5-Day Ndutu Calving Season Safari (Dec–Mar)

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Destinations: Ndutu (Southern Serengeti & Ngorongoro Conservation Area) ± Ngorongoro Crater
Safari Types: Private • Photographic • Family-Friendly • Honeymoon
Starting Point/End: Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) — optional end in Arusha or Zanzibar

Overview

From December to March, the Great Migration gathers on the short-grass plains of Ndutu to drop over 400,000 calves. Expect huge herds, close predator action, and soft golden light—perfect for photography. With a private guide and 4×4, you’ll work the plains, woodlands, and lakeshores, maximizing time with the herds and (where rules allow) going off-road for better angles. We can include a Ngorongoro Crater tour on the final day if your flight time permits.

Itinerary (Day by Day)

Day 1: Arrive Arusha

Meet and greet at JRO/Arusha, transfer to your lodge, safari briefing, and time to relax.
Overnight in Arusha.

Drive (or optional short flight) to Ndutu across the Ngorongoro highlands. Afternoon game drive on the plains and around Lake Ndutu—look for newborn calves, cheetah, and hyena clans.
Overnight in Ndutu area.

Dawn start. Work the short grass where the herds gather; scan for hunting lions, cheetah, and jackals. Break for a picnic lunch and continue along the marshes and acacia woodlands. Unhurried sunset back at camp.
Overnight in Ndutu area.

Second full day to deepen sightings and photography. Follow fresh tracks, watch for raptors over afterbirths, and (where permitted) take short off-road approaches for better views. Optional visit to Olduvai Gorge (time allowing).
Overnight in Ndutu area.

Early drive to the Ngorongoro Crater for a classic Big Five morning (subject to your flight time). Picnic by the hippo pool, then ascend and continue to Arusha for your outbound flight or extend to Zanzibar.

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Safari Booking

Booking Safaris

  • Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, cooler, and charging points

  • Dedicated, English-speaking professional safari guide

  • Park/conservation fees for Ndutu (NCAA/Serengeti) and Ngorongoro Crater if included

  • 4 nights in quality tented camps/lodges close to the action (mid-range or luxury options)

  • Meals during the safari: daily breakfasts, picnic/lunches on game-drive days, and dinners at lodges

  • Bottled drinking water in the vehicle

  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure

  • Government taxes and VAT

  • International flights (and any optional domestic flights)

  • Tanzania visa and comprehensive travel insurance

  • Optional activities (e.g., hot-air balloon), Olduvai Gorge entry, premium drinks, laundry, and personal items

  • Tips/gratuities for guide and camp/lodge staff

  • Extra nights before/after the itinerary and services not mentioned as included