10-Day Great Wildebeest Migration Calving Safari

Discover one of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles on this 10-day Tanzania safari, designed around the Great Wildebeest Migration calving season. Visit Lake Manyara National Park, explore the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, and spend five nights across Ndutu and the southern Serengeti, where vast herds of wildebeest gather to give birth.

January to March is the main calving window. Expect exceptional chances to see newborn calves and the lions, cheetahs, hyenas and other predators drawn to the herds, set against Tanzania’s beautiful open landscapes.

Birds and wildlife to look for

Five nights in Ndutu and the southern Serengeti
Newborn wildebeest calves on the short-grass plains
Lions, cheetahs and hyenas following the herds
Game drives around Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek
A full game drive on the Ngorongoro Crater floor
Lake Manyara’s groundwater forest and tree-climbing lions

Day-by-day itinerary

Times and drives are approximate. Your guide adjusts each day to the weather, the wildlife and you.

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to Arusha
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your Charles Tours representative welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel in Arusha. Relax after your journey and get ready for the safari ahead.

Overnight
Hotel in Arusha
Meals
Dinner
Travel
Day 2: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park and Karatu
After breakfast we drive to Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive through its groundwater forest, open woodland and lakeshore. Look out for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, baboons and plenty of birdlife, with a chance of the park’s famous tree-climbing lions. In the afternoon we continue to Karatu for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Overnight
Hotel in Karatu
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Travel
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater
After an early breakfast we descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a memorable game drive, searching its varied habitats for lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, hippos and the endangered black rhino. After a picnic lunch on the crater floor we return to Karatu in the afternoon.

Overnight
Hotel in Karatu
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Travel
Day 4: Karatu to Ndutu: first calving-season game drive
After breakfast we travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area towards Ndutu. As we approach the southern plains we start looking for wildebeest herds, zebras and the predators that follow them. Depending on the season and wildlife movements, you may see newborn calves and huge concentrations of migrating animals. An afternoon game drive brings us to your tented camp.

Overnight
Tented safari camp in the Ndutu area
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Travel
Day 5: Full-day calving-season safari in Ndutu
A full day exploring the Ndutu plains and surrounding woodland. This is prime calving country, where thousands of wildebeest gather to give birth when conditions are right. We search for newborn calves, lions, cheetahs, hyenas and other predators, with wide-open landscapes and dramatic photographic opportunities.

Overnight
Tented safari camp in the Ndutu area
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Travel
Day 6: Ndutu: following the Great Migration
Another full day of game drives across the Ndutu plains, around Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek, and through nearby wildlife areas as conditions allow. Your guide follows the herds and recent sightings to give you the best chance of seeing calving and predator behaviour.

Overnight
Tented safari camp in the Ndutu area
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Travel
Day 7: Ndutu to the southern Serengeti
We continue exploring the migration area with game drives across Ndutu and the southern Serengeti plains, following the herds wherever they are and searching for wildebeest, zebras, cheetahs, lions and other wildlife before settling into your camp.

Overnight
Lodge or camp in the southern Serengeti
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Travel
Day 8: Full day in the southern Serengeti
A full day in the southern Serengeti, following the migration and searching for predators across the open grassland. Large herds, young calves and predators often share the same landscapes here, which makes for excellent photography. Your guide adapts the route to the wildlife movements and road conditions.

Overnight
Lodge or camp in the southern Serengeti
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Travel
Day 9: Southern Serengeti to Karatu
After a morning game drive we start the journey back through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area towards Karatu, with wildlife viewing along the way where conditions allow, and beautiful highland scenery before we reach your lodge for a relaxing evening.

Overnight
Hotel in Karatu
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Travel
Day 10: Karatu to Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast we leave Karatu and drive to Kilimanjaro International Airport, with views of the Ngorongoro Highlands and the Tanzanian countryside along the way, in time to check in for your onward flight.

Overnight
Meals
Breakfast, lunch
Travel

What’s included

Included

Private 4x4 with pop-up roof, just for your group
Professional guide (a specialist bird guide on birding trips)
All park, conservation and crater fees
Accommodation and meals as listed
Drinking water in the vehicle
Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) or your Arusha hotel

Not included

International flights and visa
Travel insurance
Tips for your guide and lodge staff
Drinks at lodges
Optional extras such as a balloon flight

Price

We quote per person, based on your group size, season and accommodation level. Send an enquiry and you’ll have a full price within 24 hours.

Good to know before you book

Getting here: Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), about an hour from Arusha. We meet you at arrivals. Read arriving in Arusha.
Visa: Most visitors need one. Apply online only through the Tanzania Immigration official e-Visa portal. However, you can still get your visa on arrival.
Health: See a travel clinic about vaccines and malaria prevention at least a month before you go. The CDC Travelers’ Health: Tanzania page is a useful starting point.
Park fees: Included in our price. They’re set by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority.
What to pack: See our packing list, and tipping and etiquette.
Everything else: Our travel information page covers money, weather, plugs and more.

Questions about this trip

What is the daily routine on safari?

Most days start between 6:00 and 6:30, because the first hours after sunrise have the best light and the most active animals and birds. We usually take a picnic lunch in the park or return to camp for a midday rest, then head out again in the late afternoon. Parks close at sunset, so evenings are at the lodge.

Can the itinerary be changed?

Yes. Every trip is private, so we can add days, swap parks, change the accommodation level or slow the pace. Tell us what you’d like, and we’ll send a revised plan and price.

What vehicle will we use?

A 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for viewing and photography, charging points and a window seat for everyone. The vehicle and guide are yours alone for the whole trip.

How do I book and pay?

Send an enquiry and we’ll reply within 24 hours with a tailored itinerary and a full quote. Once you’re happy, we take a deposit to confirm, with the balance due before you travel. We’ll give you the exact terms in writing.

What if I have dietary needs?

Just tell us. Lodges and our camp cooks regularly cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal and other diets.

10-day Great Wildebeest Migration calving safari: Ndutu, the southern Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara

Birds and wildlife to look for

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to Arusha

Day 2: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park and Karatu

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater

Day 4: Karatu to Ndutu: first calving-season game drive

Day 5: Full-day calving-season safari in Ndutu

Day 6: Ndutu: following the Great Migration

Day 7: Ndutu to the southern Serengeti

Day 8: Full day in the southern Serengeti

Day 9: Southern Serengeti to Karatu

Day 10: Karatu to Kilimanjaro Airport

What’s included

Included

Not included

Price

Good to know before you book

Questions about this trip

Similar trips

10-Day Classic Northern Tanzania Safari

12-Day Great Wildebeest Migration Safari

5-Day Classic Northern Tanzania Safari

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