8-Day Wildebeest Calving Experience - Ndutu & Southern Serengeti
Experience the wildebeest calving season at its most intimate, with a safari designed around long game drives, newborn calves, predator activity and exceptional photographic opportunities. Ndutu and the Southern Serengeti become especially rewarding during this period, as vast herds spread across the plains and lions, cheetahs, hyenas and other predators follow closely behind.
With more time in the field and a route shaped around wildlife movement, this itinerary is particularly well suited to photographers and travellers who want to observe behaviour rather than simply collect sightings.
Your Journey at a Glance
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Day 2: Arusha → Ndutu
Days 3–4: Ndutu – Calving Plains Predator Action
Day 5: Southern Serengeti
Days 6–7: Southern Serengeti: Full-Day Safari
Day 8: Southern Serengeti → Arusha
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detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation in Arusha. Spend the rest of the day relaxing after your journey and settling into Tanzania. A safari briefing will prepare you for the days ahead, with the option of adding a local food or cultural experience if desired.
Overnight: Arusha
Day 2: Arusha → Ndutu
After breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport for your flight to the Ndutu Airstrip. Flying into the southern Serengeti ecosystem gives you more time in the wilderness and less time on the road. On arrival, settle into camp and begin taking in the open plains that will define the coming days.
Overnight: Ndutu
Days 3–4: Ndutu - Calving Plains Predator Action
Set out early to spend time among wildebeest mothers and newborn calves across the Ndutu plains. The abundance of young animals attracts lions, cheetahs, hyenas and jackals, creating excellent opportunities to observe predator-prey behaviour. Morning and afternoon game drives allow you to work with the best light while staying flexible around wildlife movement and photographic opportunities.
Overnight: Ndutu
Day 5: Southern Serengeti
After breakfast, enjoy a game drive around Ndutu before continuing into the Southern Serengeti. Follow the movement of the herds through areas south and west of Ndutu, where predator concentrations can be particularly rewarding. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the plains on a full-day game drive before settling into camp.
Overnight: Southern Serengeti
Days 6–7: Southern Serengeti: Full-Day Safari
Leave camp early with a packed breakfast and take advantage of the productive morning hours. The vast southern plains offer excellent visibility and countless opportunities to photograph wildlife against wide, uncluttered landscapes. Follow the wildebeest movements while searching for lions, cheetahs and leopards, and where practical, spend time away from the busier tourist routes.
Overnight: Southern Serengeti
Day 8: Southern Serengeti → Arusha
Enjoy one final early-morning game drive across the Southern Serengeti. Use these last hours for additional calving-season photography and any final wildlife encounters before leaving the plains behind. Afterwards, fly to Arusha or continue with your onward transfer.
Safari Ends: Arusha / onward connection
INCLUSIONS
Safari Includes
- All Park Fees
- All transportation
- Professional private safari guide
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Government taxes and VAT
Safari Excludes
- International flights
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips
- Personal items
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees