4-Day Private Ndutu Calving Season Safari & Kilimanjaro Day Hike

4 Days Round trip from Ndutu Lake Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Witness the spectacular wildebeest and zebra calving season in Ndutu
  • 02 Explore Ngorongoro Crater's wildlife-rich ecosystem, home to the Big Five
  • 03 Take in panoramic views over the Serengeti plains and crater highlands
  • 04 Hike Mount Kilimanjaro's Marangu route through lush rainforest and alpine meadows

Experience the annual migration of wildebeests, zebras, and other wildlife as they travel from the Serengeti to Ndutu in search of fresh grazing grounds - a truly mesmerizing natural event. Explore the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich with diverse wildlife. Finish your adventure with a one-day hike on Mount Kilimanjaro, soaking in the majestic beauty of the landscape.

Book this 4-day Private Ndutu Calving Season Safari & Kilimanjaro Day Hike with Serengeti Wildlife Safaris, a licensed Tanzania tour operator based in Arusha since 2017. Every itinerary can be tailor-made to your travel dates, budget and interests, and combined with Serengeti and Ngorongoro safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs or Zanzibar beach stays.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Languages English, Spanish, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arusha to Ndutu and the Calving Season Safari

  • Depart from Arusha to Ndutu in Serengeti National Park.
  • Experience the thrilling calving season from late January to early March, witnessing thousands of wildebeest and zebras giving birth amid dramatic landscapes and abundant predators.
2
Day 02

Ndutu to Ngorongoro Crater

  • Drive from Ndutu to Ngorongoro Crater, enjoying stunning views of the Serengeti plains and the crater highlands.
  • Upon arrival, take in panoramic vistas before descending into the crater to explore its diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery.
3
Day 03

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha

  • Discover the unique ecosystem of Ngorongoro Crater, home to the Big Five and a wealth of other wildlife.
  • Marvel at the lush greenery and varied landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ngorongoro Crater is a unique natural marvel. Its self-contained ecosystem supports a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including the famous Big Five - lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. The crater's geological formation provides an extraordinary setting for safari enthusiasts, offering close encounters with these animals against the backdrop of the crater's lush greenery and varied landscapes.
  • Return to Arusha's Forest Hill Hotel after a day exploring the Ngorongoro Crater for a comfortable and welcoming stay. Nestled amid serene surroundings, the hotel provides a peaceful atmosphere to unwind, featuring amenities to relax and reflect on the day's adventures.
4
Day 04

Mount Kilimanjaro Day Hike to Mandara Hut

  • Embark on a thrilling day hike up Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu route, experiencing the beauty of Africa's highest peak in a condensed adventure. The Marangu route, known as the "Coca-Cola" route, offers a scenic trek through diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests and alpine meadows. As you ascend, witness breathtaking views and immerse yourself in the mountain's unique flora and fauna.
  • After completing the day hike on Kilimanjaro, you will be dropped off at the airport, providing a seamless transition from your mountain adventure to your departure. This condensed journey offers a glimpse into Kilimanjaro's majesty and natural beauty, perfect for travellers seeking a shorter trek while ensuring a convenient return for onward travel.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Ndutu Lake 4 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All accommodations
  • All activities, unless indicated as optional
  • All transportation, unless labeled as optional
  • Meals, as specified in the day-by-day section
  • Taxes / VAT
  • Bath towels
  • All transport by road
  • Camping equipment
  • Domestic flights
  • Park fees
  • Professional guide
  • Sleeping bags
  • Drinking water on all days
  • Government-imposed increases of taxes and/or park fees
  • Budget lodges
  • All meals on safaris
  • Quality safari jeep
  • Guide wages
  • Luxury accommodations
  • Airport pickup
  • Airport pickup in Zanzibar
  • Air-conditioned car
  • Beer
  • Private trip

What's Not Included

  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • International flights
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Tips (tipping guideline: USD 10–15 per person per day for your guide)

What to bring

  • Luggage

  • Clothes

  • Shoes

  • Sun protection

  • First aid supplies

  • Photography & electrical equipment

  • Electrical charging and power supply

Know before you go

Your safety on safari: Our 4x4 Land Cruisers are checked and serviced before every trip, every vehicle carries a first aid kit, and our guides are first-aid trained. Guides carry radios to stay in contact where there is no internet, including with park rangers, and you can reach our Arusha office at any time by WhatsApp or phone call.

  • Our representative will collect you from the airport and take you to your accommodation in Arusha for the night.

  • We are happy to book accommodation before and after your safari if needed.

  • Flying into Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airports is quite straightforward. English is widely spoken and used for signs and directions.

  • Arusha Airport is a 30-minute drive from Arusha.

  • Kilimanjaro Airport is roughly a one-hour drive from Arusha. If you arrive on an international flight, clearing immigration can be lengthy.

  • The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling. US dollars and euros are widely accepted. Most places will not accept older US dollar bills (printed before 2006).

  • If you intend to use your credit or debit card to withdraw funds, we suggest taking more than one card with you, as you may find that your card is not accepted at the first ATM. Visa and Maestro cards are usually best.

  • We recommend informing your bank that you will be using your card abroad to avoid it being blocked. ATMs are available in Arusha and allow you to withdraw local currency.

  • We advise you to arrive in Arusha at least one day before your trip begins. Return flights can be booked for the late afternoon/evening of the final day of your safari, but please ensure your guide is aware of this so that you can arrive at the airport in plenty of time for your flight.

  • Please check with the relevant embassy in your country for up-to-date visa and passport information. Ensure your passport will not expire within six months of your trip (i.e., if your trip is in September, make sure it is valid until at least March of the following year) and that it has at least three clear pages.

  • You will probably need a visa to enter Tanzania. Check with your country's government travel website to find out how to get your visa. Most visas can be bought on arrival into the country.

  • You will require vaccinations for your trip. As we are not medically trained, we cannot give detailed advice on vaccination requirements. However, the following vaccinations are generally recommended for Tanzania: Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies, Yellow Fever, and Malaria. (Yellow fever vaccination is compulsory when you enter Tanzania from a country with yellow fever.)

  • Vaccination certificates are often checked at immigration. If you are entering Tanzania from a country that does not have Yellow Fever, vaccination is not needed. Please visit the World Health Organization website for an up-to-date list.

  • In some areas we visit, there is a risk of contracting malaria. You must know that whatever malaria tablets you take only offer partial protection. They must be coupled with your physical efforts against being bitten - the best prevention. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset, so you should wear long sleeves and trousers from this time. Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing 'Deet' applied to them.

  • We strongly recommend that you have extensive travel insurance to cover you for your trip. It is also wise to leave a copy of your insurance policy with a friend or relative for safekeeping. Your policy should include adequate medical emergency and repatriation coverage.

  • Tanzania has a well-established tipping culture.

  • Guides: If you feel you have received good service, a typical tip is USD 10-15 per person daily.

In Tanzania, the year is loosely divided into the 'short' rains (November) and the 'long' rains (March to May). The 'rains' usually last for one or two hours each day, followed by hot sunny weather. Nights can be surprisingly cold at higher altitudes, e.g., Ngorongoro Crater.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Arusha, Tanzania
Tour start
Ndutu Lake, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 4 days finish where they began, in Ndutu Lake.

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