Tanzania Wildebeest Migration

6-Day Ndutu Great Migration Safari the Calving Season

Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania

The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena, and there’s no better spot to see it than Ndutu in Tanzania. Every year, between December and March, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate between the southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in search of new grazing. The huge open plains of Ndutu provide an up-close view of this incredible journey, making it a must-see site for anybody searching for an amazing safari in Tanzania.

Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1: Tanzania Wildlife Odyssey – Witness the Great Migration in Ndutu

    Airport Pickup
    Your journey begins in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania's well-known northern safari circuit. When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, our friendly guide will greet you and explain the forthcoming trip. Following a relaxing night in Arusha, the true experience begins as we go to Ndutu Plains, a popular migration destination.

    The journey to Ndutu is around 250 kilometers long and takes about five hours. As you progress deeper into the woods, the terrain changes considerably, from lush foliage to open plains teaming with wildlife. Upon arrival, an afternoon game drive provides your first glimpse of the Great Migration, as millions of wildebeest and zebras feed on the nutrient-rich pastures. Lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are common predators, making for exciting game viewing possibilities. As the sun sets, you will check into Ndutu Bush Camp, our carefully chosen midrange accommodation, where you will enjoy a fantastic dinner and spend the night beneath the African stars.

  • Accommodation

    Ndutu Bush Camp

  • Day 2: Exploring the Ndutu Plains

    Wildebeest Migration (1)
    The next morning, wake up to the sounds of nature and prepare for a full-day safari in Tanzania's Ndutu region. Off-road game drives are permitted here, which allows you to get closer to the activity than in other parts of the Serengeti. Seasonal lakes in the area, notably Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek, provide critical water for both permanent and migratory species. As the wildebeest give birth to their offspring, the grasslands become a fight between prey and predator. The quantity of calves during this season draws huge predators, giving photographers fantastic opportunities to record dramatic interactions. After an exciting day of wildlife sightings, you will return to Ndutu Bush Camp to unwind and reflect on your day's adventures. This midrange lodging strikes the ideal combination between comfort and a real bush experience, with comfy bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, and a warm campfire.

  • Accommodation

    Ndutu Bush Camp

  • Day 3: Serengeti National Park—The Heart of the Wild

    Serengeti National Park (1)
    On day three, following a final morning game drive in Ndutu, we set off for the Central Serengeti, a location known for its remarkable biodiversity. The trek is about 80 kilometers long and takes about two hours. As we go, huge golden grasslands extend in every direction, punctuated by famed kopjes (rocky outcrops) that provide ideal observation spots for predators. When we arrive, we check into Serengeti Embalakai Camp, our mid-range accommodation in the center of the park. The Serengeti is home to Africa's highest population of lions, cheetahs, leopards, and elephants, making it one of the best sites in the world to see wildlife. The Seronera River, a lifeline for numerous species, winds through the countryside, attracting enormous herds of buffalo, antelope, and giraffe. After a game drive filled with breathtaking wildlife encounters, we return to camp, where you may eat a great meal while listening to the distant noises of the wild.

  • Accommodation

    Serengeti Embalakai Camp

  • Day 4: Full day serengeti National Park

    Serengeti National Park (1)
    The next day, we go on a full-day Serengeti safari, which gives us enough of opportunity to explore different habitats and view many species in their natural setting. Whether it's a pride of lions lounging under an acacia tree, a leopard dragging its carcass up a tree, or a cheetah dashing across the plains, every moment in the Serengeti is filled with awe and wonder. At lunchtime, have a bush lunch in the center of the park, surrounded by spectacular African scenery. Later on proceed to Serengeti Embalakai Camp for dinner and overnight.

  • Accommodation

    Serengeti Embalakai Camp

  • Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater: A Natural Wonder

    ngorongoro crater
    After an early breakfast, we drive for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which includes the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The travel takes about 3.5 hours and covers 145 kilometers. Upon arrival, we descend into the crater, a 600-meter-deep volcanic caldera home to an estimated 25,000 big species. This is one of the few areas in Africa where you have a good chance of seeing an endangered black rhino. The crater bottom is alive with wildlife, including lions, elephants, hyenas, hippos, and vast herds of wildebeests and zebras. The various ecosystems, which range from grasslands and marshes to acacia woods, provide a stunning setting for one of Africa's most unusual game drives. Lunch will be served at a picturesque picnic spot near Lake Magadi, where flamingos frequently congregate, producing a stunning sight. After a fantastic day in Ngorongoro, we travel to Embalakai Ngorongoro Camp, a pleasant midrange accommodation located in the center of the conservation area. Here, you may unwind and reflect on your day's adventures while enjoying outstanding service and spectacular views.

  • Accommodation

    Embalakai Ngorongoro Camp

  • Day 6: Head back to Arusha

    We have a leisurely breakfast on the final day of your Tanzanian safari before starting the 4-hour drive back to Arusha. Before being taken to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your next flight, you might have time for a quick city tour or some souvenir shopping, depending on when you are leaving.

Safari Cost Include

Transfers

All transfers as outlined in the program.

Accommodation & Meals

  • Accommodation in hotels and lodges as described in the program.
  • Meals as specified in the program.
  • Bottled water, soft drinks, hot coffee, and tea provided while on safari in the jeep.


Guiding & Game-Driving

  • Services of a certified and experienced English-speaking safari guide.
  • Comfortable 4×4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs, equipped with fridges, Wi-Fi, and power outlets.
  • All national park fees, including park entry and concession fees.
  • Free Wi-Fi availability in 60-75% of the traveled areas, depending on cell coverage in the wilderness.
  • 24/7 phone support service for any assistance during the safari.
  • Emergency air ambulance services provided by AMREF Flying Doctors.
  • Binoculars (1 per vehicle) for enhanced wildlife viewing.
  • Onboard medical kit for added safety and convenience.

Safari Cost Excludes

  • Air tickets;
  • Visa fee;
  • Travel insurance;
  • Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).

Please Note

  • By default, our tours include shared accommodation in twin/double rooms unless requested and agreed otherwise. Single supplements are available upon request. Please refer to the program for specific accommodation arrangements.
  • Accommodations in Moshi and Arusha typically include breakfast only, unless otherwise requested and agreed upon. Refer to the program for detailed meal plans for each night.
  • Most safari lodges do not include tea, coffee, soft drinks, or alcoholic beverages in their standard packages, allowing you to order and pay for only what you need directly at the hotel restaurants.
  • Tented lodges, the most common type of accommodation in the savannah, often operate on solar energy. This may result in features such as bucket showers, limited Wi-Fi, and the absence of hair dryers, as part of their efforts to minimize environmental impact. We encourage you to research the accommodations in your program to ensure the safari aligns with your travel preferences.

Book this Tour

6 Days Safari
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