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5 Days, 4 Nights
Daily Tour
6 people
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A calving season safari to the Ndutu region (January to March) centers on one of Africa’s most dramatic natural events. The arrival of roughly 500,000 newborn wildebeest calves over a 2 to 3-week peak. Combining this area with the central Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater creates a rich contrast of sprawling open plains, high-density predator action, and enclosed caldera ecosystems.
Situated on the border between the southern Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Ndutu features short grass plains enriched by nutrient dense volcanic soil. Herds gather here because the phosphorus rich grass aids lactating mothers. It is the epicenter of predator prey interaction. lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards lock into high alert to target vulnerable newborns.
Transitioning north from Ndutu into the central plains provides classic African savanna landscapes. This area maintains exceptional year round resident game, including big cats on granite kopjes, leopards in acacias, and elephant herds serving as a solid bridge between Ndutu’s seasonal madness and the highlands.
Ngorongoro Crater with a dramatic shift in landscape, dropping 600 meters down into a self-contained 260-sq-km volcanic caldera. It provides guaranteed, dense game viewing year round, including easy sightings of black rhinos, hippos, and massive bull elephants.
Effect of the Migration on Southern Serengeti & Ngorongoro brings the arrival of over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebras transforms the quiet southern plains into a bustling, noisy nursery. The massive concentration of animals triggers intense predator activity, making it the top destination for viewing live hunts. The herds also impact the landscape through rapid grazing and heavy nutrient deposition (dung and urine), which fertilizes the soil for the coming season.
The migratory herds occupy the short-grass plains of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area surrounding the crater, but they generally do not descend into the crater itself due to the steep walls and localized ecosystems. However, the migration drastically affects the safari flow around the crater rim.
A trip through the highlands of Ngorongoro Conservation Area, visiting Serengeti. Witnessing the Calving season at its most active time. This tour is recommended to be booked between December and March each year.
| # | Discount group | From adult | To adult | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Adults | 2 | 2 | 31.89% |
| 2 | 3 Adults | 3 | 3 | 40.67% |
| 3 | 4 Adults | 4 | 4 | 48.43% |
| 4 | 5 Adutls | 5 | 5 | 53.05% |
| 5 | 6 Adults | 6 | 6 | 57.12% |
Depart Arusha early morning for the scenic drive across the Great Rift Valley wall towards the Ndutu area, nestled between the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Southern Serengeti. Arrive at the campsite in time to set up gear and enjoy a freshly cooked lunch. In the late afternoon, head out for your first game drive across the short-grass plains, where massive herds of wildebeest and zebras gather. Keep an eye out for cheetahs scanning the open terrain. Return to camp for dinner and overnight. Overnight: Ndutu Special Campsite
Dedicate the entire day to exploring the prime wildlife routes around Ndutu, including the shores of Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek, the Marsh area, and the open southern plains. This region is the heart of the calving season, expect to witness hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, newborn calves, and high-density predator action (lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards) capitalizing on the seasonal movement. Enjoy a midday bush lunch surrounded by the African wilderness before continuing off road game viewing (permitted in the Ndutu area). Return to camp at sunset. Overnight: Ndutu Special Campsite
Start with an early morning game drive in Ndutu to catch predators during their active morning hours. Afterwards, begin your drive north into the heart of Serengeti National Park. En route, the landscape transitions from short grass plains to the iconic acacia dotted savanna of the Seronera Valley. Enjoy an afternoon game drive focusing on the Seronera River valley, a prime habitat for leopards resting in sausage trees, lion prides on granite kopjes, and resident game like elephants and hippos Overnight: Central Serengeti Campsite
Embark on a sunrise game drive in the Central Serengeti when wildlife is most active. Exploring Seronera valley even further Return to camp for a hearty late morning brunch before packing up. Head out on a game drive transfer toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, ascending through the highlands to the crater rim. Arrive at Simba Campsite in the late afternoon to pitch tents, enjoy sweeping views of the crater, and prepare for a chilly highland evening. Overnight: Simba Campsite (Ngorongoro Crater Rim)
Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater floor at dawn for a morning game drive inside this self contained natural sanctuary. The crater floor offers dense game viewing, including guaranteed sightings of hippos, massive bull elephants, hyenas, lions, and the rare black rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch near the Hippo Pool before ascending the crater rim in the early afternoon for the return drive to Arusha, arriving by late evening at your booked accommodation.
This tour has a base budget which includes Basic Camping accommodation while in Serengeti & Ngorongoro. With Special Campsite accommodation when in Ndutu. Rate includes all aspects/requirements/equipment for basic camping accommodation.
Booking client can easily upgrade their accommodations from Basic Camping. Please use the "Extra" option when booking this tour to upgrade to the listed accommodations. Simply email info@safirisafari.com for more assistance if needed.
This specific itinerary is optimized for the Great Migration Calving Season, which runs from December to March. January and February are typically the peak months to witness massive herds and high predator action in the Ndutu region.
It is an immersive, budget-friendly experience where you stay at public campsites inside or near the national parks. You bring your own sleeping gear (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and pillows). Campsites feature shared washroom facilities with basic running water and flush toilets
Your dedicated safari cook prepares three fresh meals a day (full board): hot breakfasts, packed lunch boxes or hot bush lunches, and multi course dinners. Special dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, halal) can easily be accommodated if communicated prior to departure.
Off-road driving is permitted in the Ndutu region (Ngorongoro Conservation Area side), allowing your guide to follow wildlife sightings across the open plains. However, off-road driving is strictly prohibited inside Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater floor to protect the ecosystem.
You will travel in a private 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser custom built for safaris, equipped with a pop-up roof for 360-degree wildlife viewing, charging sockets for cameras/phones, a small fridge or cooler box, and unlimited bottled drinking water.
While Ndutu and Serengeti are generally warm to mild, the rim of Ngorongoro Crater (Simba Campsite) sits at high altitude (around 2,300 meters / 7,500 feet) and gets very cold at night. A cold weather sleeping bag will be provided, bring warm layers, a windproof jacket, thermal sleepwear, a headlamp/flashlight, and personal toiletries.
Yes. There are designated picnic sites and visitor centers throughout Ndutu, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro with rest stop facilities. When deep in the bush, your guide will arrange safe "bush stops."
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