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This 5-day safari takes you to one of the most special wildlife events in Africa; the wildebeest calving season in Ndutu, part of the Southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania. Every year between January and March, hundreds of thousands of wildebeests give birth to their babies in these open plains. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see new life begin and also watch big predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas hunt and protect their territories.
This safari is great for anyone who loves animals, nature, and photography. You’ll travel in a private 4x4 safari vehicle with a friendly and experienced guide, sleep in comfortable lodges or tented camps, and visit famous places like Central Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, along with the calving grounds in Ndutu.
Arusha | Ndutu Area – Southern Serengeti | Ngorongoro Crater | Arusha
Best Time to Visit:
July – October (River Crossings)
5 -Day Wildebeest Migration Safari detailed itinerary
- Highlights: Calving Season, Big Cats, Great Migration Herds
- Safari style: Private safari with handpicked Mid Range lodges
🗓️ Day 1: Arusha – Drive to Ndutu Area (Southern Serengeti)
After breakfast in Arusha, your safari guide will pick you up for the start of your journey. You’ll drive through the beautiful landscapes of Tanzania, passing Maasai villages, highland forests, and wide open plains. The Ndutu area, located at the edge of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Southern Serengeti, is your destination. This region is the main stage for the wildebeest calving season. Enjoy a game drive en route before arriving at your tented camp, where you’ll have dinner and relax under the stars.
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🛏️ Suggested mid-range accommodation: Ndutu Heritage Camp or Ang’ata Ndutu Camp
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🍽️ Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
🗓️ Day 2: Full Day Game Drive in Ndutu Area
Today is all about exploring the Ndutu plains, where the Great Migration herds gather in massive numbers to give birth. You’ll witness hundreds of young wildebeests being born each day; and with them, a rise in predator activity. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals are never far behind. Your guide will take you across different parts of the area, including Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek, which also attract birds and other animals. You’ll enjoy a packed lunch in the bush and continue the game drive until late afternoon.
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🛏️ Suggested mid-range accommodation: Ndutu Heritage Camp or Ang’ata Ndutu Camp
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🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🗓️ Day 3: Ndutu Area – Drive to Central Serengeti
After breakfast, you’ll leave Ndutu and start driving north toward the Central Serengeti. This region is well-known for its resident big cats; especially lions and leopards; and stunning rocky outcrops called kopjes. Along the way, you'll enjoy game viewing and a picnic lunch. The Central Serengeti offers a mix of open plains and river valleys, which means you may see elephants, giraffes, buffalos, and large groups of antelope. In the evening, you’ll check into your lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight.
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🛏️ Suggested mid-range accommodation: Serengeti Heritage Camp (Central) or Tanzania Bush Camp
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🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🗓️ Day 4: Central Serengeti – Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Enjoy a morning game drive in Central Serengeti as you slowly make your way toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You’ll stop for wildlife viewing along the way and take in the incredible landscapes. By the afternoon, you'll reach the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, where your lodge will offer breathtaking views of the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. You’ll relax and enjoy dinner while looking forward to tomorrow’s crater tour.
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🛏️ Suggested mid-range accommodation: Rhino Lodge or Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge
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🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🗓️ Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Return to Arusha
Today is the grand finale of your safari! Early in the morning, you’ll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a 5–6 hour game drive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the Big Five; lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and the rare black rhino. You’ll also spot hippos, zebras, wildebeests, and many bird species around the crater lake. After your picnic lunch, you’ll drive back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon. The safari ends with drop-off at your hotel or airport.
🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
✅ What's Included
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All park entry and conservation fees
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Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
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Professional English-speaking safari guide
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All meals and drinking water during the safari
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4 nights of mid-range lodge/tented camp accommodation
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Transfers from and to Arusha
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Game drives as described in the itinerary
❌ What's Not Included
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International flights to/from Tanzania
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Travel insurance
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Visa fees
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Tips & gratuities
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Optional Maasai village visit ($20)
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Personal expenses (alcohol, laundry, etc.)
Important Notes for the 5-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari
Why Choose This Safari?
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See the wildebeest calving season up close – a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife event
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Watch big cats hunt and protect their young in open plains
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Visit three top destinations: Ndutu, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro
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Travel in a private safari vehicle with a professional guide
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Stay in comfortable mid-range accommodations close to nature
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Perfect for families, photographers, wildlife lovers, and first-time safari-goers
🕒 Best Time to Book
The best time for this safari is between late December and March, with January and February being peak calving months. Since this is a very popular time, we recommend booking at least 3 to 6 months in advance to secure the best camps and availability.
📩 Ready to Book or Customize Your Safari?
Contact us now to get a quote, check availability, or personalize this 4-day wildebeest migration safari. We’re happy to help you plan your dream African adventure!
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