6-Day Migration Calving Safari (December to March)

START FROM

$1,700

duration

6 Days

Min people

2 PEOPLE

MIN AGE

1+ YEARS

tour type

Serengeti & ngorongoro Migration

OVERVIEW Ndutu Great Migration Safari

Experience the awe-inspiring Ndutu Great Migration Safari, where millions of animals gather to give birth from December to April. This privately guided safari also visits other key parks and conservation areas, offering a unique blend of wildlife, landscapes, and cultural encounters. Accommodation is in comfortable midrange lodges and tented camps, providing both relaxation and immersion in the wild.

TOUR PLAN Ndutu Great Migration Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha & Optional City Tour

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, our team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. Depending on your arrival schedule, you may enjoy an optional city tour, including the Cultural Heritage art gallery, bustling local markets, and the vibrant Maasai Market — perfect for cultural immersion and souvenir shopping.

Main Destination: Arusha (City)
Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel – Mid-range hotel near Arusha
Meals & Drinks: Meals at own expense; drinks not included

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart at 8:00 a.m. for a 2-hour drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. From your safari vehicle’s open roof, enjoy sweeping views of savannas, seasonal swamps, and the Tarangire River, which draws an abundance of wildlife.

Expect to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, impalas, elands, lions, leopards, and over 500 bird species. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the scenic Matete picnic site before continuing with your afternoon game drive. Later, head to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
Accommodation: Moonbow Lodge – Mid-range lodge 1–2 hr from Tarangire
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; all drinks except spirits/liquor

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive & Transfer to Ndutu

After an early breakfast, drive to Ngorongoro Crater. Descend into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera for a half-day game drive. The crater floor is teeming with wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, and with luck, the endangered black rhino.

Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the crater before ascending and continuing to Ndutu, arriving in time for dinner and overnight.

Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: Safari Haven Migration Camp – Mid-range tented camp inside Serengeti NP
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; all drinks except spirits/liquor

Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Ndutu

Start with an early morning game drive, followed by a full day exploring the Ndutu region, where the Ngorongoro Conservation Area meets the southern Serengeti. This area is particularly famous from December to March during the calving season, when wildebeests and zebras give birth and predators are highly active.

Visit Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek, both vital water sources attracting abundant wildlife. For a unique perspective, you may add a hot air balloon safari (optional, extra cost).

Main Destination: Ndutu (Southern Serengeti NP)
Accommodation: Safari Haven Migration Camp – Mid-range tented camp inside Serengeti NP
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; all drinks except spirits/liquor

Day 5: Morning Game Drive in Ndutu & Transfer to Karatu

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Ndutu, known for its predator activity and seasonal wildebeest migration. Then, continue to Karatu on the edge of the Ngorongoro Highlands, arriving in time for dinner and relaxation at your lodge.

Main Destination: Ndutu / Karatu
Accommodation: Acacia Farm Lodge – Luxury lodge in Karatu
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; all drinks except spirits/liquor

Day 6: Lake Eyasi Cultural Experience & Return to Arusha

After an early breakfast, drive to Lake Eyasi (approx. 1.5 hrs). Visit the Hadzabe, one of Tanzania’s last hunter-gatherer tribes, and join them for a short traditional hunting walk. Then, meet the Datoga tribe, skilled blacksmiths, and learn about their way of life.

After this enriching cultural experience, enjoy lunch before driving back to Arusha, arriving in the evening. Drop-off at your hotel or airport depending on your travel plans.

Main Destination: Lake Eyasi
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch included (dinner not included); all drinks except spirits/liquor

End of Tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged at extra cost. Airport transfers included.

Price per person

Pax	Price Per Person (USD)
2	2150
3	1950
4	1800
5	1750
6	1700

Price Includes:

Park fees (non-residents)
All activities (unless optional)
Accommodation as per itinerary
Professional driver/guide
Transportation during safari
Round-trip airport transfers
Meals as specified day by day
Drinking water during safari
Taxes and VAT

Price Excludes:

International flights (from/to home)
Additional accommodation before or after safari
Tips (recommended $20 per person/day)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Alcoholic drinks and spirits
Government tax or park fee increases

Ndutu Great Migration Safari – FAQs

1. When is the best time for a Ndutu Great Migration Safari?

The best time for a Ndutu Great Migration Safari is from December to March, during the calving season. This is when thousands of wildebeest give birth daily, attracting predators like lions and cheetahs, making it one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles in Tanzania.

2. Where is Ndutu located?

Ndutu is located in the southern part of the Serengeti ecosystem, within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It is a key area for the Great Migration during the calving season.

3. What animals can I see during the Ndutu migration safari?

You can expect to see massive herds of wildebeest and zebras, along with predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas. Other wildlife includes elephants, giraffes, and a wide range of bird species.

4. How much does a Ndutu Great Migration Safari cost?

The cost of a Ndutu Great Migration Safari typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,000 per person, depending on whether you choose a budget, mid-range, or luxury safari package.

5. Is Ndutu better than central Serengeti for migration?

Ndutu is أفضل during the calving season (Dec–Mar), while central Serengeti National Park is better for year-round wildlife viewing. For witnessing births and predator action, Ndutu is unmatched.

6. Can I see the Big Five in Ndutu?

Yes, you can see most of the Big Five including lions, elephants, buffalo, and leopards. However, rhino sightings are rare compared to the Ngorongoro Crater.

7. How many days do I need for a Ndutu safari?

A 5–7 day safari is ideal to fully experience Ndutu along with other parks like Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro.

8. Is the Ndutu safari suitable for families?

Yes, a Ndutu Great Migration Safari is family-friendly. Many lodges offer comfortable accommodations and safe game drives suitable for children.

9. What makes Ndutu unique compared to other safari destinations?

Ndutu is unique because of the calving season, where thousands of animals are born within a short period. This creates unmatched predator-prey interactions not easily seen elsewhere in Africa.