This 5-day Ndutu wildebeest migration safari takes you to the heart of the Great Migration calving season, when hundreds of thousands of wildebeests gather on the short-grass plains of Ndutu. Taking place between January and March, this is one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles in Africa, marked by mass calving, intense predator activity, and exceptional game viewing.
DAY 1
Upon arrival in Arusha, you will be warmly welcomed by your Shiri Adventures professional safari guide and transferred to your luxury lodge. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, relaxing and preparing for the remarkable safari adventure ahead.
Meals: Dinner
Upon arrival in Arusha, you will be warmly welcomed by your Shiri Adventures professional safari guide and transferred to your luxury lodge. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, relaxing and preparing for the remarkable safari adventure ahead.
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, famous for its vast elephant herds, seasonal rivers, and iconic baobab trees.
Enjoy a private game drive through diverse landscapes rich in wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and prolific birdlife. After a rewarding day of wildlife encounters, continue to your luxury lodge near the park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, famous for its vast elephant herds, seasonal rivers, and iconic baobab trees.
Enjoy a private game drive through diverse landscapes rich in wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and prolific birdlife. After a rewarding day of wildlife encounters, continue to your luxury lodge near the park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 3
Today, travel toward the Ndutu region, located between the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is the heart of the Great Migration calving grounds, where vast herds dominate the plains.
Spend the day tracking migration movements, witnessing newborn calves, and observing intense predator interactions involving lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and more. Your flexible game drives allow you to follow wildlife activity wherever it unfolds.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, travel toward the Ndutu region, located between the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is the heart of the Great Migration calving grounds, where vast herds dominate the plains.
Spend the day tracking migration movements, witnessing newborn calves, and observing intense predator interactions involving lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and more. Your flexible game drives allow you to follow wildlife activity wherever it unfolds.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 4
Enjoy a full day dedicated to exploring the Ndutu plains, with multiple game drives timed around peak wildlife activity. The open grasslands and seasonal lakes provide exceptional visibility and unparalleled migration encounters.
This unhurried day allows for deeper exploration, extended sightings, and outstanding photography opportunities before returning to camp for a relaxed evening under the African sky.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy a full day dedicated to exploring the Ndutu plains, with multiple game drives timed around peak wildlife activity. The open grasslands and seasonal lakes provide exceptional visibility and unparalleled migration encounters.
This unhurried day allows for deeper exploration, extended sightings, and outstanding photography opportunities before returning to camp for a relaxed evening under the African sky.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 5
After breakfast, depart Ndutu for the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife arenas. Descend into the crater floor for a game drive among dense concentrations of wildlife, including the Big Five.
Following the game drive, ascend from the crater and transfer back to Arusha for your onward journey, marking the end of an unforgettable Ndutu migration safari with Shiri Adventures.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast, depart Ndutu for the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife arenas. Descend into the crater floor for a game drive among dense concentrations of wildlife, including the Big Five.
Following the game drive, ascend from the crater and transfer back to Arusha for your onward journey, marking the end of an unforgettable Ndutu migration safari with Shiri Adventures.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
What is special about the Ndutu calving season?
The Ndutu calving season is when hundreds of thousands of wildebeests give birth on the short-grass plains of Ndutu. This usually happens between January and March and offers intense wildlife action, including predator sightings and newborn calves.
How long is the 5-day Ndutu calving season safari?
The safari lasts 5 days and 4 nights, allowing enough time to fully explore the Ndutu area and follow the migration herds at a relaxed pace.
When is the best time to see wildebeest calving in Ndutu?
The best time is from late January to early March, when most calves are born within a short period, creating one of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife spectacles.
What wildlife can I expect to see during this safari?
You can expect to see large herds of wildebeests and zebras, newborn calves, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and a wide variety of birdlife.
Is this safari good for photography?
Yes. The calving season offers exceptional photography opportunities, including wide-open plains, dramatic predator-prey interactions, and soft seasonal light.
Which parks or areas are included in this safari?
This safari focuses on the Ndutu area, located between the southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where the migration gathers during calving season.
What type of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is in carefully selected tented camps or lodges in or near Ndutu, offering comfort, private bathrooms, and close access to wildlife areas.
Are game drives included every day?
Yes. Daily guided game drives are included, with flexibility for morning and afternoon drives depending on wildlife movements.
Is this safari suitable for first-time safari travelers?
Yes. The Ndutu calving season safari is suitable for first-time travelers who want outstanding wildlife viewing in a focused area.
Is the safari safe?
Yes. Safaris are led by professional guides, use well-maintained 4×4 vehicles, and follow all park safety regulations.
Can this safari be customized?
Yes. Accommodation level, travel dates, and extensions to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Zanzibar can be arranged.
Can I combine this safari with Zanzibar?
Absolutely. Many travelers combine the Ndutu calving season safari with a Zanzibar beach holiday after the safari.
Where does the safari start and end?
The safari typically starts and ends in Arusha, with airport transfers available on request.
ADD-ON
Enjoy a bird’s eye view, a hearty breakfast and a glass of champagne during a morning hot air balloon tour. Your entire trip will be unforgettable, but this will bring it to new heights.
Call for current pricing. Advanced reservations required.
Set against lush coffee plantations with views of Mount Meru, it offers serene luxury before or after safari. Spacious suites, elevated dining, and discreet five-star service define every stay. A polished sanctuary for travelers who expect comfort, calm, and distinction.
