Serengeti Safari Seekers

The Great Wildebeest Calving Migration Safari with Cultural Hike

OVERVIEW

This 8-day safari combines an unforgettable wildlife experience during the wildebeest calving season with a cultural immersion in Tanzania. You’ll explore iconic national parks such as Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Serengeti during a time when wildebeest calves are born in large numbers, attracting predators. The adventure also includes a visit to Ngorongoro Crater and a cultural hike in Mto wa Mbu, offering a perfect blend of nature and local traditions

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your lodge in Arusha. After a long journey, this day allows you to relax and prepare for the safari ahead. You can explore Arusha or unwind, soaking in the anticipation of the wildlife experiences that await you.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

Your adventure begins with a visit to Tarangire National Park, known for its incredible elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. The park is teeming with wildlife, and the Tarangire River acts as a magnet for animals, especially during the dry season. Expect to see a wide variety of animals, from zebras and wildebeest to lions and leopards. The park’s birdlife is also exceptional, making for a truly diverse experience.

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park

Today you’ll explore Lake Manyara National Park, a unique ecosystem famous for its tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos. The park offers a mix of groundwater forests, open plains, and a soda lake, creating the perfect habitat for elephants, hippos, giraffes, and over 400 species of birds. In addition to game drives, you may spot troops of baboons and monkeys that thrive in the forested areas.

Day 4: Ndutu Area – Serengeti (Calving Season)

On this day, you’ll journey to the Ndutu area, part of the southern Serengeti ecosystem. During the calving season, thousands of wildebeest give birth, providing an amazing spectacle as you witness new life on the plains. The abundance of newborn calves also attracts predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, resulting in dramatic wildlife interactions. The day is spent in the heart of the action, following the migration and observing these remarkable wildlife dynamics.

Day 5: Full Day in Ndutu Area

A full day in the Ndutu area gives you ample time to follow the Great Migration herds as they move across the landscape. The Ndutu region, with its grassy plains and acacia woodlands, provides a picturesque backdrop for wildlife viewing. You’ll be surrounded by herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, while keeping an eye out for the predators that track them. It’s a photographer’s dream, with endless opportunities for amazing wildlife shots.

Day 6: Serengeti National Park (Seronera)

Leave the Ndutu area behind and head toward the central Serengeti, the Seronera region, which is known for its year-round wildlife viewing. This part of the Serengeti is home to a rich variety of animals, including elephants, hippos, and giraffes. You’ll enjoy game drives through the Seronera River Valley, a popular area for spotting predators such as leopards and lions. The day is filled with incredible sightings and breathtaking views of the Serengeti’s vast landscape.

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater

On Day 7, you’ll explore the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a massive volcanic caldera, home to an extraordinary density of wildlife. Descend into the crater for a full day of game drives, where you’ll have the chance to spot the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and the rare black rhino. The crater’s floor is rich in wildlife and also features stunning landscapes, from grassy plains to soda lakes filled with flamingos.

Day 8: Mto wa Mbu Cultural Hike and Departure

End your safari with a cultural hike in Mto wa Mbu, a vibrant village near Lake Manyara. This guided tour offers insight into the daily life and customs of the local community, as well as the chance to sample traditional foods and visit local markets. After your hike, return to Arusha for your departure or continue with further travels in Tanzania. This day allows you to reflect on the incredible wildlife experiences while engaging with the rich culture of the region

Best Time To Visit

Dry Season (June to October)
  • Best For: General wildlife viewing in popular parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
  • Highlights: Animals are easier to spot as they gather around water sources, and the vegetation is less dense.
  • Weather: Dry, warm days with cooler evenings and mornings.
  • Migration Viewing: The famous Wildebeest Migration typically crosses the Mara River in Northern Serengeti between July and September, offering thrilling river crossings.
Short Rain Season (November to December)
  • Best For: Fewer crowds and lush landscapes.
  • Highlights: The “short rains” green up the plains quickly, and it’s an excellent time for birdwatching. Wildlife viewing is still good, and the rains are often brief.
Calving Season (January to March)
  • Best For: Witnessing the birth of thousands of wildebeest calves in Southern Serengeti (Ndutu region).
  • Highlights: A great opportunity to see predators in action due to the abundance of vulnerable young animals.
  • Weather: Generally warm with occasional showers.
Long Rain Season (March to May)
  • Best For: Budget-friendly travel and fewer tourists.
  • Highlights: Parks are lush and beautiful, but heavy rains can make some roads impassable. Wildlife is more dispersed, but it’s a good time for birding and experiencing a quieter safari.
  • Consideration: Some lodges may close, and rains can disrupt travel plans.

In summary, June to October is ideal for the best wildlife viewing and migration action, while January to March offers a special calving season experience. For fewer crowds and lush scenery, November to December is great.

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Price includes

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • 4×4 safari vehicle with a guaranteed window seat
  • Service of an English-speaking driver/guide
  • All meals and accommodation during the safari
  • Park fees
  • 1.5 liters of bottled mineral water per person per day

Price Excludes

  • International and domestic flight tickets
  • Visa fees and travel insurance
  • Tipping and gratuities
  • Souvenirs
  • Personal items like telephones, laundry, mosquito repellent, etc.
  • Excursions not mentioned in the itinerary

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