7-Days wildebeest Migration calving safari
7-Day Wildebeest Migration Calving safari is one of the most incredible natural wonders in the world, attracting visitors from all over the globe to witness the annual movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest and other migratory animals such as zebras, gazelles and elands as they make their way across the vast plains of East Africa in search of greener pastures. During the calving season, which takes place between January and March, the wildebeest give birth to their young in the southern Serengeti in Tanzania, attracting predators such as lions, cheetahs and hyenas who hunt the vulnerable newborns. A seven-day safari during this time offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty and brutality of nature up close.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. After checking in and settling in, you will have time to relax and prepare for your safari. In the evening, your guide will meet you to brief you about the upcoming safari.
Day 2: Arusha to Lake Ndutu After breakfast, you will depart from Arusha and head to Lake Ndutu in the southern Serengeti. The drive takes approximately 5-6 hours, with the last stretch being on bumpy dirt roads. You will arrive in time for lunch and spend the afternoon exploring the area, which is known for its large herds of wildebeest and zebras. In the evening, you will return to your camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Lake Ndutu Today, you will spend the day exploring the area around Lake Ndutu, where the wildebeest are giving birth to their young. You will have the opportunity to witness the incredible sight of newborn wildebeest taking their first steps and trying to stand up on wobbly legs. You may also encounter predators such as lions, cheetahs and hyenas who are on the hunt for their next meal. In the evening, you will return to your camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Lake Ndutu to Seronera After breakfast, you will depart from Lake Ndutu and head to Seronera in the central Serengeti, where you will spend the next two nights. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to see more wildlife, including elephants, giraffes and buffalo. You will arrive in Seronera in time for lunch and spend the afternoon exploring the area, which is known for its large populations of lions and leopards. In the evening, you will return to your camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Seronera Today, you will spend the day exploring the central Serengeti, which is home to some of the largest populations of wildlife in Africa. You will have the opportunity to see predators such as lions, cheetahs and leopards, as well as herbivores such as elephants, giraffes and buffalo. In the evening, you will return to your camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Seronera to Ngorongoro Crater After breakfast, you will depart from Seronera and head to the Ngorongoro Crater, which is one of the most unique and beautiful places in Africa. The drive takes approximately 3-4 hours, and you will arrive in time for lunch. In the afternoon, you will descend into the crater, which is home to over 25,000 large animals, including lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalos and hippos.
INCLUSIONS
Activities/services included in the cost:
- Accommodation as per the itinerary
Lodges on Full Board - Road transportation in 4wd land Cruiser safari vehicle
Game drives as per the itinerary - Park entrance fees and crater service fees
- English Speaking guides available for the safari
Emergency Evacuation/Flying Doctors
- Accommodation as per the itinerary
Activities/services excluded in the cost:
- Visit to Masai Cultural Village
- All International Flights/local Flights + Taxes
- Visa fees, Travel & Personal accident insurance
- Excursions, services and activities not mentioned in this program
- Personal expenses e.g. laundry, telephone calls, Drinks, Tips and gratuities
Passenger Information
- Passengers should bring only duffle bags safaris{not suitcases}
- All the passengers must have Identification Card/Passport with them for internal flights.
- Baggage on domestic flights is strictly limited to 15kgs per person (including hand luggage). Any excess baggage will be charged by the airline at check-in.
- Passengers arriving to Tanzania may be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
- Tourist Visa will be obtained at the entry points, but it is advisable to double check before travelling to Tanzania.
7-Day Wildebeest Migration Calving Safari in Tanzania – Witness New Life on the Serengeti Plains
Experience the magic of the Serengeti during the Wildebeest Migration Calving Season with this 7-Day Safari. The calving season is a special time in the Great Migration cycle when over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born within a short span, attracting predators and creating one of the most thrilling wildlife spectacles on Earth. The southern Serengeti and Ndutu region are the heart of the action, offering unforgettable game-viewing opportunities.
Here’s an overview of your 7-day safari itinerary during the calving season:
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive in Arusha, Tanzania, where you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a relaxing evening before your exciting safari adventure begins. A briefing from your safari guide will help you understand the journey ahead.
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
- Drive Time: 2-3 hours
- Activities: Game drive
Your adventure begins with a visit to Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds, towering baobab trees, and seasonal swamps. Enjoy a full day of game drives, spotting lions, giraffes, zebras, and more. In the evening, retire to a comfortable lodge or camp within the park.
Day 3: Tarangire to Ndutu (Southern Serengeti)
- Drive Time: 4-5 hours
- Activities: Game drive, wildlife observation
After breakfast, head to the Ndutu region in the southern Serengeti, where the calving season is in full swing. This is where wildebeests give birth to their calves on the vast plains. You’ll witness thousands of baby wildebeests, along with zebras and gazelles. Predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are also present, taking advantage of the vulnerable newborns.
Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Ndutu (Calving Season)
- Activities: Full-day game drive, predator-prey interactions, photography
Spend the entire day exploring the Ndutu plains, observing the birth of wildebeest calves and their first moments of life. This region is home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife during the calving season. You’ll witness thrilling predator-prey interactions as lions, leopards, and cheetahs hunt among the newborns.
Day 5: Ndutu to Central Serengeti
- Drive Time: 3-4 hours
- Activities: Game drive, wildlife photography
After breakfast, continue your journey to the Central Serengeti, where the migration begins to disperse across the plains. The Seronera Valley offers excellent year-round wildlife viewing. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to see elephants, giraffes, hippos, and a variety of birdlife.
Day 6: Full-Day Game Drive in Central Serengeti
- Activities: Full-day game drive, wildlife tracking
Enjoy a full day of exploration in the Central Serengeti. The Seronera River and surrounding areas are home to a wealth of wildlife, including resident lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Capture stunning photographs of animals against the backdrop of the vast Serengeti plains.
Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater and Departure
- Drive Time: 3-4 hours to Ngorongoro, then 4-5 hours back to Arusha
- Activities: Ngorongoro Crater game drive
On your final day, visit the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Descend into the crater for a game drive, where you’ll have the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including black rhinos, lions, elephants, and hippos. After the game drive, return to Arusha for your onward journey or flight.
Why Choose a 7-Day Wildebeest Migration Calving Safari?
Witness the Miracle of Birth: The calving season is an extraordinary event, with half a million wildebeest calves born in just a few weeks. This natural spectacle offers a rare opportunity to observe wildlife in a unique setting.
Incredible Predator Activity: The abundance of newborn calves attracts predators, leading to exciting predator-prey interactions. You’ll witness lions, cheetahs, and hyenas hunting in action.
Photography Paradise: The vast open plains of the Ndutu region offer excellent opportunities for wildlife photography. Capture iconic moments of new life and dramatic hunts in the soft golden light of the Serengeti.
Diverse Wildlife Experience: Beyond the wildebeest migration, you’ll encounter a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and a wealth of bird species.
Less Crowded Experience: The calving season attracts fewer tourists compared to the river crossings, offering a more peaceful and intimate safari experience.
Best Time for the Wildebeest Migration Calving Safari
The best time to witness the calving season is between December and March. During this period, the southern Serengeti and Ndutu region are lush with short green grasses, providing the perfect environment for wildebeests to give birth and nurture their young.
What to Expect on a 7-Day Wildebeest Migration Calving safari
- Daily Game Drives: Describe the typical safari routine during the calving season, such as early morning and late afternoon game drives focused on spotting newborns, predator hunts, and animal behaviors.
- Close Encounters with Predators: Include details on what travelers can expect in terms of predator-prey dynamics. This can add excitement and emphasize the unique safari experience.
- Scenic Serengeti Landscapes: Highlight the lush, green landscapes of the Serengeti during the rainy season, making it a beautiful and refreshing contrast to the usual dry savannah scenes.
Essential Tips for a 7-Day Wildebeest Migration Calving safari
- Best Camera Gear: Recommend specific gear, such as a zoom lens for wildlife photography and a waterproof bag for rain protection.
- Weather & Packing Tips: Note that the calving season coincides with the rainy season, so suggest packing rain gear, lightweight layers, and insect repellent.
- Book in Advance: Mention that this season is popular among wildlife enthusiasts, so it’s essential to book safari tours, lodges, and camps well in advance.
