Experience one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles during this 7-day Calving Season Safari across Tanzania’s Northern Circuit. This journey is specially designed to coincide with the wildebeest calving season in the Ndutu region, where thousands of newborns take their first steps and predators roam in anticipation. Starting with Lake Manyara’s lush ecosystems and the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll then head into the southern Serengeti and Ndutu Plains—ground zero for the calving season. Afterward, continue to Central Serengeti, rich with resident wildlife and stunning scenery. With expertly guided game drives, handpicked accommodations, and seamless logistics, this itinerary promises thrilling wildlife encounters and a deep immersion in Tanzania’s natural wonders.
After breakfast, depart Arusha for Lake Manyara National Park, a scenic 2-hour drive. Famous for its lush groundwater forests and diverse wildlife, Manyara offers opportunities to spot tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffaloes, flamingos, and hippos along the lake's edge. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park followed by an afternoon game drive. The park is compact but rich in biodiversity and birdlife. In the late afternoon, continue to the Ngorongoro Highlands and check into your lodge in Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Leave early for a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world and home to the Big Five. Spend the morning exploring the crater floor’s unique habitats teeming with wildlife, including black rhinos, hippos, and large lion prides. After a picnic lunch near a hippo pool, ascend and continue your journey toward Ndutu in the southern Serengeti ecosystem. This area is the heart of the calving season (January to March), where thousands of wildebeest give birth and predators like cheetahs and hyenas prowl nearby. Arrive at your Ndutu camp for dinner and overnight.
Enjoy a full day exploring the Ndutu plains, focusing on the incredible scenes of the wildebeest calving. The plains are alive with new life — tiny calves taking their first steps, predators on the lookout, and birds soaring over the savannah. Your experienced guide will track movements to position you perfectly for wildlife sightings and photography. Break for a picnic lunch in the bush, then continue exploring different parts of the Southern Serengeti before returning to camp.
After an early breakfast, begin your ascent toward the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. Descend into this vast volcanic caldera, home to Africa's densest population of wildlife. Marvel at elephants, rhinos, lions, hippos, and a variety of bird species within the crater's diverse habitats — from forest and swamp to lake and savannah. Stop for a picnic lunch near the hippo pool, then enjoy more game viewing before heading to your lodge on the crater rim or nearby in Karatu.
Today’s journey takes you to Lake Manyara National Park, a small but stunning park famous for its flamingo-dotted lake, tree-climbing lions, and lush groundwater forest. Enjoy a leisurely game drive where elephants stroll under giant fig trees and troops of baboons play in the trees. Visit the hot springs and hippo pools along the lakeshore. This family-friendly park offers a perfect final safari setting. Later, drive to your lodge in Karatu for your final overnight stay.
After breakfast, begin your scenic drive back to Arusha, passing through local villages, plantations, and rolling highlands. Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy lunch in Arusha and some time for last-minute shopping or relaxation. Later, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your international departure — filled with unforgettable memories of calving season and wild Tanzania.
Transfers
All transfers as outlined in the program.
Accommodation & Meals
Guiding & Game-Driving
Please Note
