7-Day Wildebeest Calving Season Safari
Overview
This 7-day safari is designed for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers eager to witness one of nature’s most remarkable events—the wildebeest calving season in the Serengeti. Occurring typically between January and March, thousands of wildebeest give birth on the southern Serengeti plains, attracting predators and creating dramatic wildlife interactions. Guests will explore the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Tarangire, capturing incredible wildlife moments while staying in comfortable and scenic lodges.
Highlights
Witness the wildebeest calving season in the southern Serengeti.
Capture predator-prey interactions as lions, hyenas, and cheetahs hunt.
Explore Tarangire National Park with its elephant herds and baobab trees.
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater to observe the Big Five.
Scenic photography opportunities across the Serengeti plains.
Optional hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti for aerial wildlife shots.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha Arrival
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha, you will be met and transferred to a hotel in Arusha. The evening is free to relax and prepare for your safari adventure.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Arusha Backpackers
Mid-range: Mount Meru Hotel
Luxury: Arusha Serena Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park – Karatu
After breakfast, depart Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park. Spend the day on game drives photographing elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of birds. In the late afternoon, drive to Karatu for overnight, enjoying scenic highland views and a comfortable lodge setting.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Fig Tree Lodge
Mid-range: Mount Meru Game Lodge
Luxury: Ngorongoro Farm House Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater – Southern Serengeti
After breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive. Observe black rhinos, lions, elephants, buffaloes, and flamingos in one of Africa’s densest wildlife areas. After lunch, drive to the southern Serengeti plains, where the calving season takes place, arriving in time for a sunset game drive.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Serengeti Nyani Campsite
Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp
Luxury: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Full-Day Southern Serengeti (Calving Season Focus)
Spend the full day in the southern Serengeti, witnessing thousands of wildebeest giving birth. Morning and afternoon game drives provide opportunities to photograph predator-prey interactions, including lions, hyenas, and cheetahs hunting newborn calves. Picnic lunch in the bush allows maximum time in the field. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Serengeti Nyani Campsite
Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp
Luxury: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Southern Serengeti – Central Serengeti
After breakfast, drive to central Serengeti, continuing to track wildlife and migration herds. Spend the day on game drives capturing more predator-prey interactions and the vast Serengeti landscapes. Evening game drive before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Serengeti Nyani Campsite
Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp
Luxury: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Highlands / Karatu
After breakfast, depart the Serengeti and drive to the Ngorongoro Highlands via scenic routes. Stop for photographs and brief game viewing along the way. Arrive in Karatu for overnight, offering a relaxing evening before departure.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Fig Tree Lodge
Mid-range: Mount Meru Game Lodge
Luxury: Ngorongoro Farm House Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Karatu – Arusha Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Arusha, stopping at scenic viewpoints or local markets. Upon arrival, enjoy a final farewell before transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha for your onward journey, concluding your 7-day wildebeest calving season safari.
Meals: Breakfast
Safari Add-ons (Optional)
Hot air balloon safari over Serengeti plains
Private Maasai village cultural visit
Walking safari in Lake Manyara or Arusha National Park
Extra nights in Arusha before/after safari
Included
Accommodation as per itinerary
Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Transport in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking driver/guide
Park entry fees and crater service fee
Drinking water during safari
Excluded
International flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities
Drinks at lodges/camps (unless stated)