4-Day Ndutu and Ngorongoro Safari during the Migration Calving Season

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Traverse Tanzania's magnificent Ndutu area during the migration calving season
• 02 Witness more than 8,000 wildebeest cubs born daily on the southern plains
• 03 Enjoy spectacular game drives through Ndutu's short grass plains and acacia woodland
• 04 Explore Ngorongoro Crater, home to classical African wildlife and the rare black rhino

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey through Tanzania's Ndutu area during the migration calving season, with scenic drives through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and a chance to interact with Maasai people along the way. Marvel at the endless plains teeming with wildebeests and witness the remarkable calving season, when more than 8,000 cubs are born each day. Continue your safari with spectacular game drives en route to the Ngorongoro crater rim, and conclude with a fascinating exploration of Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most beautiful wildlife settings on earth.

The calving season is especially exciting, as more than 8,000 wildebeest cubs are born every day, and as soon as they take their first steps, they become targets for rapacious predators.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arusha/Moshi to Ndutu via Ngorongoro Conservation Area

• Start a new day of exploration in the magical land of Tanzania with an early healthy breakfast, then drive towards the Ndutu area.
• Pass through the scenic landscapes around the Ngorongoro Conservation Area on the way.
• Along the route, you will get a chance to interact with Maasai people.
• Upon arrival, marvel at the endless plains filled with wildebeests, while others protect their young ones from vicious predators.
• The whole day will be spent exploring the area before spending the evening at one of the campsites or lodges.

2

Day 02

Full-Day Game Drive in the Ndutu Area

• Spend the full day game driving through this vast land teeming with animals. The calving season is especially exciting, as more than 8,000 wildebeest cubs are born every day, and as soon as they take their first steps, they become targets for rapacious predators. Another unique and dazzling sight in the area is the acacia woodland, immediately surrounded by short grass plains.
• After a day full of memories, retire to your accommodation for a tasty dinner and a good night's rest as you prepare for another exciting day.

3

Day 03

Ndutu Area to Ngorongoro Crater Rim

• After breakfast, continue game driving while heading towards the crater rim. The drive will be filled with spectacular animal views all around, so keep your camera close and capture wholesome pictures along the way.
• After a long safari, spend the night in one of the lodges or camps on the crater rim of Ngorongoro.

4

Day 04

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha/Moshi

• After breakfast, descend into the crater early in the morning. This popular crater has a lot to offer and features some of the most beautiful scenery on earth. Reaching at least 600 meters deep, the crater is home to a wide range of animals and is named by some as the Eden Garden of Africa. It is also the only place where the rarely seen black rhino can be spotted during just a one-day game drive.
• As you continue exploring and spotting the classical African animals, lunch will be served at one of the picnic sites in the crater before a short afternoon game drive and your ascent out of the crater.
• The day ends with the drive back to Moshi or Arusha.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Park fees
• All accommodations as shown in the itinerary
• Professional driver/guide
• All meals as specified in the itinerary
• All transportation expenses (4x4 Toyota Safari Land Cruiser with a pop-top roof)
• TANAPA fees
• Drinking water

What's Not Included

• Tipping for staff members (driver/guide)
• Medical insurance
• All beverages at the camp/lodge
• Travel insurance
• Visa
• All accommodations before/after the safari
• All accommodations not mentioned in the itinerary

Know before you go

• January (drive in) - March (force out)
• When thinking of migration, many people think of the river-crossing phase. Still, there is more to it than that. The Serengeti migration involves action throughout the year, and there is much more to see than thousands of animals making their way through rivers. One of the mysterious events in the Serengeti involving this ancient beast is the famous calving season. This is when thousands of cubs are born within one period. Usually, the birthing time takes place between January and February, with March and April used to tend to the young ones and prepare them for the long journey ahead in search of better pastures after the dry season begins. This mind-blowing event takes place in the southern part of the Serengeti and the northwestern part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It is believed that the animals prefer this area for reproduction because of the nutritious soil, which leads to healthy grasses full of the minerals needed for their young ones. The nature of the grasses also allows them to spot their enemies, who tirelessly prey on their cubs. Touring this area allows you to witness the action and dramatic exchanges between mothers protecting their young ones while predators charge with full force for an easy meal.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Moshi, Tanzania

Tour start

Arusha, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.