NDUTU, SERENGETI & NGORONGORO: THE GREAT MIGRATION CALVING SEASON 5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS

SEASONAL SPECIAL: Available strictly from late December through March.

Witness one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles: the Wildebeest Calving Season in the Ndutu region. Every year between December and March, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest gather on the fertile short-grass plains of Ndutu to give birth to roughly 8,000 calves daily. This massive concentration of young prey draws unprecedented numbers of lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas, creating unmatched predator action.

This specialized 5-day itinerary combines two nights in the heart of Ndutu with two nights in Central Serengeti and a breathtaking descent into the Ngorongoro Crater.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: Arusha – Ndutu Region (Ngorongoro Conservation Area)

Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from Arusha, journeying through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area towards the Ndutu region, located on the border between southern Serengeti and northern Ngorongoro. Arrive in time for lunch at your camp, followed by an afternoon game drive across the short-grass plains. Keep your eyes peeled for newborn calves and the predators tracking the herds. In the evening, return to camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals: Lunch (Picnic Box), Dinner
Overnight: Ndutu area (e.g., Africa Safari Ndutu, Ndutu Heritage Camp, or similar)

DAY 2: Full Day in the Ndutu Region

Spend a full day immersed in the high-energy Ndutu plains. Off-road driving is permitted in parts of Ndutu, allowing your guide to bring you remarkably close to the Great Migration herds, active predator hunts, and mother-and-calf interactions. Enjoy a full day with a packed picnic lunch in the bush or return to camp for a midday rest before heading out again for an afternoon safari drive.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic Box), Dinner
Overnight: Ndutu area

DAY 3: Ndutu – Central Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, bid farewell to the calving plains and journey north into Central Serengeti (Seronera Valley). Arriving around midday, spend the afternoon exploring the Seronera River area, home to resident big cats, leopards resting in acacia trees, and vast savanna landscapes. In the late afternoon, check into your safari camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic Box), Dinner
Overnight: Central Serengeti (e.g., Serengeti Heritage Luxury Camp, Moyo Tented Camp, Osero Serengeti, or similar)

DAY 4: Full Day in Serengeti National Park

Dedicate an entire day to exploring Central Serengeti’s rich wildlife habitats. Your guide will navigate key game-viewing loops to track lions, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes. Enjoy a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch in the wild, soaking in the iconic African landscape and endless horizons.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic Box), Dinner
Overnight: Central Serengeti

DAY 5: Central Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha

Rise early for an early morning departure from Central Serengeti, driving towards the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Descend 600 meters onto the crater floor for a game drive inside this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Search for the Big Five, including endangered black rhinos, along with hippos, flamingos, and lion prides. Following a scenic picnic lunch inside the caldera, ascend and begin the return drive to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon/evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic Box)

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

This seasonal itinerary features 2 nights in Ndutu, 2 nights in Central Serengeti, and a final crater tour:

Option 1: Mid-Range (Comfortable seasonal tented camps & authentic safari lodges)
Option 2: Luxury (Exclusive luxury tented camps & high-end safari lodges)

PRICING & INCLUSIONS

Pricing depends on the number of guests, travel dates, and selected accommodation category (Mid-Range or Luxury). Exact rates are provided upon request. Note: This tour operates only between late December and March.

Included in the price:

Private transport in a customized 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for optimal game viewing
Professional, licensed English-speaking safari driver/guide
Round-trip transfers from/to Arusha
4 nights accommodation in chosen category (2 nights Ndutu, 2 nights Central Serengeti)
All national park and conservation fees (Ngorongoro, Ndutu & Serengeti)
Ngorongoro Crater service permit/vehicle fee
Transit fees through Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Mineral drinking water inside the vehicle throughout the safari