Nyange Adventures

5-Day Wildebeest Migration Calving in Ndutu

Trip Overview

This special 5-day safari focuses on following the Great Migration in the southern Serengeti ecosystem. During this journey, you will spend at least two nights inside the migration area, depending on the season, to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.

The itinerary is centered around the Ndutu area, located in the southern part of the Serengeti National Park. This region is especially famous between December and April, when over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born during the annual calving season.

This period offers exceptional predator action and dramatic wildlife encounters, making it one of the most rewarding times to experience the Serengeti ecosystem.

Day-by-Day Itinerary: 8-Day Serengeti Wildebeest Migration River Crossing

Day 1 : Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at either Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), our representative will be on hand to welcome you and transfer you to your accommodation in Arusha. You’ll spend the night at the Gran Melia, a stunning property nestled at the base of Mount Meru in the heart of Arusha city.

Accommodation: Forest Hill Lodge

Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 2-3: Arusha to South Serengeti National Park (Ndutu)

After breakfast, we depart for the southern part of the Serengeti National Park, commonly known as the Ndutu area.

The Ndutu region lies within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and forms part of the wider southern Serengeti ecosystem. It is characterized by open short-grass plains and is especially important during the Great Migration calving season.

Lake Ndutu is an alkaline lake, typical of the Rift Valley lakes, yet its water is still drinkable and attracts a wide variety of wildlife. From December to April, the area is usually filled with large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, along with elephants, abundant birdlife, and resident game.

This unique region sits at the meeting point between the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti National Park, creating one of the richest wildlife corridors in Africa. After lunch and an extensive game drive, we proceed to your camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

You will spend two nights in Ndutu at Intimate Camp Zebra.

Travel Time: Approx. 4–6 hours (including game drive)
Main Destination: Ndutu area (Southern Serengeti ecosystem)
Accommodation: Intimate Camp Zebra
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Ndutu South Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater

Early in the morning after breakfast, we continue with a game drive through the southern part of the Serengeti National Park before heading towards Ngorongoro Crater.

When you first see the crater, it feels like a hidden world. Enclosed by steep volcanic walls, it contains a beautiful mix of open savannah, acacia woodlands, lakes, and swamps. The crater was formed about two to three million years ago when a massive volcano collapsed in on itself.

Today, it is one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife areas, known for its high concentration of large mammals. It is also one of the best places to see the endangered black rhino, which can sometimes be spotted on the open grasslands.

After a packed lunch and an extensive game drive inside the crater, we ascend and drive to Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay at Eileen’s Trees Inn, a comfortable mid-range lodge located about 1–2 hours from the crater.

Travel Time: Approx. 5–7 hours (game drive + transfer to Karatu)
Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: Eileen’s Trees Inn
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Tarangire National Park to Arusha

After an early breakfast, we depart for Tarangire National Park.

The park is named after the Tarangire River, which flows through it and serves as the main water source for wildlife during the dry season. Often called the “river of warthogs,” it attracts large numbers of animals, especially in the dry months.

The landscape is a mix of dense vegetation, including elephant grass, acacia woodlands, and lush groundwater forests. Tarangire is especially famous for its large elephant herds, often seen gathering along the river. You may also encounter giraffes, bushbucks, and hartebeests, with predators such as lions and leopards following closely.

The park also hosts an exceptional variety of birdlife, with more breeding species recorded here than in almost any other place on earth.

After lunch and an extensive game drive, we begin our drive back to Arusha.

Travel Time: Approx. 2–3 hours (Tarangire → Arusha)
Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of safari)
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Price For a 8-Day Serengeti Wildebeest Migration River Crossing
1 Pax2 Pax3 Pax4 Pax5+ PaxNumber of People
$4,450$2,230$1,984$1,799$1,799Price Per Person
Trip Essentials
Here are some important things to know and prepare before your safari. These tips will help you stay safe, comfortable, and ready to explore Tanzania's incredible wildlife with full confidence.
What to PackNeutral-colored clothing, wide-brim hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a dust-proof camera bag
Health & Safety TipsConsult your doctor about malaria prophylaxis, carry a basic first-aid kit, drink bottled water, and use sunscreen daily
Visa & Entry InfoTourist visa required for most nationalities; available online or on arrival at the airport
Local EtiquetteGreet with "Jambo," ask permission before photographing local people, dress modestly in towns, tipping guides is customary
Photo TipsGolden hour (early morning and late afternoon) offers the best light for wildlife shots in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro
Transportation & Tipping Guidelines
We offer airport pickup and drop-off services from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport. Please confirm your flight details in advance so we can coordinate your arrival and departure smoothly.
Airport PickupIncluded in this package
Transfers to/from HotelIncluded in this package
Safari VehiclePop-up roof 4×4 vehicle — shared within your private group
Private Vehicle UpgradesAvailable for an extra charge
Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated by the safari crew. Below are suggested amounts per day based on the quality of service received.
Lead Safari Guide$20–25 per day
Assistant Guide$10–15 per day
Hotel/Camp Staff$2–5 per safari
Tips are usually given at the end of the safari. You can tip in cash (USD or Tanzanian Shillings) directly to each crew member or through your lead guide for group distribution.

Inclusions/Excluded

What's Included

What's Excluded

8-Day Serengeti Wildebeest Migration River Crossing

Group size: 1–15 Trekkers


$3,470 to $3,620 pp (USD)
What’s included in this price Request a Free Quote

Private or group departures available

Tour HighlightsTour Features
Luxury Tour — Lodges & Hotels Throughout
Private Tour — Exclusively Yours, Not Shared
Flexible Start — Can Begin Any Day (Subject to Availability)
Customizable — Itinerary Changes Available on Request
Game Drives in Pop-Up Roof 4×4 Vehicles
Airport Transfers Included — Both Ways
Minimum Age: 3 Years
Why Travel With Nyange AdventuresTanzania Safari — Our Promise
10+ Years of Expert Safari Guiding Across Tanzania's Top Parks
Fully Licensed & Registered by MNRT (Tanzania Tourism Authority)
Ranked #1 on TripAdvisor — Tanzania's Top-Rated Safari Operator
Private & Small-Group Safaris for a More Intimate Experience
Expert Naturalist Guides With Deep Knowledge of Local Wildlife
Tailor-Made Safari Itineraries — Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire & More
Comfortable, Well-Equipped Safari Vehicles With Pop-Up Roofs
Authentic Bush Meals & Sustainable Safari Practices
Transparent Pricing — No Hidden Fees
End-to-End Support, From Airport Transfer to Final Drop-Off

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