Witness the breathtaking wildebeest calving season in Ndutu, explore the vast Serengeti, and visit the incredible Ngorongoro Crater on this 5-day safari.

What to See – The Magic of the Calving Season & Central Serengeti

From January to March, the Ndutu plains become the birthing ground for the Great Migration, with over 500,000 wildebeest calves born within just a few weeks. This synchronized calving is an incredible sight, as newborns take their first steps within minutes of birth, instinctively following their mothers across the grasslands.

However, with new life comes danger. The large concentration of vulnerable calves attracts predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas, leading to some of the most thrilling wildlife interactions. You may witness a mother fiercely defending her newborn, a cheetah sprinting across the plains in pursuit of a weak calf, or hyenas working together to take down prey. Jackals, vultures, and other scavengers complete the cycle, ensuring that no opportunity for survival is wasted. The Ndutu region allows off-road game drives, giving you a front-row seat to this dramatic spectacle. Unlike other parts of the Serengeti, this flexibility allows for close-up encounters with both the migrating herds and the predators that follow them.

Central Serengeti:

Beyond the calving season, the Central Serengeti offers some of the richest and most iconic wildlife experiences. Known for its vast, open savannahs, the central part of Serengeti National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife throughout the year. Here, you'll encounter large prides of lions, often seen lounging on kopjes (rock outcrops) or stalking their prey across the plains. The Serengeti's famous cheetahs can also be spotted here, along with other predators like leopards and hyenas.

The Serengeti's vast plains are not only the stage for the Great Migration but are also teeming with herbivores like zebras, gazelles, and giraffes, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The central region offers fantastic opportunities for game drives, where you can witness dramatic predator-prey interactions and stunning landscapes. The area is also renowned for its golden sunsets, creating the perfect backdrop for unforgettable safari moments.

A visit to the Ngorongoro Crater adds another layer of excitement to this safari. The crater’s unique ecosystem, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Africa. The crater lake attracts flamingos, hippos, and a variety of bird species, while the open grasslands are patrolled by large lion prides and roaming hyenas.

How to Dress on Safari:

For a comfortable experience, it is recommended to wear:

1. Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, brown, or green) to blend in with the environment.
2. Light, breathable fabrics for warm daytime conditions.
3. A fleece or jacket for cool mornings and evenings.
4. Comfortable closed shoes or hiking boots for game drives and optional nature walks.
5. A wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection.
6. A light rain jacket if traveling during the green season.

What to Carry on Safari:

Ensure your safari is as enjoyable as possible by packing the following essentials:

1. Clothing: Light, neutral-colored outfits for blending into the environment
2. Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes for game drives and short walks
3. Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat
4. Gear: Camera & binoculars for capturing wildlife moments
5. Layering: A light jacket for early mornings and evenings
6. Essentials: Personal medications and a basic first aid kit

Best Time to Travel & Safari Seasons:

Tanzania offers fantastic safari experiences year-round, but each season brings different highlights.

1. The Dry Season (June - October): Considered the peak safari season. Wildlife viewing is at its best as animals gather around scarce water sources, and the skies are clear with minimal rain. If you’re interested in the Great Migration river crossings, this is the ideal time to visit the northern Serengeti (July - September).
2. The Green Season (November - May): Offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and excellent opportunities for birdwatching as migratory species arrive. From January to March, the calving season takes place in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu, attracting predators and providing a thrilling wildlife spectacle. This is one of the best times to witness predator-prey interactions and see the Great Migration at its most dramatic.

This 5-day Ndutu Calving Safari provides a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest shows, blending breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife encounters, and the raw beauty of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.