Safari · 3 days · Private departure

Ngorongoro and Ndutu Calving Season, 3 days

Length: 3 daysGroup: Private, tailor-madeDifficulty: EasyBest months: Jan–Mar

Overview

Ndutu during the calving season and the Ngorongoro Crater, in three focused days.

This three-day safari is designed specifically for travellers who want to experience Ndutu during the Great Migration calving season while also visiting the legendary Ngorongoro Crater. The Ndutu plains sit on the southern edge of the Serengeti ecosystem around the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. During roughly January to March, large concentrations of wildebeest gather on the short-grass plains, with February generally regarded as the peak calving period. The abundance of newborn animals attracts predators including lions, cheetahs and hyenas. This is therefore a very different experience from the traditional dry-season safari: green plains, newborn animals, large herds and intense predator activity. For such a short itinerary, the routing is deliberately focused on Ngorongoro and Ndutu, rather than adding another park and spending valuable time driving.

Nights

Lodges and camps

Group size

Private, tailor-made

A window seat each

Departures

Private

Any date you choose

Common questions

When is the best time for this safari?

January to March. The best window is late January to February, with February commonly being the peak calving period. Exact timing depends on rainfall, grazing conditions and natural herd movement.

Why only Ngorongoro and Ndutu?

For such a short itinerary, the routing is deliberately focused on Ngorongoro and Ndutu, rather than adding another park and spending valuable time driving.

Included

✓Private safari in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
✓Professional English-speaking safari guide
✓Private game drives
✓Ngorongoro Conservation Area fees
✓Ngorongoro Crater descent and applicable crater fees
✓Ndutu/Southern Serengeti game drives
✓Applicable Serengeti/Ngorongoro area conservation and park fees
✓Accommodation in Karatu and Ndutu as specified
✓All meals as indicated in the itinerary
✓Drinking water during game drives
✓Arusha pick-up and airport drop-off
✓All applicable government taxes and VAT
✓Emergency rescue service during the safari

Not included

—International flights
—Tanzania visa fees
—Travel and medical insurance
—Tips and gratuities
—Alcoholic and premium beverages
—Laundry and personal expenses
—Souvenirs and personal purchases
—Optional activities not specifically mentioned
—Additional accommodation or meals outside the itinerary
—Any expenses arising from changes requested by the guest
—Anything not specifically listed under Safari Includes

Change anything on this itinerary

This is a starting point, not a fixed departure. Add nights, move parks, change the accommodation tier — tell us and we rebuild it.

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Itinerary at a glance

Day 1Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater

Day 2Karatu to Ndutu

Day 3Ndutu Morning Game Drive

Joining group dates

17 Dec 20264,300 USDPlaces available12 places leftJoin

18 Dec 20264,000 USDPlaces available12 places leftJoin

15 Jan 20274,300 USDPlaces available12 places leftJoin

16 Jan 20274,000 USDPlaces available12 places leftJoin

Day by day

3 days, in order

Day 1

Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater

Down onto the crater floor for a game drive and picnic lunch, then up to Karatu for the night.

Early in the morning, depart Arusha and drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.nnDescend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive across the crater floor.nnThe crater offers excellent opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas and other wildlife within its unique enclosed ecosystem.nnEnjoy a picnic lunch during the game drive before ascending from the crater and continuing to your lodge in Karatu.

Where you stay

CampAccommodation, Karatu

Day 2

Karatu to Ndutu

A full day on the short-grass plains, following the herds and the predators they draw.

After breakfast, travel towards Ndutu and the Southern Serengeti plains.nnAs you approach Ndutu, the landscape opens into the short-grass plains where the migrating herds gather during the calving season.nnSpend the day exploring the Ndutu area, following the herds and looking for newborn wildebeest, zebra and other wildlife.nnThe concentration of young animals brings predators onto the plains, creating opportunities to see lions, cheetahs, hyenas and jackals hunting and interacting around the herds.

Where you stay

CampAccommodation, Ndutu

Day 3

Ndutu Morning Game Drive

An early game drive among the herds, then the drive back towards Arusha and the airport.

Start the morning with an early game drive around Ndutu.nnThe early hours offer excellent opportunities for wildlife activity and photography, particularly around the herds and predator territories.nnAfter the game drive, begin your journey back towards Arusha.nnDepending on your flight time, you will have a direct transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey.

Accommodation

Highlands, then the plains

One night above the crater and one on the Ndutu plains, so the final morning starts among the herds.

Karatu

Lodge, Karatu

1 night

Room and board: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

On the edge of the Ngorongoro Highlands, after the crater day.

Photograph

Ndutu, Southern Serengeti

Lodge or camp, Ndutu

1 night

Room and board: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

On the calving plains, placed for the early morning game drive.

Photograph

Why book this with us

One team, from the first email to the airport

✓One office, one team. The person who plans your trip works beside the people who drive it.

✓Our own vehicles and guides. Nothing is brokered out to a third party operator.

✓Prices with the fees inside. Park, camping and rescue fees, taxes and VAT are in the number you see.

✓Private departures only. You never share a vehicle with strangers unless you ask to.

✓Fair pay for the mountain crew. Guides, porters and cooks are salaried staff on published rates.

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Team or vehicle photograph