This special Ndutu Migration Calving Safari is designed to maximize your chance of witnessing the great Serengeti wildebeest migration. From January to March, the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu areas provide the best setting to observe thousands of wildebeest scattered across the open plains, grazing on the nutritious short grasses.
During this season, predator activity is at its peak, offering thrilling opportunities to spot cheetahs, lions, hyenas, and leopards in action — with an excellent chance of witnessing dramatic kills during the calving period.
Lunch & Dinner
Southern Serengeti
Ang’ata Ndutu
Game Drive in Ndutu Region
In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Arusha and driven to the Ndutu region. The journey takes about 5.5 hours, covering a distance of approximately 260 kilometers. About two hours into the drive, you will enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where the scenery changes from forested hills to open grasslands.
On arrival in Ndutu, you will begin a half-day game drive with a stop for a picnic lunch. The region is characterized by wide grasslands that gradually merge into the Serengeti. Ndutu lies along the path of the annual migration of over two million wildebeests accompanied by zebras, antelopes, and gazelles. Between December and April, the plains serve as calving grounds and nurseries for the herds, drawing predators that follow the migration to prey on the vulnerable young.
The area also hosts Ndutu Lake and Lake Masek, which attract abundant wildlife during the dry season. Ndutu is home to six species of big cats—lion, leopard, cheetah, caracal, serval, and African wildcat. Your action-filled game drive will continue until around 5:00 p.m., after which you will conclude the day with dinner and rest to prepare for the next adventure.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Serengeti National Park
Ang’ata Ndutu
Game Drive
Today brings an incredible level of excitement as you set out for one of the world’s most iconic safari destinations – the Serengeti National Park. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll journey into the vast, open plains that stretch endlessly toward the horizon. The name “Serengeti” translates to “endless plains” in the local language, and as you travel through this immense landscape, watching the grasslands blend seamlessly into the sky is a truly awe-inspiring experience. Covering an area of 14,763 square kilometers, the Serengeti’s sheer size is remarkable.
This legendary park is home to the famed Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—as well as countless other species, including the graceful impala. The Serengeti ecosystem holds the largest concentration of plains game anywhere in Africa. Be sure to look out for the unique Serengeti kopjes, massive granite outcrops that rise from the grasslands and provide shelter for diverse wildlife.
A picnic lunch will be enjoyed during your full-day game drive. As the day draws to a close, you’ll savor a well-deserved dinner before resting at your accommodation, ready for more adventures ahead.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ngorongoro Crater
private Lodge
Game Drive
After breakfast, you will set out for a morning game drive in Serengeti National Park. Later, you will leave for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, carrying a picnic lunch with you. The Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest collapsed volcanic caldera, stretches about fourteen kilometers across and is a unique natural wonder. Surrounded by a ring of extinct volcanoes, the crater floor is dotted with water sources and supports around 30,000 animals. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at your accommodation.
Breakfast, Lunch
Ngorongoro Crater
Game Drive and Departure
On the final day of your safari, you will start early with a quick breakfast before descending into the crater floor at around 6:30 a.m. The Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera, covers about 260 square kilometers with a depth of over 2,000 feet. A 5-hour game drive on the crater floor offers plenty of wildlife encounters, so keeping your camera ready is highly recommended.
You will have the chance to see African elephants, buffalos, black rhinos, hippos, hyenas, cheetahs, and lions. After enjoying a picnic lunch by the scenic Hippo Pool, you will ascend the crater and begin the return journey to Arusha, which takes about 4 hours. Arrival in Arusha is expected around 6:00 p.m., where you will be dropped at your preferred location, marking the end of your safari with lasting memories.
Most travelers require a visa to enter Tanzania.
Visas can be obtained:
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Tanzania offers various accommodation options:Budget:
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Early booking is recommended, especially in high-demand areas.
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From these airports, you can take a domestic flight to JRO with Air Tanzania, Precision Air, or Coastal Aviation.
Weight Limit:
Domestic flights in Tanzania have strict baggage limits, typically 15 kg (33 lbs) per person, including carry-on.
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Soft-sided duffel bags are recommended for easy storage on small aircraft and safari vehicles.
Prohibited Items:
Avoid packing plastic bags as they are banned in Tanzania.
Additional Charges: Excess baggage fees may apply if you exceed the airline’s weight limit.
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Dry Season (June – October):
Short Rainy Season (November – December):
Green Season (January – March):
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“This was the most unforgettable experience of my life! I captured stunning and rare wildlife photos, with incredible sightings that left me in awe. The expert guidance from our guide helped me improve my photography skills, and my memory cards were completely full! Beyond the safari, I loved visiting a local Maasai village, where I had the chance to photograph the vibrant culture, daily life, and the hardworking women in the fields. Every moment felt authentic and deeply inspiring. I can’t wait to return to Tanzania and explore even more breathtaking locations!”
From the moment you begin planning your adventure with Clotilda Safaris, we’re here to guide you through every detail, creating a personalized itinerary tailored to your preferences and level of exclusivity. While our remote team manages bookings, transfers, and activity arrangements, our dedicated ground team is available 24/7 to assist with any needs, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.