Tanzania · Safari

6-Day Ndutu Migration Calving Safari with Ngorongoro Crater

6 Days Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Ndutu during the great wildebeest migration calving season
  • 02 Visit a Maasai village in the Ngorongoro Highlands to meet elders and warriors
  • 03 Enjoy flexible game drives between Ndutu and Central Serengeti
  • 04 Descend 610 metres into the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day safari

Embark on a 6-day safari from Kilimanjaro International Airport to explore Ndutu during the great wildebeest migration calving season and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater. Travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, visit a Maasai village in the Highlands, and enjoy game drives across Ndutu and Central Serengeti. Your journey culminates with a full-day safari in the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa's most remarkable wildlife destinations.

Upon arrival at the crater's rim, you will descend 610 metres into the crater, where your safari truly begins.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Arusha

  • Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by a Benson Safaris Tanzania representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
  • Rest in your room, swim in the pool, or explore Arusha and the surrounding areas on one of our day tours. The choice is yours.

Overnight - Outpost Lodge, Arusha

Upgrade your accommodation - upgrade to the 4-star Ilboru Safari Lodge or the 5-star Arusha Hotel or Tumbili Lodge.

2
Day 02

Journey to Ndutu via Ngorongoro

  • This morning, you will travel to Ndutu, part of the lower Serengeti and one of Africa's premier game parks.
  • Driving through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area toward Serengeti National Park, you will begin to experience the vastness of this territory and marvel at the multitude of animal and bird life while cruising through this acacia-spotted savannah.
  • You will visit a Maasai village in the Ngorongoro Highlands to meet the elders, warriors, women, and children, and learn about the culture, beliefs, and traditions of Tanzania's last nomadic tribe.
  • You will enjoy a game drive en route before arriving in Ndutu in time for a half-day game drive.

Overnight - Gnu Migration Camp, Ndutu

3
Day 03

Full-Day Wildlife Experience in Ndutu

  • Today, you will venture deeper into Ndutu, where you will see the great wildebeest migration.

Overnight - Gnu Migration Camp, Ndutu

Or upgrade your accommodation to Ndutu Safari Lodge.

4
Day 04

Game Drives in Ndutu and Central Serengeti

  • Today, you will enjoy another full-day game drive as you travel between Ndutu and Central Serengeti.
  • Today, you have the flexibility to create your itinerary - spend another full day in Ndutu before driving to Central Serengeti, or enjoy a half-day game drive in Ndutu and a half-day game drive in Central Serengeti. The choice is yours.

Overnight - Kontiki Tented Camp, Serengeti National Park

5
Day 05

Full-Day Safari in Ngorongoro Crater

  • Today, you will be rewarded with a full-day game drive in the stunning Ngorongoro Crater. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and is one of the only places on earth where mankind and wild animals coexist harmoniously.
  • Upon arrival at the crater's rim, you will descend 610 metres into the crater, where your safari truly begins.
  • Spot the endangered black rhino, wildebeest, buffalo, zebra, eland, Grant's and Thomson's gazelle, and giant tusked elephants.

Overnight - Outpost Lodge, Arusha

Upgrade your accommodation - upgrade to the 4-star Ilboru Safari Lodge or the 5-star Arusha Hotel or Tumbili Lodge.

6
Day 06

Departure from Arusha

  • Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Ndutu calving plains, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater rim

Where this trip takes you

Ndutu calving plains, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater rim

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd 3 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Arrival transfer from Kilimanjaro/Arusha Airport to the hotel
  • English-speaking driver-guide (other languages available upon request)
  • Special permit for filming - off-road to Ngorongoro Crater and Ndutu
  • Custom-built, extended, open-roof 4WD safari Land Cruiser with fridge and inverter - ideal for photography
  • Accommodation as specified
  • Meals as specified (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner)
  • Beverages during game drives (1 bottled water and 2 sodas per person per day; drinks can be substituted to suit your preferences)
  • Unlimited game drives, including park and vehicle entry fees
  • Maasai village visit
  • Departure transfer from the hotel to Kilimanjaro/Arusha Airport
  • All current government fees and taxes

What's Not Included

  • Drinks at hotels, lodges, and tented camps unless otherwise stated
  • Tips (tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of any African safari. We are often asked for tipping guidelines, and we recommend USD 10-15 for your guide per person per day. It is one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact on the East African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, as an essential source of income for those in the tourism industry.)

What to bring

During the day:

  • Opt for comfortable attire suitable for warm weather.
  • Dress in layers with lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes.
  • Use a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
  • Apply sunscreen regularly and use insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and other biting insects.

Evenings:

  • Slightly dressier attire may be needed for dinner, but smart-casual is typically the norm.
  • Pack a lightweight jacket or poncho for unexpected rain showers.
  • Consider bringing a scarf or shawl for cooler mornings or evenings.

Additional Tips:

  • Layers are essential for chilly mornings and evenings.
  • Durable, closed-toe shoes are recommended for rugged terrain.
  • Ensure you have UV-protective sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen.
  • Bring extra layers for warmth and mosquito protection in the evening.
  • Pack a swimsuit for lodge pools if you plan to swim.

Following these clothing tips will prepare you for a comfortable and enjoyable safari experience in Tanzania.

Know before you go

  • Insect repellent and clothing treated with permethrin are recommended for added protection against insects.
  • When packing for your safari, prioritise versatility to accommodate changing weather and varied activities, ensuring comfort and protection throughout your adventure.

Restroom Breaks:

  • Flexible stops will be arranged during travel between lodges or parks as needed.
  • Carry toilet paper, as not all facilities provide it, especially in local villages or park picnic sites.
  • Some facilities, such as a hole in the ground (called a quart), may be limited, but the lodge and tented camp facilities meet international standards.

Road Conditions:

  • Road conditions vary, with poor conditions in some areas.
  • Paved roads often have potholes, and dirt roads are affected by environmental conditions.
  • Off-road driving is prohibited in most parks.

Wildlife Viewing Etiquette:

  • Standing up in an open vehicle while it is moving is permitted but can be dangerous; do so at your own risk.
  • Do not sit on top of the vehicle.
  • Be cautious of tree branches and bumps in the road.
  • Exiting the vehicle during a drive is allowed only for emergencies or at designated locations.
  • Maintain quiet while observing wildlife to avoid disturbing them.

Dietary/Meal Requests:

  • All dietary needs are accommodated; please specify any particular requests.

Drinks Package:

  • Choose from a selection that includes Coke, Coke Lite, Fanta Orange, and Sprite.

Luggage:

  • Provide information on the number of pieces of luggage you will be travelling with.

Medical Conditions:

  • Inform the tour operator of any medical conditions they should be aware of.

Guide Tipping Recommendation:

  • Tipping the guide USD 10-15 per person per day is recommended, based on service satisfaction, to support the local community.

Health Advisory - Yellow Fever:

  • Ensure you have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate for airport checks. Vaccinations should be done ten days before travel.

Tsetse Flies and Malaria Precautions:

  • Use repellents containing 'deet' for protection against tsetse flies.
  • Consult your doctor for malaria advice, and consider layered clothing for added protection.

Camera Charging:

  • Each vehicle has a fridge and inverter for cooling drinks and charging cameras. Lodge facilities also offer charging options.

Currency and Payments:

  • Bringing USD for exchange into Tanzanian shillings is recommended for better rates on souvenirs.
  • ATM withdrawal limits are approximately USD 180. Discuss currency exchange or banking services with your guide.

Fun Facts:

  • The Serengeti is Tanzania's oldest and most popular national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a year-round destination, and each season has its own special highlight, the most famous of which is the annual wildebeest migration, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
  • December to March is the calving season when wildebeests and zebras give birth to their offspring. It is highly likely you will see a live birth. This is also an excellent time to see predator action, as lions and leopards prey on the young and vulnerable calves.
  • The Ngorongoro Crater is famous for Africa's best game viewing. Due to the permanent water supply on the crater floor, there is an ever-present abundance of wildlife.
  • The crater also has the largest known population of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and scavengers such as spotted hyenas, jackals, and rare wild dogs. Over 500 species of birds, including white pelicans and flamingos, have been recorded within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kilimanjaro International Airport, Kilimanjaro Airport Road, Tanzania
Tour start
Kilimanjaro Airport Rd, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 6 days finish where they began, in Kilimanjaro Airport Rd.

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