Each year, from January to March, nature puts on an incredible display as the most beautiful animals of the savanna welcome their young. This thrilling adventure takes you through the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Crater, giving you the chance to experience the awe-inspiring cycle of life in all its splendor.
OVERVIEW
WILDEBEEST MIGRATION EXPERIENCE
This safari is all about experiencing the breathtaking wildebeest calving season, which takes place when massive herds arrive at the southernmost part of their migration during February and March. Witnessing these herds spread across the vast southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains is truly remarkable, with more than 8,000 calves being born each day. The Calving Season Safari is equipped with custom 4×4 vehicles featuring open tops for optimal game viewing. Tailored for small groups, each vehicle holds a maximum of six travelers, ensuring that everyone enjoys a window seat. This 8-day adventure not only guarantees thrilling wildlife experiences but also includes meals, accommodations, and park entry fees.
DISCOVERING LAKE MANYARA AND NGORONGORO.
The safari adventure goes beyond simply watching the wildebeest calving season and migration; it includes trips to Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Crater. At Lake Manyara, you can see thousands of flamingos and the famous tree-climbing lions. The journey continues to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where the Ngorongoro Crater, a volcanic caldera filled with diverse wildlife, provides exceptional game viewing experiences. This part of the trip adds depth to your exploration of Tanzania’s stunning landscapes.
We recommend that you book the incredible Balloon safari add-on with this trip.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience the awe-inspiring Great Migration as it unfolds in the Serengeti.
- Experience the wonder of nature during the wildebeest calving season.
- Wildlife experiences featuring predators actively pursuing their prey in natural settings.
- Experience cozy lodging amidst the great outdoors.
- Discover the distinct ecosystems and diverse wildlife found at Lake Manyara.
- Explore the Ngorongoro Crater and its abundant array of African wildlife.
When you land at Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania, go through customs and then find your driver. They will be waiting for you with a sign that has your name on it, all set to take you to Moshi.
Overnight at the Hotel (with breakfast) or Similar
Start your day by visiting Lake Manyara National Park, which is beautifully situated against the stunning escarpment of the Rift Valley. This park boasts a vibrant groundwater forest and a diverse array of ecosystems, including acacia woodlands, grassy plains, a marshy fan delta, and the expansive lake itself. The rich ecological diversity attracts a wide variety of mammals, birds, and other wildlife. One of Manyara's highlights is its unique tree-climbing lions. The park offers fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing, where you can spot buffalo, impala, giraffe, bushbuck, waterbuck, hippos, and a large population of elephants often gathered near the lake. Don’t forget to look out for blue monkeys, velvet monkeys, and the energetic olive baboons as well.
Overnight Highview Hotel (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or Similar
After enjoying breakfast, embark on a journey to Serengeti National Park, a name derived from the Maasai language meaning "endless plain." As you travel, you might want to pause at a Maasai Village to experience their rich culture and participate in traditional tribal activities. Furthermore, a stop at Olduvai Gorge, known as the Cradle of Humanity, provides an opportunity to explore our ancestral history, with the museum showcasing the incredible evolution of humanity from its beginnings in East Africa to its current prominence.
Overnight at one of our Wild Camps* (with lunch, dinner & breakfast)
* Ikoma Wild Camp, Serengeti Wild Camp or Serengeti Wildebeest Camp
Discover a peaceful day in the Serengeti, famous for its breathtaking views and the incredible Great Wildebeest Migration. The park is alive with large groups of animals, such as wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes, while predators like lions and cheetahs wander among the many kopjes scattered across the landscape. The varied scenery includes wide grasslands in the south, savanna dotted with acacia trees in the center, hilly wooded grasslands in the north, and expansive woodlands and black clay plains to the west.
Overnight at one of our Wild Camps* (with lunch, dinner & breakfast)
* Ikoma Wild Camp, Serengeti Wild Camp or Serengeti Wildebeest Camp
Start your day with an exciting morning game drive in the Serengeti, then make your way to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a key part of the southern Serengeti ecosystem. Between December and April, the short-grass plains come alive with the migration of wildebeest. This area is also home to a variety of elephants, numerous bird species, and local wildlife. Once you check in at the lodge, you can look forward to an afternoon game drive.
Overnight Ngorongoro Wild Camp (with lunch, dinner & breakfast)
Embark on an exciting full-day game drive in the Ndutu region. Explore a range of ecosystems, including swamps, woodlands, soda lakes, and the famous short grass plains of the Serengeti. Witness large herds of wildebeest and zebra moving across the terrain, and seize the chance to see newborn calves just after they are born. This is also the perfect time for thrilling predator sightings! The marshes and lakes are alive with various bird species and local lion prides, while the open plains are abundant with cheetahs, and the wooded ridges provide fantastic wildlife viewing experiences.
Overnight Ngorongoro Wild Camp (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or Similar
This morning, get ready to explore the stunning Ngorongoro Crater on an exhilarating game drive. This impressive crater, which reaches a depth of 600 meters and measures 16 kilometers across, covers an expansive area of 265 square kilometers. You'll be captivated by the breathtaking scenery and the incredible wildlife that call this place home, often hailed as the eighth wonder of the world. Keep your eyes peeled for Tanzania's elusive black rhinos grazing on the crater floor, along with a rich variety of around 20,000 large animals, such as lions, cheetahs, elands, zebras, and gazelles. Don't miss the chance to visit Makat Soda Lake, a fantastic location for spotting flamingos and other bird species. In the afternoon, you'll head to Moshi for a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or Similar
Enjoy a leisurely morning before heading to Kilimanjaro airport for your return flight. If your flight is scheduled for the evening, think about taking part in our optional day trip activities—reach out to us to set it up.
Safari Cost Includes
- Transfers
- • All transfers detailed in the itinerary
- Accommodation & Meals
- • Hotels and lodges as specified in the itinerary
- • Meals as outlined in the itinerary
- • Provision of bottled water, soft drinks, hot coffee, and tea during the safari in the jeep
- Guiding & Game-Driving
- • A certified and experienced English-speaking safari guide
- • Comfortable 4x4 Land Cruisers equipped with pop-up roofs, refrigerators, Wi-Fi, and power outlets
- • National park fees inclusive for the entire duration of the tour (including park entry and concession fees)
- • Medical kit provided
Safari cost Exclude
- • • Airfare;
- • • Visa fees;
- • • Travel insurance;
- • • Gratuities for your safari guide ($30-50 per day per vehicle).
- Please note:
- • Our tours typically include shared accommodations in twin/double rooms, unless otherwise requested and agreed upon. A single supplement is available upon request. Please refer to the itinerary for details regarding your accommodation arrangements.
- • Accommodations in Moshi and Arusha generally include breakfast only, unless otherwise requested and agreed upon. Please consult the itinerary for meal plans for each night.
- • Most safari lodges do not include tea, coffee, soft drinks, or alcoholic beverages to prevent overcharging for items you may not require. You will have the opportunity to order and pay for drinks at the hotels' restaurants.
- • Tented lodges are the predominant type of accommodation in the savannah. Many operate on solar energy, which may result in bucket showers, limited Wi-Fi, and the absence of hair dryers, all aimed at minimizing environmental impact. We encourage you to conduct some preliminary research on the accommodations listed in your itinerary to ensure that the safari aligns with your travel preferences. showers, limited wi-fi and no hair dryers, all in an effort to reduce environmental impact. We encourage you to do some basic research on the accommodations in your program to ensure the safari matches your travel style
A visa is required when traveling to Tanzania. Currently, this can be obtained online, on arrival at airports and border crossings, and is valid for 90 days. A valid passport is mandatory. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Tanzania.
We carefully select the accommodation on safari so that you are comfortable and relaxed and can experience a one-of-a-kind atmosphere during your safari. All rooms/tents during your safari are fitted with mosquito nets or are insect-proofed to protect you against bites. You are also advised to use insect repellent to further protect yourself, especially outdoors in the evenings.
Tanzania is generally considered a safe destination for safari-goers. Visitors should follow the safety guidelines provided and take necessary precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night or leaving valuables unattended.
The wildebeest migration takes place in Tanzania typically between the months of November to August, although the timing can vary slightly depending on the weather patterns each year. The migration is a continuous movement of around 1.5 million wildebeest and large numbers of zebras and gazelles across the Serengeti plains in Tanzania in search of fresh grazing land and water. In November and December, the herds of wildebeest can be found in the northern Serengeti near the Kenyan border, where they start calving. As the rains stop and the dry season sets in, the herds begin to move south in search of water and fresh grazing. By April and May, the herds are usually in the central Serengeti. By June, the wildebeest and other herbivores gather at the Grumeti River, where they must cross to continue their journey south. By July, the herds are usually in the eastern Serengeti; by August, they move into the northern region of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Drinking tap water in Tanzania is generally unsafe, as it may contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can cause illnesses such as typhoid, cholera, and hepatitis A. Drinking only bottled or filtered water is important to avoid getting sick. You can buy bottled water at most shops, hotels, and restaurants in Tanzania. When traveling in Tanzania, it’s also important to avoid drinking water from sources such as lakes, rivers, and streams, which may also contain harmful bacteria and parasites. Instead, use bottled or filtered water to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth after brushing. Additionally, avoiding ice in drinks and peeling fruits and vegetables before eating them is a good idea to reduce the risk of ingesting contaminated water.
Tanzania is home to many national parks, but the most popular ones for safaris are Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park.
Tanzania is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, buffalo, leopards, cheetahs, and many species of birds.
The best time to go on a Tanzania safari depends on your preferences. The dry season from June to October is the best time for game viewing, but it can be crowded and more expensive. The wet season from November to May offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices, but some parks may be closed due to flooding.
Our safaris are in 4×4 vehicles, which are ideal for navigating the rugged terrain of the national parks. Some safaris may also include flights to remote areas or walking safaris.
It’s important to dress in layers and pack versatile, easy-to-wash, and dry clothing. Don’t forget also to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small backpack to carry your essentials while on safari. Choose comfortable, practical, and appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. Lightweight, breathable clothing such as cotton or linen shirts, pants, and shorts. Long-sleeved shirts and pants can also help protect you from the sun, insects, and thorny bushes. Neutral-colored clothing such as khaki, beige, or olive green. Avoid bright colors or patterns, as they can scare off wildlife or attract insects. Closed-toe shoes such as sneakers or hiking boots for walking safaris or nature walks. Sandals or flip-flops can be worn around camp but may not provide enough protection for outdoor activities. A hat or cap to protect your head and face from the sun. Sunglasses protect your eyes from the bright sunlight. A light jacket or sweater for cooler mornings and evenings. Swimwear if you plan to visit a lodge or camp with a swimming pool. A rain jacket or poncho if you’re traveling during the rainy season.
Tipping is highly appreciated at the end of safari/mountain climb. The size of tips will vary depending on the length and complexity of the trip, the number of staff on the trip and the number of clients on the trip. Generally, groups like to meet together before the end of the trek to discuss how much they would like to tip each staff member based on their individual trek experience. You should prepare an envelope after your trek for your tip money at the Hotel. You can use US dollars, Euros, TZ Shillings or a combination of these. Please ask the Safari/Climbing coordinator at the Hotel for advice.
Mountain Climbs: $25-50 USD per Day per Climber to be shared between guides, chefs and porters.
Safaris: Driver/Guide: $35-50 USD per Day per Car. If it is a camping safari there will be a tip for the cook $10 USD per Day.
THESE ARE JUST GUIDELINES AND TIPS CAN BE GIVEN TO SAFARI STAFF/MOUNTAIN CREW ACCORDING TO SERVICES PROVIDED.