5 Days Wildbeest Migration - Culving Season

5 Days Wildbeest Migration – Culving Season

The wildebeest calving season occurs annually from late January to mid-March, when over 85% of female wildebeest give birth in the fertile Ndutu area. The lush short grass provides abundant nutrients for newborn calves, while predators such as lions, hyenas, leopards, and cheetahs take advantage of vulnerable prey. Witnessing this natural spectacle offers a rare and immersive wildlife experience, where tens of thousands of wildebeest move in synchrony, interacting with other animals in the Serengeti ecosystem. Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts especially value this period, as it showcases dramatic predator-prey dynamics alongside the beauty of Tanzania’s savannah landscapes.

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, you drive approximately two hours to Tarangire National Park, known for its elephants, giant baobabs, and the Tarangire River, which attracts wildlife during the dry season. The park is home to zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, impalas, and smaller species such as dwarf mongooses and colorful barbets. Game drives here allow travelers to observe herds and solitary animals in their natural habitats. Overnight accommodation is arranged in or near the park. Tarangire’s combination of wildlife diversity, iconic landscapes, and rich flora provides an exciting introduction to northern Tanzania’s safari circuits.

Day 2: Tarangire to Ndutu via Ngorongoro

Travel from Tarangire to the Serengeti, passing the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and enjoying views of the famous crater. Along the way, you may visit a Maasai village to experience local culture. After continuing through scenic landscapes, you arrive in Ndutu for dinner and overnight. This route combines both cultural and natural highlights, gradually building excitement for the calving spectacle. Ndutu’s fertile plains, scattered woodlands, and proximity to seasonal lakes make it the center of wildlife activity during the calving season, providing unmatched opportunities to witness large herds and predator interactions.

Day 3: Full-day game drive in Ndutu

A sunrise game drive begins before breakfast along the shores of Lake Ndutu, with opportunities to observe newborn wildebeest calves. The day continues exploring surrounding plains and Lake Masek, where predators actively hunt. Photographers can capture dramatic scenes of wildlife in motion, while travelers enjoy close encounters with herds, zebras, and gazelles. The full-day excursion emphasizes both predator-prey dynamics and the beauty of the Serengeti ecosystem. After a day filled with wildlife observation, you return to Ndutu for overnight, resting in lodges or tented camps that combine comfort with proximity to nature.

Day 4: Ndutu to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

A morning game drive in Ndutu offers another opportunity to witness wildebeest and predator activity before transferring to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the route, additional game viewing may include elephants, lions, or cheetahs. Arrival at the crater rim or nearby Karatu is followed by dinner and overnight accommodation. This segment blends continued wildlife observation with the impressive scenery of the Ngorongoro highlands, offering elevated perspectives of surrounding plains. The evening provides a chance to rest and reflect on the remarkable animal interactions experienced during the first half of the safari.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater and return to Arusha

A game drive on the Ngorongoro Crater floor showcases diverse wildlife, including rhinos, lions, hyenas, zebras, gazelles, and flamingos along soda lakes. Hippos are visible at the picnic site, where lunch is served in the heart of the crater. The afternoon continues exploring the crater floor before returning to Arusha in the evening. The Ngorongoro segment highlights both biodiversity and the dramatic volcanic landscape, providing a memorable conclusion to a safari that combines predator-prey drama, large-scale migration, and Tanzania’s iconic scenery.

Included

Park fees(For non-residents)
All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water(On all days)

Excluded

International flights(From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips(Tipping guideline US$15.00 pp per day)
Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees