A true miracle of nature can be experienced from January to March every year when many of the savanna’s most beautiful creatures give birth to the next generation. This life-affirming adventure takes you to the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Crater where you can see the circle of life in all its splendor.
OVERVIEW
Wildebeest Migration Experience
This safari is all about experiencing the wildebeest calving season when the massive herds of wildebeest arrive at the southernmost point of their migration in February and March. It is breathtaking to see the herds on the vast open plains of the southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains, as over 8 000 calves are born daily. The Calving Season Safari offers travel in custom 4×4 safari vehicles with open tops for optimal game viewing. This is a small group seat-in-vehicle safari with a maximum of 6 travelers per vehicle, all with window seats. The 8-day adventure includes not only thrilling wildlife experiences but also encompasses meals, accommodation, and park entry fees.
Exploring Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro
To make it even better, the safari adventure extends beyond witnessing the wildebeest calving season and migration. It also includes visits to Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Crater. At Lake Manyara you will enjoy sightings of thousands of flamingos and its famous unique tree-climbing lions. The journey continues to the world heritage of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and The Ngorongoro Crater, a volcanic caldera with large concentrations of animals and wildlife, where you will be fed with exceptional game viewing opportunities. This part fulfills your safari experience of Tanzania’s diverse landscapes
We recommend that you book the incredible Balloon safari add-on with this trip.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Witness the majestic Great Migration across the Serengeti
- Observe a miracle of life – the wildebeest calving season
- Dramatic wildlife encounters with predators hunting in the wild
- Enjoy comfortable accommodations in the wilderness
- Explore unique ecosystems and wildlife at Lake Manyara
- Visit the Ngorongoro Crater and its plethora of African wildlife
Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, Tanzania. After clearing customs, look for your driver. They will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name. Your driver will transport you to the Hotel Moshi.
Overnight at the Hotel (with breakfast) or Similar
Drive to Lake Manyara National Park in the morning. Set against the steep escarpment of the Rift Valley, you’ll find Lake Manyara National Park with its evergreen groundwater forest and various ecosystems, including acacia woodland, grassy plains, a swampy fan delta, and – of course – the expansive lake. This diversity attracts a wide variety of mammal, bird, and wildlife species. Manyara is also home to rare tree-climbing lions. The park offers excellent game viewing with buffalo, impala, giraffe, bushbuck, waterbuck, hippos, and many elephants roaming near the lake. You can also be on the lookout for blue monkeys, velvet monkeys, and the very active olive baboon.
Overnight Highview Hotel (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or Similar
Head out after breakfast for the drive to Serengeti National Park. The word “Serengeti” is derived from the Maasai language, meaning “endless plain.” En route to the Serengeti, you can visit a Masaai Village, a perfect place to explore the Maasai culture and even participate in some tribal activities. Why not choose to visit Olduvai Gorge, known as the Cradle of Humanity; the Museum is a testament to the long journey that humanity has made from its humble roots in East Africa to its current state as the dominant species on earth.
Overnight at one of our Wild Camps* (with lunch, dinner & breakfast)
* Ikoma Wild Camp, Serengeti Wild Camp or Serengeti Wildebeest Camp
Relax for a full day in the Serengeti, unequaled for its beauty and home to the Great Wildebeest Migration. The huge herds of plains game, such as wildebeest, zebra, and antelope, dominate the park, while the attendant predators, such as lion and cheetah, are to be found amongst the many kopjes scattered across the plain. Its landscape varies from open grass plains in the south, savanna with scattered acacia trees in the center, hilly, wooded grassland in the north, to extensive woodland 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
Enjoy a morning game drive in the Serengeti before your transfer to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, part of the southern Serengeti ecosystem. Most wildebeest migration can normally be found on the short-grass plains from December to April. The area is usually heavily populated with elephants, birds, and resident game. Check-in at the lodge with an afternoon game drive.
Overnight Ngorongoro Wild Camp (with lunch, dinner & breakfast)
Enjoy a full-day game drive in the Ndutu area. Explore the range of different habitats that include swamps, woodland, soda lakes, and the world-famous Serengeti short grass plains. See great herds of wildebeest and zebra roam. This time of year allows you to witness calves running minutes after birth. This is also the time of year with the best predator action! The marshes and lakes support various bird life and the resident lion prides. Cheetahs are abundant in the plains, and the wooded ridges are always worth a look.
Overnight Ngorongoro Wild Camp (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or Similar
This morning, you descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for game driving and exploration. The crater is 600m deep, 16km across, and 265 sq km in area. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and game viewing in what has been described as the world’s eighth wonder. Many of Tanzania’s last remaining black rhinos can be seen grazing on the open grassland of the crater floor, surrounded by some of the 20,000 large animals that occupy the crater, including lion, cheetah, eland, zebra, and gazelle. Flamingos, among other bird species, can often be seen feeding at Makat Soda Lake. Afternoon drive to Moshi for your overnight stay at the Hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or Similar
Enjoy a morning at leisure before your transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your flight home. If your flight departs during the evening, why not check out our “Add on” day trip activities – speak to us to arrange this.
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.
