Calving Season Safari – 5‑Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro

You will arrive at JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport) where you will be warmly welcomed by your driver guide. Afterward, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Arusha, where you can enjoy dinner and relax overnight. A pre-safari briefing will also be held to prepare you for the adventure ahead..

Early in the morning, after breakfast at your hotel in Arusha, you will be transferred to Arusha Airport for your scheduled flight to the Ndutu area, located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area at the southern edge of the Serengeti ecosystem. The drive from your hotel to Arusha Airport is approximately 8 km and takes about 20 minutes depending on traffic.

Upon arrival at Ndutu Airstrip (flight time is approximately 1 hour), you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide and begin your first exciting game drive in the southern Serengeti. This region is particularly famous between December and March as it hosts part of the Great Migration, with massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles giving birth and grazing on the nutrient-rich plains.

You will spend the day exploring the Ndutu plains and surrounding woodlands, observing wildlife in their natural habitat and capturing stunning views of the vast savannah. In the late afternoon, you’ll drive to your specially arranged safari camp for some well-deserved relaxation. Enjoy a delicious dinner under the stars followed by an overnight stay in the heart of the wilderness.

Estimated driving distance (game drive within the park): 30–80 km depending on wildlife movement

Game viewing duration: 4–6 hours.

Wake up surrounded by the breathtaking wilderness of the southern Serengeti’s Ndutu area! After an early breakfast, you’ll set off for another exciting day of game drives.

During this time of year, the Ndutu plains are lush and green, providing fresh grazing grounds for the massive herds of wildebeest. Many of them remain here, feeding on the rich grasses and continuing to give birth to their young. This period is not only crucial for the survival of the wildebeest calves but also a spectacular sight, as the landscape is dotted with new life.

Predators are ever-present, aware that this is a time of abundance, and you may witness dramatic scenes of survival and instinct. The cycle of life plays out vividly here, making the Ndutu area one of the best spots to witness nature at its rawest.

You’ll carry packed lunch to maximize your time in the bush, continuing to explore different areas throughout the day. In the late afternoon, return to your lodge/camp for dinner and another overnight stay under the Serengeti skies.

After an early breakfast, you will depart from the Southern Serengeti Ndutu area and begin your journey toward Karatu town, enjoying a game drive en route. The drive takes you through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering spectacular views of the crater from various viewpoints along the way. The distance from Ndutu to Karatu is approximately 150 kilometers and typically takes about 4 to 5 hours, depending on wildlife sightings and road conditions. You will carry a picnic lunch to enjoy during a break along the way. This final day of safari allows for one last memorable game drive experience as you explore the rich landscapes and wildlife of the southern plains before ascending toward the crater highlands. Upon arrival in Karatu, you will proceed to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay, marking the end of your unforgettable safari adventure.

After an early breakfast at your lodge in Karatu, you will depart toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, located about 20 kilometers away, which takes roughly 30 minutes by drive. Upon arrival at the crater rim, you will descend into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater—one of the largest intact volcanic calderas on earth—for a full day of game drives and exploration. With your packed lunch, you'll enjoy a picnic inside the crater while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and a rich diversity of wildlife, including the possibility of spotting the Big Five. After exploring the crater floor, you will ascend back to the crater rim in the afternoon and begin your journey back to Arusha, a drive of approximately 190 kilometers taking around 4 to 5 hours. Upon arrival in Arusha, you will proceed to the airport to catch your international flight onward, marking the end of your safari experience.