Calving Season Safari: Ndutu & Southern Serengeti
Every year between January and March, the Great Migration herds gather on the short-grass plains of Ndutu and the Southern Serengeti for one of nature's most moving events: the birth of nearly half a million wildebeest calves in the space of a few weeks. February is the peak of calving season, when thousands of calves are born each day, drawing lions, cheetahs and hyenas close behind.
This is the best migration season for first-time safari-goers and photographers alike: predictable herd locations, dramatic predator action and golden light across open plains. We build every calving-season itinerary from Arusha, and offer fly-in options from Zanzibar for travellers combining beach and bush.
Hoogtepunten van de reis
- Peak wildebeest calving in February, with newborns, zebra and gazelles across the plains
- Lions, cheetahs and hyenas hunting close to the herds, some of the best predator action of the year
- 5 real itinerary options, from a 4-day Ndutu focus to a fly-in/fly-out Zanzibar combo
Wat is inbegrepen
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle (Land Cruiser) with pop-up roof, large windows and comfortable seats
- USB and Type-C charging, fridge, binoculars and safari radio on board
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Fuel, all game drives and vehicle running costs
- National park entrance fees and Serengeti / Ndutu conservation or concession fees
- Ngorongoro Crater fees where applicable
- Safari accommodation and meals per the accommodation plan
- Drinking water, driver/guide services and mandatory government and tourism charges
Niet inbegrepen
- International flights and Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance
- Tips and alcoholic drinks
- Personal expenses and laundry
- Hot-air balloon safari and other optional activities
- Extra nights before or after the safari, and flights not specifically listed in your quotation
Dag voor dag
Day 1
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire, game drive, overnight Tarangire
Day 2
Day 2: Tarangire to Ndutu / Southern Serengeti, afternoon game drive, overnight Ndutu
Day 3
Day 3: Full-day Ndutu calving safari, overnight Ndutu
Day 4
Day 4: Ndutu to Ngorongoro Crater descent, overnight Ngorongoro / Karatu
Day 5
Day 5: Ngorongoro to Arusha
Veelgestelde vragen
Yes. Every itinerary here can be extended with Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Zanzibar or a Ngorongoro Crater add-on. Tell us your dates and interests and we will adapt one of the options below or build a custom route.
No, and we would not trust an operator who claims otherwise. A wildebeest birth, a predator kill or a river crossing are wild, natural events controlled by rainfall, grass, water levels and animal behaviour, not by any company's schedule. We follow the migration, we do not make promises on behalf of nature. What we do guarantee is an experienced guide who reads the conditions, tracks and other vehicles' reports to give you the best realistic chance.
February is generally considered the peak of calving season and the single best month for first-timers and photographers, but January and March also offer strong wildlife viewing as the migration arrives and then prepares to move. We can advise on the best window for your exact travel dates.
If you have only 4 days, choose the Pure Ndutu Migration Experience or the Fly-In & Fly-Out Migration Safari. If you want the classic northern circuit plus calving, choose the 5-day Classic Northern Circuit + Ndutu. If you have more time and want deeper Big Five coverage, the 6-day Extended Calving & Big Five Safari adds Tarangire and Central Serengeti.