Overview
This specialized fly-in calving safari is perfectly timed for the Great Migration’s most dramatic phase in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains. Flying directly into the heart of the action saves days of driving, placing you instantly amid hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras gathered on the highly fertile, mineral-rich volcanic soils. Witnessing the synchronized birthing season, where thousands of newborn calves take their first steps daily, is an unforgettable spectacle that naturally draws Africa’s highest concentrations of large predators, including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Complete this extraordinary circuit with an immersive exploration of the legendary Ngorongoro Crater and a scenic drive through the groundwater forests of Lake Manyara National Park before your departure.
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN TANZANIA (KILIMANJARO OR ZANZIBAR)
Welcome to East Africa! Whether you touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport or arrival gates in Zanzibar, a warm representative will welcome you and arrange a smooth transfer to your comfortable midrange hotel. This first day is entirely dedicated to relaxing, shaking off international jet lag, and preparing for the ultimate wildlife expedition ahead. Unwind by the swimming pool, stroll through the peaceful grounds, and double-check your camera gear. In the evening, meet your professional safari guide for a comprehensive briefing on the upcoming migration dynamics, followed by an excellent dinner featuring a blend of fresh local and continental flavors.
Accommodation:
Name : ARUSHA PLANET LODGE / ZANZIBAR MIDRANGE HOTEL (Full Board, Drinks Not Included)
Version : Hotel
Rank : Midrange
Day 2: MORNING FLIGHT TO SOUTH SERENGETI (NDUTU REGION)
Board a morning domestic flight from Arusha or Zanzibar, soaring over the spectacular Great Rift Valley before touching down on the remote Ndutu airstrip. Your expert driver-guide will greet you in a private 4×4 safari vehicle, diving straight into an afternoon game drive. The Ndutu plains, straddling the Southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro boundaries, come alive during the calving season with endless green pastures. Arrive at an authentic, seasonal mobile tented camp nestled under giant acacia trees, where you can unwind by a roaring campfire and share stories beneath an spectacular blanket of stars.
Accommodation:
Name : HERITAGE NDUTU CAMP / KATI KATI NDUTU CAMP (Full Board, Drinks Not Included)
Version : Camp
Rank : Midrange
Day 3: FULL DAY IN THE NDUTU CALVING PLAINS
Spend a thrilling, unrestricted day tracking the Great Migration across the short-grass savannah. Because Ndutu allows regulated off-road driving, your guide can safely position the vehicle to view spectacular predator-prey interactions up close. February is the peak of the calving season, meaning you can witness vulnerable newborn calves learning to run within minutes of birth. Scan the surrounding ridges for hunting cheetahs, lions, and spotted hyenas capitalizing on the sheer abundance of wildlife. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch out in the wild bush, returning to camp late afternoon for hot safari showers and a hearty candlelit dinner.
Accommodation:
Name : HERITAGE NDUTU CAMP / KATI KATI NDUTU CAMP (Full Board, Drinks Not Included)
Version : Camp
Rank : Midrange
Day 4: NDUTU TO NGORONGORO CRATER TO KARATU
Depart after an early breakfast and travel to the famous Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend 600 meters into the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera for an unforgettable morning game drive. The enclosed crater floor acts as a thriving sanctuary for roughly 30,000 animals, offering your best opportunity to view the entire “Big Five,” including the highly endangered black rhino. Pause for a delightful picnic lunch along the scenic hippo pool while watching giant pods wallow in the shallows. In the late afternoon, ascend the crater walls and drive to the cooler, lush agricultural highlands of Karatu.
Accommodation:
Name : EILEEN’S TREES INN (Full Board, Drinks Not Included)
Version : Lodge
Rank : Midrange
Day 5: LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK TO ARUSHA / DEPARTURE
Conclude your adventure at Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its underground water forests, massive troops of baboons, and legendary tree-climbing lions. Explore the diverse habitats, from the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment to the expansive soda lake shoreline glistening with thousands of pink flamingos and migratory waterbirds. After a rewarding morning game drive and a fresh picnic lunch, embark on a scenic drive back to Arusha town. Arrive by late afternoon to catch your onward flight to Zanzibar for a beach extension, or check in for your international flight back home.
Included
- Park fees
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- All transportation
- Round-trip airport transfer
- A professional driver/guide
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
Included
- All Taxes/VAT
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Tips to your safari Guide (tipping guideline US$15.00 pp per day)
- Additions: Optional Activities After Booking Confirmations
- Travel insurance;
- Visa fee