A lioness lying alone on the short-grass plains at Ndutu in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area

9 days · Ndutu · Serengeti · Ngorongoro

Late January to March: the calving season

Nine days on the southern short-grass plains during the calving, when roughly half a million wildebeest are born in a few weeks and every predator in the ecosystem is standing over them.

Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Type: Private safari
Starts: Arusha
Ends: Arusha
Best for: Ndutu · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
Indicative from: Price on request

The route

ArushaNdutuSerengetiNgorongoroArusha

Why this one

This is the only time of year we tell people to come for the predators rather than the landscape. The calving concentrates prey, and concentrated prey concentrates everything that eats it. It runs late January to March and not one day longer.

Day by day

What happens, in order

Day 1

Arusha to Lake Manyara

An easy first afternoon in the groundwater forest.

Day 2

Manyara to Ndutu

Up through Karatu and across the conservation area to the short-grass plains.

Day 3

Ndutu

Full day among the herds.

Day 4

Ndutu

Second full day. Cheetah and hyena are unusually visible on open short grass.

Day 5

Ndutu to central Serengeti

North into the park proper.

Day 6

Serengeti

Full day.

Day 7

Serengeti

Second full day.

Day 8

Serengeti to Ngorongoro

Morning drive, then the rim.

Day 9

Crater floor to Arusha

Dawn descent, then home.

Included

Private pop-top 4x4 with a guaranteed window seat each
Professional guide throughout
All park, crater and conservation fees
Accommodation and meals as listed
Drinking water in the vehicle every day
Airport transfers

Not included

International flights
Tanzania visa
Travel and medical insurance
Tips for your guide and crew
Drinks, laundry and anything personal
Optional activities such as a balloon flight

Questions

Asked before every departure

Can this run outside those months?

No. Outside late January to March there is no calving and the herds have moved on. We will route you onto the migration or classic circuit instead rather than sell you this one.

Is it the rainy season?

Often, in short heavy afternoon storms. The plains stay driveable and the light after a storm is the best of the year.

Similar departures

If this one is not quite right

A lioness lying on a rock in low sun, looking out across open country

3 days · 2 nights

3-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari

Serengeti · Ngorongoro

The shortest itinerary that reaches the Serengeti itself rather than spending itself on the road. Two nights out, one full day on the plains, and the …

Indicative fromOn request View safari →