This exciting 7-day safari offers a front-row seat to the annual wildebeest calving season in southern Serengeti and Ndutu, where thousands of wildebeest give birth. The safari also explores other prime wildlife areas, including Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Crater, ensuring a diverse and unforgettable experience.
7-Day Safari Itinerary: Tarangire, Ndutu, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti Adventure
Experience the incredible wildlife of Tanzania, from the towering baobabs of Tarangire to the calving grounds of Ndutu, the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, and the iconic plains of the Serengeti.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Transfer to Tarangire National Park
Non-game-viewing travel time: ~2 hours | Distance: ~120 km
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your safari adventure begins as your professional guide warmly welcomes you. After a brief rest at your Arusha lodge, you’ll head straight to Tarangire National Park, famed for its striking baobab trees and impressive elephant herds. Enjoy your first game drive, where you may encounter giraffes, zebras, lions, and a wide variety of bird species. As the sun sets, relax at your lodge nestled within or near the park, soaking in the tranquil wilderness.
Day 2: Tarangire National Park – Full-Day Safari
Wake up to the sounds of nature and a hearty breakfast before embarking on a full-day exploration of Tarangire National Park. The park’s lifeline, the Tarangire River, attracts countless animals, especially during the dry season.
Witness large herds of elephants roaming freely and keep an eye out for predators like lions and leopards. Marvel at the park’s diverse birdlife and ancient trees as you enjoy a picnic lunch amidst this pristine wilderness. End your day with a relaxing evening and dinner at your lodge.
Day 3: Tarangire to Ndutu – Calving Season Safari
Non-game-viewing travel time: ~5 hours | Distance: ~250 km
After breakfast, journey south to the Ndutu region, located in the southern Serengeti ecosystem. Known for its vast, grassy plains, this area becomes the stage for the wildebeest calving season, typically from January to March.
During your afternoon game drive, witness the miraculous births of thousands of wildebeest calves and the fascinating interactions between predators and prey. Lions, cheetahs, and hyenas often patrol the herds, offering thrilling wildlife viewing opportunities. Enjoy dinner and overnight at your lodge or camp near Ndutu.
Day 4: Ndutu – Full-Day Calving Season Safari
Spend an exhilarating full day exploring the Ndutu region. The calving season not only brings life to the plains but also attracts big cats and other predators, making it an unforgettable wildlife spectacle. Watch as cheetahs stalk their prey in the open savannah, lions prowl near the herds, and hyenas scavenge opportunistically. The drama of life and survival unfolds before your eyes. After an eventful day, return to your camp or lodge for a serene evening under the African sky.
Day 5: Ndutu to Ngorongoro Crater – Afternoon Safari
Non-game-viewing travel time: ~3 hours | Distance: ~140 km
After breakfast, bid farewell to Ndutu and drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Arrive at the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and descend into its magical caldera. Spend the afternoon marveling at the crater’s teeming wildlife, from grazing zebras and wildebeest to prowling lions and the rare black rhino. The crater’s unique ecosystem offers some of the most concentrated wildlife encounters in Africa. As the day ends, ascend the crater rim for dinner and overnight at your lodge, offering sweeping views of this natural wonder.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater – Full-Day Safari
Embark on a full-day exploration of the Ngorongoro Crater. The crater floor is a haven for wildlife, with highlights including the shimmering Lake Magadi, bustling with flamingos, and the Hippo Pool, where massive hippos cool off in the water. The dense predator population here means excellent chances of spotting lions, hyenas, and leopards. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst this vibrant ecosystem before returning to your lodge on the crater rim for a final evening overlooking the breathtaking landscape.
Day 7: Ngorongoro to Serengeti Central – Safari & Departure
Non-game-viewing travel time: ~4 hours | Distance: ~220 km
After breakfast, set off for Serengeti National Park, one of the most iconic wildlife destinations in the world. A morning game drive in the Seronera area offers encounters with wildebeest, zebras, and predators such as cheetahs and lions. Depending on your departure schedule, you will be transferred to the Seronera Airstrip for a domestic flight back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport. Alternatively, you may continue your adventure to another destination.
Price Includes:
– All park entry fees
– Concession fees
– Flying Doctor Service
– All park camping fees
– Airport pickup
– Ngorongoro Crater service fees
– Accommodation at hotels, lodges, tented camps, or campsites as per the safari program
– Chef services
– Meals as per the itinerary
– English-speaking driver/guide
– Transport in a 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof
– Bottled drinking water (1.5 liters per person per day during the safari)
– One-night complimentary hotel accommodation in Arusha upon arrival, including breakfast
– Camping equipment, including tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows, chairs and tables
Price Does Not Include:
– International and domestic flights
– Fees for passports, visas, immunizations, and insurance
– Tips for staff, including driver-guides, chefs, and porters
– Personal expenses such as souvenirs
Best Time to Visit:
The calving season takes place between January and March, with the peak occurring in February, when the wildebeest give birth and the predators are highly active. This is the best time to experience the excitement of predator-prey interactions.
This 7-day safari gives you the chance to witness one of nature’s most incredible spectacles, with an in-depth focus on the wildebeest calving season in the Ndutu area, while also visiting the iconic Ngorongoro Crater and other key wildlife areas of Tanzania.
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