7-Day Wildebeest Migration – Ndutu Event
7-Day Wildebeest Migration – Ndutu Event
Where to visit?
Tour Highlights:
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Ndutu Region: Witness the calving season with over 500,000 newborn wildebeest calves.
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Serengeti National Park: Explore the vast plains teeming with wildlife, including the Big Five.
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Ngorongoro Crater: Discover the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera, home to a dense population of wildlife.
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Lake Manyara National Park: Famous for its tree-climbing lions and flamingos.
Tour Schedule
The Wildebeest Migration in Ndutu (Southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area) is an awe-inspiring event that occurs between December and March. This period marks the calving season, where thousands of wildebeests give birth, attracting predators and offering unmatched wildlife viewing opportunities. Below is a tailored 7-day itinerary to experience this phenomenon:
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
- Morning/Afternoon: Land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel.
- Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge or Rivertrees Country Inn, a cozy retreat to relax before your safari.
- Activities: Unwind, enjoy a romantic dinner, and prepare for your adventure.
Day 2: Arusha to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Morning: Depart Arusha and drive or fly to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Activities: En route, visit a Maasai village to learn about their culture and traditions.
- Accommodation: Stay at Ngorongoro Farm House or Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge.
- Evening: Enjoy a private dinner overlooking the Ngorongoro highlands.
Day 3-5: Ndutu Plains (Southern Serengeti)
- Morning: Drive to Ndutu, the epicenter of the wildebeest calving season.
- Activities:
- Game Drives: Witness herds of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes spread across the plains. Look out for newborn calves and predator-prey interactions as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas hunt.
- Optional Walking Safari: Explore the area on foot with a professional guide.
- Photography: Ndutu’s landscapes provide incredible opportunities for stunning photos.
- Accommodation: Luxury tented camps such as:
- Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Camp
- Serengeti Safari Camp
- Ndutu Under Canvas.
- Evening: Savor bush dinners under the stars, with the sounds of wildlife as your backdrop.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration
- Morning: Drive back to the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive.
- Activities: Descend into the crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at its dense concentration of wildlife, including rhinos, lions, and flamingos.
- Accommodation: Return to Ngorongoro Crater Lodge for a luxurious and romantic evening.
Day 7: Return to Arusha
- Morning: Leisurely breakfast with panoramic views of the highlands.
- Midday: Drive or fly back to Arusha.
- Activities: Optional shopping at local markets or cultural tours if time permits.
- Evening: Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home.
Cost Estimates:
The cost for a 7-day wildebeest migration safari typically ranges from $2,500 to $4,500 per person, depending on the level of accommodation and services included. This estimate usually covers:
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Park fees
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Guide and driver fees
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Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
Safari Add-ons:
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Hot Air Balloon Safari: Experience the Serengeti from above.
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Cultural Tours: Visit local Maasai villages and learn about their traditions.
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Walking Safaris: Explore the parks on foot with a guided walk.
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Night Game Drives: Experience the nocturnal wildlife.
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Safari FAQs
When is the best time to visit for the calving season?
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The best time to visit is between January and early March when the wildebeest calving season occurs.
What can I expect to see during the calving season?
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You can expect to see thousands of newborn wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. The presence of so many young animals attracts predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
Where should I stay during the calving season?
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The best camps for the calving season are located in the Ndutu area, south of the Serengeti.
When should I book my trip for the calving season?
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It’s advisable to book your trip well in advance, especially if you plan to visit in February, which is the peak of the calving season
Price Includes the following:
✔️ Accommodation in lodges and tented camps
✔️ All meals and bottled water during the safari
✔️ Game drives in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
✔️ Professional English-speaking safari guide
✔️ Park entry fees for all destinations
✔️ Cultural tour with the Hadzabe tribe if applicable
✔️ Airport transfers
✔️ Daily photographic and wildlife viewing opportunities
✔️ Domestic flights for Arusha Zanzibar transfers
Note: This list of inclusions and exclusions is just a sample and can be altered in the final version to suit client needs and budget
Price Excludes the following:
❌ International and domestic flights
❌ Visa fees for entry into Tanzania
❌ Travel insurance
❌ Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
❌ Optional activities like hot air balloon safaris
❌ Tips for guides and staff
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Safari Highlights
Close Encounters with Wildlife
Scenic Landscapes
Calving Season Experience
What to Pack
- Lightweight clothing for warm days
- Warm layers for cooler evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Camera with extra batteries
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen with high SPF
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal toiletries
- First aid kit
- Travel insurance documents
- Guidebook or map
- Snacks for the journey
- Power bank for charging devices
- Notebook and pen for journaling
- Lightweight backpack
- Travel pillow for comfort