Tanzania · Safari

6-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari with Ndutu Calving Season

6 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Witness thousands of wildebeest calves being born during the Great Migration
02 Experience close encounters with predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas
03 Spot unique wildlife including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and flamingos
04 Immerse yourself in Maasai culture with an optional evening visit to a local community

Embark on an unforgettable 6-day safari adventure in Tanzania through the breathtaking landscapes of the Serengeti, Ndutu Plains, and Ngorongoro Crater. Witness the dramatic calving season, thrilling predator-prey interactions, and incredible wildlife sightings, including the Big Five. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, scenic drives, and the chance to experience Maasai culture along the way.

Witness thousands of wildebeest calves being born.

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, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha and Safari Briefing

Pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Transfer to your lodge for an overnight stay.
Safari briefing and gear check.

Overnight: Arusha lodge.

Meals: Dinner.

Day 02

Arusha to Ndutu Plains in Southern Serengeti

Drive or fly to the Ndutu area.
Afternoon game drive in wildebeest herds and cheetah territory.

Overnight: Ndutu tented camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 03

Full-Day Ndutu Safari During Calving Season

Full-day game drive.
Witness thousands of wildebeest calves being born.
Look for predator-prey action, including lions, hyenas, and cheetahs hunting.
Bush lunch in the savannah.

Overnight: Ndutu tented camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 04

Lake Ndutu and Hidden Valleys Exploration

Game drive around Lake Ndutu and the marshlands.
Spot flamingos, bat-eared foxes, and jackals.
Optional Maasai cultural visit in the evening.

Overnight: Ndutu camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 05

Sunrise Safari and Scenic Return to Karatu

Sunrise game drive.
Depart for Karatu via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Scenic drive with crater rim views.

Overnight: Lodge in Karatu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 06

Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive and Return to Arusha

Early descent into the Ngorongoro Crater.
Game drive with the possibility of seeing the Big Five.
Lunch at the hippo pool picnic site.
Return to Arusha by evening or transfer to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Where this trip takes you

Ndutu Plains, Lake Ndutu marshlands, Ngorongoro Crater

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 4 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All accommodation (lodges or tented camps with full board)
All meals during the safari (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking guide
All park and conservation fees (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Ndutu)
Daily game drives (full-day or half-day)
Unlimited bottled water during game drives
Pick-up and drop-off from Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airport
Emergency evacuation insurance (AMREF Flying Doctors)
Safari briefing before departure

What's Not Included

International flights (to/from Tanzania)
Tanzanian tourist visa (~$50-$100 depending on nationality)
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Tips for your guide and camp staff (suggested $10-$20/day)
Alcohol, soft drinks, and laundry (unless included at your lodge)
Optional activities (hot air balloon ride, cultural visit)
Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, etc.)

What to bring

Clothing in neutral colors
2-3 breathable T-shirts or safari shirts
Long-sleeve shirts for sun and bugs
1 fleece or light jacket for chilly mornings
1 pair of safari pants and 1 pair of shorts
Comfortable walking shoes or boots
Hat or cap for sun
Sunglasses (polarized are ideal)
Light scarf or buff for dust
Flip-flops or sandals for camp
Camera, memory cards, and extra batteries
Binoculars (a must for predator sightings!)
Sunscreen and lip balm (SPF 30+)
Power bank or portable charger
Universal adapter (Tanzania uses UK plug type)
Passport (6+ months validity)
Tanzanian visa
Travel insurance papers
Safari booking confirmation
Vaccination card (Yellow fever if required)

Know before you go

Mid-January to early March is peak calving season.
The Ndutu area (Southern Serengeti) is best during this time - part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, so off-road driving is allowed (great for photography).
Mobile camps follow the migration.
Lodges are available in Ndutu or surrounding areas.
Choose between budget, mid-range, or luxury camps - many include hot showers, comfy beds, and bush dining.
Expect massive herds of wildebeest and zebra.
You may see hundreds of newborn calves.
Predator action includes lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas.
You may also spot elephants, giraffes, gazelles, jackals, and more.
You can drive or fly into Ndutu Airstrip, with flights from Arusha or Seronera.
Drives from Arusha take around 7-8 hours (scenic but long) - fly-in safaris are popular and faster.
Book 3-6 months in advance, especially for mobile camps.
Check if park fees are included.
Ask about the cancellation policy and whether the safari is private or group-based.
Look for licensed operators with good reviews and TALA (Tanzania Association of Local Tour Operators).