5-day Great Wildebeest Migration Calving Season Safari

The 5-day Great Wildebeest Migration Calving Season Safari package is specifically tailored to emphasize the observation of the Great Serengeti Wildebeest migration. The calving season transpires between December and April. The locations to be explored include the Ndutu region, as well as the Southern and Central sectors of Serengeti National Park. The majority of the great wildebeest are typically located here. This Tanzania safari includes a visit to the renowned Ngorongoro Crater. The Southern Serengeti and Ndutu regions in Tanzania are optimal sites for the Great Wildebeest Migration Calving Season. The wildebeest migration transpires between January, February, and March. Prepare to observe thousands of wildebeest traversing the plains, feeding on the lush short grass. The activity of predators is at its zenith, evidenced by sightings of cheetah, lion, hyena, and leopard.

This 5-day Serengeti wildebeest migration safari traverses Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, famous for its extensive annual migration of wildebeest and zebras. Experience a game drive while observing formidable mammals such as lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, antelopes, leopards, and others. Below is the detailed five-day schedule for the Serengeti wildebeest migration safari.

Overview of the 5-Day Great Wildebeest Migration Calving Season

This 5-Day Calving Season Great Wildebeest Migration Safari package is specifically intended to enhance your likelihood of witnessing the remarkable Serengeti Wildebeest Migration in the Ndutu Area during the calving season. The schedule has been crafted to encompass the Ndutu Area, where the majority of the wildebeest migration is often observed from January to March. This itinerary is structured for a drive to and from Arusha town.

Calving typically occurs between January and March each year. In January, the herds commence their migration to the southern Serengeti with the onset of the rains. The inquiry regarding how herds discern the occurrence of rain remains a subject of speculation, and the truth is that we lack a definitive solution. Numerous individuals assert that they can detect the scent of impending rain, while others contend that they may perceive alterations in atmospheric pressure. The sole certainty is that herds follow where precipitation occurs. In a span of two to three weeks, more than half a million wildebeest are born, with as many as 8,000 being born on a single day.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• DAY 0: Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha
• DAY 1: Arusha to Ngorongoro (Ndutu area)
• DAY 2: Full-Day Ngorongoro (Ndutu area)
• DAY 3: Ngorongoro (Ndutu area) to Central Serengeti
• DAY 4: Central Serengeti – Ngorongoro
• DAY 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Back to Arusha

DAY 0: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Arusha/Kilimanjaro Airport, your guide from All Tanzania Safaris will collect you and transport you to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi, Tanzania. Acclimate to your lodging, unwind, and familiarize yourself with the African ambiance. Prepared to commence your 5-Day Great Tanzania Serengeti Migration trip (Ndutu Calving Season) the following day.

Arusha is a city located in northern Tanzania and serves as the capital of the Arusha Region, boasting a population of 416,442, along with 323,198 in the adjacent Arusha District. Situated beneath Mount Meru on the eastern periphery of the eastern segment of the Great Rift Valley, Arusha possesses a temperate environment. The city lies in proximity to Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Arusha National Park on Mount Meru.

DAY 1: Arusha to  Ngorongoro Conservation Area  (NDUTU REGION)

Your safari will commence early in the morning with a pickup from your hotel in Arusha. Upon the completion of boarding, you will proceed to Ngorongoro Conservation Area  (Ndutu Area).

Today’s destination is the Ndutu region, located a three-hour drive from your accommodation in Manyara/Karatu.

Approximately one hour into the drive, you will arrive at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), where the terrain transitions from mountainous woodlands to expansive green grasslands.

Upon arriving at Ndutu, you will commence your day game drive, incorporating a convenient pause for your picnic lunch. The expansive grasslands of Ndutu transition seamlessly into the Serengeti. Ndutu constitutes a segment of the pathway for the annual migration of over 2 million wildebeests, together with thousands of zebras, antelopes, and gazelles. During game drives in the optimal season from December to April, the fertile plains transform into calving grounds and nurseries for the great migration.

The calving season draws numerous predators preying on defenseless young wildebeest. Adorned by Ndutu Lake and Lake Masek, these waterholes provide abundant wildlife during the dry season.

Ndutu serves as the habitat for six species of large felines: leopard, lion, cheetah, caracal, serval, and wildcat. The exhilarating game drive will conclude in the evening, approximately at 5 PM. You will now proceed to your selected hotel, where a freshly prepared dinner is awaiting you. Prioritize adequate rest to rejuvenate for another stimulating day. Overnight stay at a public/tented camp in Ndutu.

DAY 2: Full game drive in Ndutu region

After being astonished by yesterday’s observation of the migration, you now have another opportunity to witness the magnificent nature phenomenon today. The Ndutu region is located inside the esteemed Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA).

After breakfast, you will go on a full-day game drive, tracking the migration based on its current location in either the Ngorongoro Conservation Area or the Serengeti. During game drives in the optimal season from January to March, the rich plains transform into calving grounds and nurseries for the great migration.

This season draws several predators preying on defenseless newborn wildebeest. Observing the cycle of life unfold will be an indelible experience.

The exhilarating game drive will conclude in the evening, approximately at 5 PM. You will now proceed to your selected hotel, where a freshly prepared dinner is awaiting you. Prioritize adequate rest to rejuvenate for another dynamic day ahead. Tented Camp located at Ndutu.

DAY 3: Ndutu TO Serengeti National Park

Your excitement for today will be considerable as you enter the most renowned wildlife park globally The Serengeti. Upon completing a satisfying breakfast, you will proceed to Serengeti National Park and traverse the expansive grasslands.

Serengeti translates to “endless plains” in the indigenous African language, and observing the grassland extend infinitely until it converges with the sky at the horizon presents a really awe-inspiring vista.

Covering a total land size of 14,763 square kilometers, it challenges our perception of distance. The Serengeti is home to the illustrious “Big 5” (elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, lion, and leopard). In addition to the “Big 5,” a highly enjoyable encounter would be one of Africa’s most exquisite animals – the Impala.

The Serengeti habitat sustains the highest residual density of plains game in Africa. Be vigilant for the Serengeti “Kopjes,” which are substantial granite boulders rising amidst a vast expanse of grass. They offer substantial refuge to a diverse array of vegetation and fauna.

A picnic lunch will be provided throughout the all-day game drive. The interesting day concludes with a substantial dinner and a restful night at Public Camp/Tinted Camp/Lodge in Central Serengeti.

Optional Serengeti Balloon Expedition

Individuals with prior reservations will have the chance to ascend in a hot air balloon over the plains on one of their mornings in the Serengeti. A pre-dawn awakening provides sufficient time to travel to the balloon launch location to capture the most striking light. Ascend into the heavens at dawn. Soar above the plains and acacia canopies, absorbing breathtaking vistas of the Seronera River Valley and the adjacent expanses. Following your descent, indulge in an exquisite champagne breakfast amidst the Serengeti wildness.

Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim

At 7 AM, you will depart for a brief game drive in the Serengeti following a substantial breakfast. Upon concluding a half-day game drive accompanied by a picnic lunch, we will go towards the Ngorongoro.

The 75 kilometer journey to the Ngorongoro Crater rim will require approximately 2.5 hours, featuring moderate wildlife activity along the route. The crater is one of Africa’s remarkable geological attractions and a premier destination for wilderness enthusiasts.

The day concludes with a substantial dinner and a restful stay in your selected lodging. Rest enough and replenish your energy, as the subsequent day you will embark on a descent into the vast crater. Overnight stay at Public Camp, Tinted Camp, or Lodge at Ngorongoro.

DAY 5: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

On this day of your safari, you will commence early. After a brief breakfast, you will commence an early descent to the crater floor at approximately 6:30 AM.

The Ngorongoro Crater is the biggest dormant, undamaged, and unfilled volcanic caldera in the world. It possesses an extensive area of around 260 square kilometers with a depth of 2000 feet. The five-hour game drive on the crater bottom will reveal extensive animal activity. It is highly advisable to maintain the camera in a state of readiness.

The African elephant, buffalo, black rhinoceros, hippopotamus, hyena, cheetah, and lion are abundantly present. Following the picnic lunch by the picturesque Hippo pool, you will commence a difficult ascent to the upper exit of the crater.

This is the final stage of your safari, with a four-hour journey remaining to Arusha. You will be delivered to your chosen place in Arusha by 6 PM. With a remarkable experience and several memories to treasure, this is the moment you say farewell to your team.