4 Days Ndutu Migration Safari Calving Season

Price Per Person

$ 1750 Based on 2 Pax

About this tour

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.

Day by day Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Southern Serengeti (Ndutu)

Meals:

Lunch & Dinner

Destination:

Southern Serengeti

Accommodation

Ang’ata Ndutu

Activity

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.

Day 2: Southern Serengeti (Ndutu)

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Destination:

Serengeti National Park

Accommodation

Ang’ata Ndutu

Activity

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.

Day 3: Southern Serengeti (Ndutu) to Ngorongoro area

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Destination:

Ngorongoro Crater

Accommodation

private Lodge

Activity

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.

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch

Destination:

Ngorongoro Crater

Activity

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.

Price Per Person - Valid for Trips all arond the year

Mid - Range Lodging:

1 Pax

2 Pax

$ 1750

3 - 4 Pax

$1680

5 Pax

$1620

6+ Pax

$1530

Luxury Lodging:

1 Pax

2 Pax

$ 3500

3 - 4 Pax

$3000

5 Pax

$2850

6+ Pax

$2700

Included

  • All Park entrances & taxes
  • All Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner),
  • soft drinks & water (bottled water 3litres or more a day)
  • Transfer to & from the airport
  • Accommodation during safari
  • Transportation in a custom safari 4×4 with a viewing roof and guaranteed window seating
  • Safari vehicles have an inverter for charging batteries, communications radio, electric cooler, and filtered water

Excluded

  • Tips for guides, cook
  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania Visa fee
  • Balloons In Serengeti ($600 per person )

INQUIRE THIS TOUR

General tour information

Most travelers require a visa to enter Tanzania.

Visas can be obtained:

  • Online via the eVisa system.
  • On arrival at major airports (JRO, DAR, ZNZ).
  • In advance from a Tanzanian embassy or consulate.

Cost:

  • $50 for most nationalities.
  • $100 for U.S. citizens.

Passport requirements:

  • Valid for at least six months beyond travel dates.
  • At least one blank page for entry stamps.
  • Advance booking is highly recommended, especially for peak seasons (June–October & December–February).
  • A deposit is typically required to confirm a reservation.
  • Full payment is usually due weeks before departure.
  • Upon confirmation, you will receive:
    1. Detailed itinerary.
    2. Accommodation information.
    3. Essential travel details (permits, packing lists, etc.).
  • We understand that travel plans may change. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
  • More than 60 days before departure: Full refund minus the deposit.
  • 30–59 days before departure: 50% refund.
  • Less than 30 days before departure: No refund.
  • No-show or early departure: No refund.
  • We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and trekking activities.

Tanzania offers various accommodation options:Budget:

  • Camping & basic lodges.
  • Mid-range: Standard lodges & tented camps.
  • Luxury: High-end lodges & private tented camps.

Popular safari destinations for accommodations:

  • Serengeti,
  • Ngorongoro Crater,
  • Tarangire, Selous, and Zanzibar.

Most lodges provide:

  • Full-board services (meals included).
  • Eco-friendly facilities & stunning natural settings.

Early booking is recommended, especially in high-demand areas.

Currency & Payments:

  • Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency.
  • USD is widely accepted, but carrying small cash is advised.
  • Credit cards are accepted in most hotels & lodges.

Health & Vaccinations:

  • Yellow fever vaccination required if
  • traveling from an endemic country.
  • Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, routine immunizations.
  • Malaria prevention is advised; carry appropriate medication.

Language & Communication:

  • Swahili is the national language, but English is widely spoken.
  • Mobile network coverage is available in most tourist areas.
  • Wi-Fi is accessible in most lodges and hotels.

Time Zone & Electricity:

  • East Africa Time (EAT) – UTC+3.
  • Standard voltage: 230V.
  • Power plugs: Type D & G – A universal adapter is recommended.
  • International Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the closest airport to Moshi, about 45 minutes away.

Alternative Airports:

  • Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam
  • Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar

From these airports, you can take a domestic flight to JRO with Air Tanzania, Precision Air, or Coastal Aviation.

Important Requirments

Weight Limit:

Domestic flights in Tanzania have strict baggage limits, typically 15 kg (33 lbs) per person, including carry-on.

Bag Type:

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.

Vaccinations:

  • Yellow fever vaccination is required if traveling from or transiting through an endemic country.
  • Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Rabies (for those spending extended time in remote areas).

Malaria Prevention:

  • Tanzania is a malaria-risk area; consult a doctor for antimalarial medication.
  • Use insect repellent with DEET and sleep under a mosquito net when available.

Water & Food Safety:

  • Drink only bottled or filtered water.
  • Avoid raw or unpeeled fruits and vegetables unless properly washed.

Travel Insurance:

  • Highly recommended to cover medical emergencies and evacuation.

Dry Season (June – October):

  • Best time for wildlife viewing with clear skies.
  • Cooler temperatures, especially in the early mornings and evenings.

Short Rainy Season (November – December):

  • Occasional short rains, but safaris are still possible.

Green Season (January – March):

  • Lush landscapes, great for photography and birdwatching.
  • Ideal time for calving season in the Serengeti.

Long Rainy Season (April – May):

  • Heavy rains, some lodges may close, and roads can be muddy.

Clothing:

  • Lightweight, breathable clothes in neutral colors (khaki, green, beige).
  • Long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun and insect protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings.
  • Waterproof jacket during the rainy season.

Footwear:

  • Comfortable hiking or safari boots.
  • Sandals for lodge stays.

Accessories:

  • Hat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen.
  • Binoculars for wildlife viewing.
  • Camera with extra batteries and memory cards.

Personal Essentials:

  • Personal medications and a small first aid kit.
  • Reusable water bottle.
  • Small backpack for day trips.

“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!”

Jane P.

Plan your Tanzania adventure

Looking for a Custom Safari Adventure?

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.