise illuminating the endless plains. Begin your day with aromatic coffee in the open air with limitless views before hopping into your safari vehicle for exhilarating game drives. Central Serengeti offers exceptional year-round wildlife viewing with resident populations of lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and diverse plains game. The kopjes (rocky outcrops) often harbor leopards and lions, while the Seronera River attracts hippos, crocodiles, and thirsty herbivores. Enjoy an evening sundowner stop with drinks, snacks, and spectacular Serengeti views as the sun paints the sky in brilliant colors. As darkness falls, gather around a roaring campfire to share stories of the day's magic while the African night comes alive with nocturnal sounds. Optional hot air balloon safari available ($520pp).
Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
Awake to the sights and sounds of the bush as the warmth of the African sun slowly lights up the treetops and grasslands. After an early breakfast and morning game drive through the Serengeti, proceed to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with scenic vistas and wildlife viewing en route. Descend through the lush highland forest with magnificent birdlife among different tree species. Once on the grassy crater floor - 260 sq km of surprisingly diverse habitat - discover a permanent lake, open savannah, and areas of mature woodland. This natural amphitheater is surrounded by steep, densely forested walls rising over 600m high, creating a self-contained ecosystem with the world's highest concentration of large predators. Here you'll find large herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, eland, warthog, hippo, and giant African elephants, along with the rare black rhino. After a full day exploring this wildlife paradise, ascend the crater and drive to your accommodation in the nearby Karatu area.
Day 7: Karatu to Mto wa Mbu Village & Departure
After a leisurely breakfast, hop into your vehicle and drive to Manyara's Mto wa Mbu village for an authentic cultural experience. During this immersive village nature walking tour, you'll get a genuine feel for the social side of village life - visiting farms and milling machines, schools, bustling markets, and local churches. This is ideal for culture enthusiasts and active travelers wanting to connect with Tanzania's local communities and understand daily life in Maasai land. After this enriching cultural experience, transfer back to Arusha and continue directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight, carrying unforgettable memories of witnessing one of nature's most spectacular events - the calving migration.
What to Expect
Expect early morning game drives when wildlife is most active, close encounters with thousands of newborn wildebeest calves in Ndutu (February peak), exceptional predator sightings including all 6 big cat species hunting vulnerable newborns, massive elephant herds in Tarangire's baobab forests, dramatic landscapes from marshlands to endless green plains, descent into Ngorongoro Crater with the highest concentration of large predators in Africa, authentic cultural immersion at Mto wa Mbu village, comfortable to luxury accommodations with hot showers and quality meals, sundowner experiences with spectacular Serengeti sunsets, and bumpy roads during game drives as part of the authentic wilderness experience.
Best Time to Visit
This itinerary is specifically designed for the calving migration season from late December through March, with the absolute peak occurring in February when over 8,000 calves are born daily. Late December through early January sees the migration beginning to arrive in Ndutu as short rains transform the plains into lush green carpets. February is the optimal month with highest concentration of births and maximum predator activity - the best time for wildlife photography and dramatic predator-prey interactions. By mid-March, herds begin their northward journey, though wildlife viewing remains excellent. The wet season brings verdant landscapes, dramatic afternoon skies, exceptional birdwatching with migratory species, and fewer tourists for a more exclusive safari experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the calving migration special?
The calving migration is one of nature's most spectacular events and arguably the best time for wildlife viewing in Tanzania. During a concentrated 2-3 week period in February, over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born on the nutrient-rich short-grass plains of Ndutu. About 8,000 calves are born every single day at the peak. This abundance of vulnerable newborns attracts massive predator concentrations - lions, cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, and even crocodiles - creating unparalleled predator-prey drama. The calves must stand and run within minutes of birth or risk becoming prey, offering incredible wildlife photography opportunities and raw displays of nature's circle of life that are impossible to witness at any other time or place in Africa.
How much does this 7-day calving migration safari cost?
Pricing for this 7-day calving migration safari varies by accommodation category, group size, and specific travel dates. Based on 2-6 people per vehicle, midrange accommodations start from approximately $2,278 per person (6 pax), deluxe options around $2,580 per person (6 pax), and luxury accommodations approximately $4,005 per person (6 pax). These prices include all park fees, expert guide, 4x4 vehicle, specified accommodations, most meals, transfers, sundowner experiences, and Mto wa Mbu village tour. Excluded are international flights, Tanzania visa ($50, $100 for US citizens), optional Olduvai Gorge visit ($36pp), hot air balloon safari ($520pp), drinks, tips, and travel insurance. Contact us for a detailed quote based on your travel dates and preferences.
When exactly is the best time to see the calving migration?
The optimal window for witnessing the calving migration is late January through mid-March, with the absolute peak typically occurring in the first three weeks of February. During this time, the herds are concentrated on the short-grass plains of the Ndutu region and southern Serengeti. Late December through early January sees herds arriving as the short rains green the plains. February brings peak calving activity with maximum predator action and the highest concentration of newborns. By mid-March, herds begin moving northward, though wildlife viewing remains excellent. Since this is a natural phenomenon, exact timing varies slightly year to year based on rainfall patterns, but February remains consistently spectacular. Book well in advance as this is peak season with high demand for limited accommodations in the Ndutu area.
What wildlife can I expect to see beyond the calving migration?
Beyond the spectacular calving migration, this itinerary visits Tanzania's premier wildlife areas virtually guaranteeing diverse sightings. In Tarangire, expect massive elephant herds (some of Africa's largest), lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalos, giraffes, and over 550 bird species. The Ndutu region hosts all six big cat species: lion, leopard, cheetah, caracal, serval, and wildcat - making it exceptional for cat enthusiasts. Central Serengeti offers year-round resident populations of lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, hippos, and diverse plains game including Thomson's and Grant's gazelles. The Ngorongoro Crater provides your best chance of seeing endangered black rhinos, completing the Big Five, along with massive-tusked elephants, black-maned lions, and large flamingo flocks on the soda lake. The cultural visit to Mto wa Mbu village offers authentic interaction with local Maasai communities, providing insight into traditional lifestyles coexisting with this remarkable wildlife.
Is this safari suitable for children and families?
Yes, this calving migration safari is excellent for families and children of all ages. The spectacle of thousands of baby animals is captivating for children and creates lasting memories. Game drives are conducted in private 4x4 vehicles allowing flexibility for breaks, snacks, and shorter viewing sessions if needed. Children under 12 receive significantly discounted rates (approximately $845-$1,709 depending on accommodation category). The itinerary balances wildlife viewing with cultural experiences like the Mto wa Mbu village tour, offering educational variety. Accommodations range from comfortable lodges to spacious family tents with modern facilities. However, be aware that game drives involve early mornings and bumpy roads. The predator-prey dynamics during calving season, while fascinating, can be intense - discuss with children beforehand. Most importantly, witnessing the calving migration teaches children about nature's cycles, conservation, and the interconnectedness of ecosystems in unforgettable ways. Contact us to discuss family-specific accommodations and arrangements.
Trip Summary
- •Witness 8,000 wildebeest calves born daily in Ndutu (February peak)
- •Exceptional predator viewing with 6 big cat species
- •Tarangire National Park elephant herds and baobab forests
- •Full day exploring Central Serengeti wilderness
- •Ngorongoro Crater descent with Big Five sightings
- •Mto wa Mbu village cultural experience
- •Sundowner experience in the Serengeti
- •Optional hot air balloon safari over the plains
Day-by-Day Overview
2026 Pricing (USD per person)
* High season rates shown. Shoulder and low season discounts available.
What's Included
- ✓Return airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
- ✓Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- ✓Expert English-speaking safari driver-guide
- ✓All national park entry fees and permits
- ✓Ngorongoro Crater conservation and service fees
- ✓6 nights accommodation (full board meals)
- ✓Mineral water, coffee, soft drinks on game drives
- ✓Sundowner experience in Serengeti
- ✓Mto wa Mbu village cultural tour
- ✓WiFi in safari vehicle
- ✓Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- ✓All government taxes and fees
Essential Travel Info
- •Visa: $50 ($100 US citizens)
- •Currency: USD preferred (post-2006 notes)
- •Temperatures: 27-29°C day, 15°C nights
- •Clothing: Neutral colors, warm layers
- •Camera: Telephoto lens recommended