Tanzania · 7 days · Midrange
7 Days Ndutu Calving Season, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Midrange Safari
Timed for the wildebeest calving season on the short-grass plains around Ndutu (roughly late January to March), when hundreds of thousands of calves are born and predators are active.
- Duration
- 7 days · 6 nights
- Countries
- Tanzania
- Starts
- Arusha
- Ends
- Arusha
- Tier
- Midrange
- Format
- Private safari
01 / Overview
The journey in brief.
Timed for the wildebeest calving season on the short-grass plains around Ndutu (roughly late January to March), when hundreds of thousands of calves are born and predators are active.
This 7-day midrange itinerary starts in Arusha and ends in Arusha. Accommodation: Overnight at the lodge.
- Ideal for
- Photographers · Predator enthusiasts · Migration season
- Safari style
- Midrange · Private · Photography
Destination guides: Lake Manyara · Ndutu · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
Route
Arusha
Start
Lake Manyara
Stop 1
Karatu
Stop 2
Ndutu
Stop 3
Central Serengeti
Stop 4
Ngorongoro Crater
Stop 5
Arusha
Finish
02 / Highlights
What stays with you.
- 01
Three nights in the Ndutu area
- 02
Calving season predator action
- 03
Central Serengeti
- 04
Ngorongoro Crater
03 / Day by day
Travel it day by day.
7 days · driving times are approximate
Day 1 · Approx. 2 hours to Manyara
Arusha to Lake Manyara and Karatu
Drive to Lake Manyara for a game drive, then up the escarpment to Karatu.
- Meals
- Lunch · Dinner
- Overnight
- Ngorongoro — Overnight at the lodge
Day 2 · Approx. 3–4 hours with game viewing
To Ndutu
Cross the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the Ndutu area on the edge of the southern Serengeti plains.
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Overnight
- Ndutu — Overnight at the lodge
Day 3
Ndutu plains
A full day on the short-grass plains among the calving herds, watching for lion, cheetah and hyena.
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Overnight
- Ndutu — Overnight at the lodge
Day 4
Ndutu plains
Another day following the herds; your guide chooses between the plains and the woodlands around Lakes Ndutu and Masek.
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Overnight
- Ndutu — Overnight at the lodge
Day 5 · Approx. 3 hours with game viewing
To the central Serengeti
Game drive north to the central Serengeti's Seronera area.
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Overnight
- Serengeti — Overnight at the lodge
Day 6 · Approx. 3–4 hours
Serengeti to the Ngorongoro rim
Morning game drive, then return to the crater rim.
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Overnight
- Ngorongoro — Overnight at the lodge
Day 7
Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
Descend about 600 metres to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, an enclosed caldera with its own resident wildlife: lions, buffalo, elephants, hyenas, large herds of zebra and wildebeest and one of Tanzania's few populations of black rhino. Lunch is taken at a picnic site on the crater floor. Return to Arusha.
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch
- Overnight
- End of safari
04 / Where you stay
Comfortable lodges.
Where the itinerary says “overnight at the lodge”, we propose specific lodges with your quotation, based on your dates, preferences and availability.
- Ngorongoro1 night
Overnight at the lodge
- Ndutu3 nights
Overnight at the lodge
- Serengeti1 night
Overnight at the lodge
- Ngorongoro1 night
Overnight at the lodge
Quick planning facts
- Duration
- 7 days · 6 nights
- Countries
- Tanzania
- Starts
- Arusha
- Ends
- Arusha
- Tier
- Midrange
- Format
- Private safari
- Accommodation
- Overnight at the lodge
- Best for
- Photographers · Predator enthusiasts
05 / What’s included
Clear from the start.
Included
- Arrival and departure transfers in Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as described in the itinerary
- Meals as listed day by day
- Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area fees, including the crater service fee where the crater is visited
- Game drives as listed in the itinerary
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Not included
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance (strongly recommended)
- Tips and gratuities for guides and camp staff
- Alcoholic and soft drinks unless stated
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry and phone calls
- Optional activities not listed as included
06 / Pricing
Honest, complete pricing.
This safari is priced on request. Your quotation covers the complete 7-day package, with the inclusions and exclusions shown on this page.
Price on request
Pricing depends on your dates, group size and accommodation. We will send a clear quote for the complete package.
Optional extras (not included)
- Olduvai Gorge museum visitEntrance paid on the day; price confirmed when you book.
- Maasai village visitQuoted on request
- Serengeti hot-air balloon safariQuoted on request, subject to availability.
07 / Good to know
Questions, answered.
Important notes
- Designed for roughly late January to March. The exact timing of calving depends on the rains.
- Lodges are proposed with your quotation, based on your dates, budget and availability.
- Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Your guide will adapt the day to recent sightings, weather and road conditions.
- Driving times are approximate and depend on road conditions, stops and wildlife encountered along the way.
- Park and conservancy fees are set by the authorities and may change; any change is passed on at cost.
How much does this safari cost?
This 7-day safari is priced on request because rates depend on your dates, group size and accommodation. Send us your details and we will reply with a full quotation for the complete package.
Where does the safari start and finish?
It starts in Arusha and finishes in Arusha.
Is this a private or group-joining safari?
This itinerary is quoted as a private safari with your own vehicle and driver-guide.
What accommodation is used?
The itinerary shows where you stay each night. Lodges are proposed with your quotation, based on your dates, preferences and availability.
Can this itinerary be changed?
Yes. Dates, pace, accommodation level and the order of stops can usually be adjusted. Tell us what you have in mind when you enquire.
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Ready to make this journey yours?
Tell us your dates, group size and travel style and our Nairobi team will tailor the safari.