Every year from January to March, nature showcases a remarkable spectacle as the savanna’s most stunning animals bring forth their young. This exhilarating journey leads you through the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Crater, allowing you to witness the breathtaking cycle of life in its full glory.
OVERVIEW
WILDEBEEST MIGRATION EXPERIENCE
This safari focuses on witnessing the incredible wildebeest calving season, which occurs when large herds reach the southernmost part of their migration in February and March. The sight of these herds across the expansive southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains is awe-inspiring, with over 8,000 calves being born each day. The Calving Season Safari features custom 4×4 vehicles with open tops for the best game viewing experience. Designed for small groups, each vehicle accommodates a maximum of six travelers, ensuring everyone has a window seat. This 8-day journey not only promises exhilarating wildlife encounters but also includes meals, accommodations, and park entry fees.
DISCOVERING LAKE MANYARA AND NGORONGORO.
The safari experience is enhanced by more than just observing the wildebeest calving season and migration; it also features excursions to Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Crater. At Lake Manyara, you’ll encounter thousands of flamingos and the renowned tree-climbing lions. The adventure progresses to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the Ngorongoro Crater, a volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife, offering outstanding game viewing opportunities. This segment enriches your exploration of Tanzania’s varied 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.
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania, proceed through customs and search for your driver. They will be there, holding a sign with your name. Your driver will then take you to Hotel Moshi.
Overnight at the Hotel (with breakfast) or Similar
In the morning, head to Lake Manyara National Park, nestled against the dramatic escarpment of the Rift Valley. This park features a lush groundwater forest and a range of ecosystems, including acacia woodlands, grassy plains, a swampy fan delta, and the vast lake itself. Such ecological variety draws numerous species of mammals, birds, and other wildlife. Notably, Manyara is famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. The park provides exceptional opportunities for game viewing, with buffalo, impala, giraffe, bushbuck, waterbuck, hippos, and a significant population of elephants often seen near the lake. Keep an eye out for blue monkeys, velvet monkeys, and the lively olive baboons as well.
Overnight Highview Hotel (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or Similar
After breakfast, set off for a drive to Serengeti National Park, a name that comes from the Maasai language and translates to "endless plain." Along the way, consider stopping at a Maasai Village to immerse yourself in their culture and engage in various tribal activities. Additionally, a visit to Olduvai Gorge, often referred to as the Cradle of Humanity, offers a glimpse into our ancestral past, with the museum highlighting humanity's remarkable evolution from its origins in East Africa to its present dominance.
Overnight at one of our Wild Camps* (with lunch, dinner & breakfast)
* Ikoma Wild Camp, Serengeti Wild Camp or Serengeti Wildebeest Camp
Experience a day of tranquility in the Serengeti, renowned for its stunning landscapes and the remarkable Great Wildebeest Migration. The park is teeming with vast herds of wildlife, including wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes, while predators like lions and cheetahs roam among the numerous kopjes dotting the terrain. The diverse scenery ranges from expansive grasslands in the south to savanna interspersed with acacia trees in the center, transitioning to hilly, wooded grasslands in the north, and culminating in extensive 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
Experience a morning game drive in the Serengeti before heading to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is part of the southern Serengeti ecosystem. From December to April, the short-grass plains are typically bustling with wildebeest migration. This region is also rich in elephants, various bird species, and resident wildlife. After checking in at the lodge, enjoy an afternoon game drive.
Overnight Ngorongoro Wild Camp (with lunch, dinner & breakfast)
Experience an exhilarating full-day game drive in the Ndutu region. Discover a variety of habitats, from swamps and woodlands to soda lakes and the renowned short grass plains of the Serengeti. Observe massive herds of wildebeest and zebra as they traverse the landscape, and take advantage of this season to see newborn calves just moments after birth. It's also the prime time for thrilling predator encounters! The marshes and lakes are teeming with diverse bird species and home to local lion prides, while the open plains are rich with cheetahs, and the wooded ridges offer exciting wildlife viewing opportunities.
Overnight Ngorongoro Wild Camp (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or Similar
This morning, you will venture into the Ngorongoro Crater for an exciting game drive and exploration. The crater, with a depth of 600 meters, spans 16 kilometers in diameter and covers an area of 265 square kilometers. Experience the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife in this remarkable location, often referred to as the world's eighth wonder. Here, you can spot some of Tanzania's rare black rhinos grazing on the crater floor, alongside a diverse array of approximately 20,000 large animals, including lions, cheetahs, elands, zebras, and gazelles. Additionally, Makat Soda Lake is a popular spot for observing flamingos and various other bird species. In the afternoon, you will drive to Moshi for your overnight accommodation at the hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or Similar
Experience a relaxed morning before your transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your return flight. If your flight is in the evening, consider exploring our “Add on” day trip activities—contact us to make arrangements.
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.
