5 Days Serengeti Migration Safari Calving Season

Join a 5-day Serengeti Migration calving season safari to Ndutu. See thousands of wildebeest births and high predator action in the southern Serengeti plains.

5 Days Experience the Great Migration on a Serengeti Safari Calving Season

Witness the miracle of life during the 5-day Serengeti Migration calving season safari. Travel to the southern plains of Ndutu where thousands of wildebeest calves are born daily. This tour explores Tarangire, the Ndutu region, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Observe high predator activity as lions and cheetahs take advantage of the vulnerable newborns. It is a unique wildlife spectacle that defines the start of the Great Migration cycle in Tanzania.

Tour Highlights:

Day 1
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Day 2
Tarangire to Serengeti South (Ndutu Region)
Day 3
Full Day in Serengeti South / Ndutu
Day 4
Ndutu to Central Serengeti
Day 5
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
Duration 5 Days
🚙
Tour Mode Drive In – Drive Out
🎯
Main Tour Focus NIL
Tour Type Private Safari
Destination/Accommodation
Start/End
Arusha
Tour Starting & Ending Point
1
Day 1
Tarangire
Overnight: Tarangire Safari Lodge
2
Day 2
Souther Serengeti
Overnight: Ndutu Safari Lodge (Classic)
3
Day 3
Souther Serengeti
Overnight: Ndutu Safari Lodge (Classic)
4
Day 4
Souther Serengeti
Overnight: Angata Serengeti Camp
5
Day 5
Ngorongoro Crater
Overnight: Mount Meru Hotel

Arrival Day: Arrival (Kilimanjaro Airport) to Arusha

Arrival (Kilimanjaro Airport) to Arusha

A driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and provide a transfer to your hotel in Arusha. The drive takes about one hour and covers 50 kilometers. This day is for resting and preparing for your 5-day calving season safari. You will have a short briefing with your guide to discuss the specific movements of the herds in the southern plains. Arusha is a quiet city at the base of Mount Meru, offering a cool climate for your first night in the country.

Destination: Kilimanjaro Airport

Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel

  luxury 4 star lodge

Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images

Meals & Drinks: Lunch, Dinner

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Arusha to Tarangire National Park

The journey starts with a drive to Tarangire National Park, which takes about 2 to 3 hours over 120 kilometers. Tarangire is famous for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. You will spend the full day on a game drive along the Tarangire River. A positive unexpected moment might be seeing a large python hiding in a tree or a group of lions resting in the shade of a baobab. Late in the evening, you will head to your accommodation for dinner.

Destination: Tarangire

Accommodation: Tarangire Safari Lodge

  luxury 4 star lodge

Tarangire Safari Lodge Images
Tarangire Safari Lodge Images
Tarangire Safari Lodge Images
Tarangire Safari Lodge Images
Tarangire Safari Lodge Images
Tarangire Safari Lodge Images
Tarangire Safari Lodge Images
Tarangire Safari Lodge Images
Tarangire Safari Lodge Images
Tarangire Safari Lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Tarangire to Serengeti South (Ndutu Region)

Tarangire to Serengeti South (Ndutu Region)

After breakfast, you will drive toward the Ndutu region, which straddles the border of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. The drive is approximately 200 kilometers and takes about 5 hours. This area is the heart of the 5-day Serengeti Migration calving season safari during the months of January to March. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a game drive on the short grass plains. A surprising moment could be seeing thousands of wildebeests as far as the eye can see, creating a massive grey carpet across the landscape.

Destination: Souther Serengeti

Accommodation: Ndutu Safari Lodge (Classic)

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Full Day in Serengeti South / Ndutu

Full Day in Serengeti South / Ndutu

Today is dedicated to exploring the Ndutu plains to witness the calving action. You will spend the full day tracking the herds and looking for newborns. This 5-day calving season safari in Serengeti Migration allows you to see predators like cheetahs and lions on the hunt. A very positive moment for travelers is watching a newborn calf stand up and start running just minutes after being born. The abundance of life and the intensity of the predator-prey interaction make this day truly special for any nature lover.

Destination: Souther Serengeti

Accommodation: Ndutu Safari Lodge (Classic)

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Ndutu to Central Serengeti

Ndutu to Central Serengeti

The morning is spent in the southern plains for a final look at the calving herds. After a picnic lunch, you will begin the game drive toward the Central Serengeti, which takes about 3 hours. The landscape changes from short grass to the iconic acacia-dotted savannah. Along the way, you might spot a leopard resting on a large branch or a group of hippos splashing in a pool. You will return to your central lodge for your final night in the Serengeti, surrounded by the sounds of the African bush.

Destination: Souther Serengeti

Accommodation: Angata Serengeti Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

You will leave early for a 3 hour drive to the Ngorongoro Crater. You will descend 600 meters into the caldera for a half day tour. This is the best place to find the rare black rhino and see the Big Five in one day. A highlight of the day is having lunch near the hippo pool while watching the animals interact. Afterward, you will drive 190 kilometers back to Arusha. The climb out of the crater offers a final spectacular view of the entire floor before you arrive in Arusha in the late evening.

Destination: Ngorongoro Crater

Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel

  luxury 4 star lodge

Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

TOUR PRICE/COST

We offer two pricing options:

  •   Private Tour (Sharing Price)
  • The cost is shared within your private group. More people means a lower price per person.

  •   Group Joining Tour
  • Join others on a fixed-date tour at a set per-person rate—ideal for solo travelers or small groups.

    Private (Shared) Price

    No of pax Adult Child
    1 Pax $2,472 pp $1,854 pp
    2 Pax $1,822 pp $1,367 pp
    3 Pax $1,605 pp $1,204 pp
    4 Pax $1,497 pp $1,123 pp
    5 Pax $1,432 pp $1,074 pp
    6 Pax $1,389 pp $1,042 pp
    7+ Pax $1,358 pp $1,018 pp

    PRICE INCLUSIONS & PRICE EXCLUSIONS

    Inclusions
  •  Rescue fee
  •  Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
  •  All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
  •  All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
  •  All Taxes/VAT
  • Exclusions
  •  International flights to/from the start/end of the tour
  •  Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  •  Tips: tipping guideline
  •  Personal items
  •  Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • The Booking Form

    RELATED FAQS ABOUT 5 Days Serengeti Migration Safari Calving Season

    What is the best month to book a 5-day Serengeti calving season safari?

    The calving season usually happens between January and March when the wildebeest herds settle in the southern plains of Ndutu. This is the best time to see thousands of babies being born and high levels of predator activity.

    Where exactly does the calving take place in the Serengeti?

    The calving takes place primarily in the Ndutu region and the southern Serengeti plains where the grass is rich in minerals. This 5-day calving season safari in Serengeti Migration focuses on these specific areas to give you the best viewing opportunities.

    Will I see predators hunting during the calving season?

    Yes, lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are very active during this time as they target the vulnerable newborns. It is one of the best times of the year to witness high-speed chases and natural predator behavior on the open plains.

    What kind of vehicle is used for this 5-day calving season safari?

    We provide a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop up roof that allows for 360 degree views and great photography. The vehicle is designed to handle the rough terrain of the southern plains while keeping you comfortable and safe.

    Is it very dusty during the calving season?

    The southern plains can be quite dry and dusty during this period, so we recommend bringing a light scarf to protect your face. Staying hydrated and keeping your camera in a bag when not in use will also help you manage the conditions.

    Can I see the Big Five on this 5-day Serengeti Migration calving season safari?

    Yes, this itinerary visits Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, which are home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. Our guides are experts at tracking these animals to ensure you complete your checklist.

    Is the Ndutu area part of the Serengeti or Ngorongoro?

    Ndutu is a unique area that falls within both the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti National Park. This means you have the freedom to explore different habitats and follow the herds across the park boundaries.

    What should I pack for a 5-day calving season safari in Serengeti Migration?

    You should pack light clothing for the day, warm layers for the mornings, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunblock. Do not forget a good pair of binoculars and a camera with a long lens to capture the distant wildlife action.

    Are there many insects during the calving season?

    Since the calving season happens during the greener months, there can be some flies and mosquitoes in certain areas. We recommend wearing long sleeves in the evenings and using insect repellent provided in the vehicle.

    How many miles do we travel each day?

    The daily travel distance varies between 80 and 250 kilometers depending on the movements of the animals. Some days involve more driving while others are focused on stationary observation of the herds and predators.

    REVIEWS FOR 5 Days Experience the Great Migration on a Serengeti Safari Calving Season

    Write a Review

    fantastic adventure

    5/5

    Seeing the wildebeest calves stand up for the first time was a beautiful moment.

    By: Johann Fischer
    From: Flag DE

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    well organized safari

    5/5

    Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD organized a great 5-day calving season safari that showed us both the beauty and the drama of the wild.

    By: Sarah Jenkins
    From: Flag GB

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    the most amazing safari

    5/5

    The predator action in Ndutu was intense and we saw a cheetah hunt on our second day.

    By: Robert Miller
    From: Flag US

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    the best safari ever

    5/5

    Everything from the airport pick up to the final drive back to Arusha was smooth and professional.

    By: Elena Rossi
    From: Flag IT

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    the best experience ever

    5/5

    I loved the 5-day Serengeti Migration calving season safari because it felt like being in a documentary.

    By: Jean-Pierre Blanc
    From: Flag FR

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    the unforgettable

    5/5

    The Ngorongoro Crater was beautiful and we saw the rare black rhino very close to the road.

    By: Linda van den Berg
    From: Flag NL

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    the beauty of nature

    5/5

    A very well planned trip with comfortable lodges and delicious food throughout the journey.

    By: Sofia Fernandez
    From: Flag ES

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    well organized safari

    5/5

    Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD provided a very clean vehicle and a guide who was very knowledgeable about the birds too.

    By: David Thompson
    From: Flag CA

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    the most amazing safari

    5/5

    The elephant herds in Tarangire were massive and the calving season in the Serengeti was spectacular. Highly recommended.

    By: Kenji Tanaka
    From: Flag JP

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    the most amazing safari

    5/5

    Our guide was an expert at finding the herds and he knew exactly where to position the car for photos.

    By: Chloe O'Sullivan
    From: Flag AU

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image