Calving Season in Southern Serengeti

Touch down in Arusha, a tranquil city set against the backdrop of Mount Meru’s forested slopes. After being warmly welcomed by your private driver-guide, you’ll travel through leafy suburbs and bustling local markets before arriving at your boutique lodge. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon sipping Tanzanian coffee in a garden courtyard, where tropical flowers and birdsong ease you into safari mode.

Time & Travel

• Arrival Airport: Kilimanjaro International (flight times vary)
• Transfer to Lodge: ~1 hour by private vehicle

Meals

• Included: Dinner
• Lodge Dining: Often serves fresh, locally sourced produce

Accommodation

• Mid-Range: Arusha Serena Hotel (~$150–$200 pppn)
• Luxury: Arusha Coffee Lodge (~$350–$600 pppn)

Daily Highlights

• Gentle transition into Tanzania’s culture and climate
• Chance to sample local coffee and fresh fruit juices
• Personalized briefing on safari logistics

Rise early to vibrant birdsong and a hearty breakfast. By 8 a.m., head to the local airstrip for a short flight into Ndutu, where the emerald plains sprawl endlessly beneath a bright sky. Upon landing, you’ll set off on an introductory game drive among wildebeest herds already gathering for calving. Watch new mothers guiding unsteady calves through the grass—an enchanting first glimpse of life on the savannah.

Time & Travel

• Domestic Flight: Arusha to Ndutu Airstrip (~1 hour)
• Game Drive: Late morning, ~2–3 hours

Meals

• Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Bush Lunch Option: Picnic beside a shady acacia tree

Accommodation

• Mid-Range: Ndutu Kati Kati Tented Camp (~$300–$450 pppn)
• Luxury: Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge (~$600–$800 pppn)

Daily Highlights

• Soaring over Tanzania’s patchwork landscapes by plane
• First encounter with calving herds
• Calm midday rest in a safari camp surrounded by wildlife calls

Begin your morning drive at sunrise, when the soft golden light illuminates thousands of wildebeest dotting the horizon. You may see predators like lions and hyenas honing in on newborns, creating a vivid display of the savannah’s natural balance. After lunch back at camp, take a leisurely stroll around the surrounding plains (in areas where walking is permitted), guided by rangers who share insights into smaller creatures often overlooked on drives.

Time & Travel

• Morning Game Drive: 6:00–9:00 a.m.
• Optional Bush Walk: Mid-afternoon, ~1–2 hours

Meals

• Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Special Touch: Sunrise bush breakfast for panoramic photo ops

Accommodation

• Same as Day 2 (choose mid-range or luxury option)

Daily Highlights

• Witnessing the miracle of mass calving up close
• Predator-prey interactions at their most dramatic
• Guided nature walk revealing hidden wonders (birdlife, smaller mammals)

Embark on an early drive or short flight toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the iconic crater often called Africa’s “Garden of Eden.” Descending into the crater reveals a mosaic of habitats—swamps, savannah, and woodland—teeming with wildlife. Watch for elusive black rhinos grazing in the distance while large bull elephants roam near the Lerai Forest. After a picnic lunch by a hippo pool, return to Ndutu by late afternoon.

Time & Travel

• Drive from Ndutu to Crater: ~2–3 hours each way
• Full Crater Tour: 5–6 hours

Meals

• Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (picnic lunch in the crater)
• Refreshments: Cool drinks under the shade of towering acacias

Accommodation

• Return to Ndutu camp or optional crater-rim lodge:
  • Mid-Range: Rhino Lodge (~$250–$350 pp)
  • Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge (~$500–$700 pp)

Daily Highlights

• Experiencing the world’s largest intact caldera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Spotting the Big Five in a concentrated habitat
• Scenic drive across rugged highlands, offering sweeping Rift Valley views

Today, you’ll go deeper into the Ndutu region, navigating tracks known for lion pride territories. With calves still learning to navigate the terrain, you’ll witness raw moments of survival—cheetahs sprinting across open grasslands, mother wildebeest fiercely protecting their young. An afternoon rest at camp allows for a peaceful siesta as warm breezes sweep through your tent. Top off the day with a sundowner, watching pastel hues paint the sky over Ndutu’s plains.

Time & Travel

• Morning Drive: 6:30–9:00 a.m.
• Afternoon Break & Drive: 3:00–6:00 p.m.

Meals

• Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Campfire Dinner Option: Share stories of the day’s sightings under starry skies

Accommodation

• Same as Day 2–4 (choose mid-range or luxury option)

Daily Highlights

• Seeking out lion prides near prime hunting zones
• Afternoon rest in a semi-luxury tent, immersed in savannah soundscapes
• Capturing sunset panoramas rich in color and contrast

Savor a final early-morning drive to watch newborns frolic in the dew-kissed grass. It’s a peaceful farewell to the Southern Serengeti, where new life thrives in every corner. Return to camp for a sumptuous breakfast before your transfer to the Ndutu Airstrip. A short flight whisks you back to Arusha, where you can proceed with onward travel or extend your adventure in another region of Tanzania.

Time & Travel

• Morning Drive: 6:00–8:00 a.m.
• Flight to Arusha: ~1 hour

Meals

• Included: Breakfast
• Lunch & Dinner: Depends on onward travel plans (not included if departing)

Accommodation

• Post-safari dayroom or overnight in Arusha can be arranged upon request.

Daily Highlights

• Last glimpse of calving season magic
• Smooth farewell flight over the plains
• Opportunity to explore Arusha’s local craft markets if time allows