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Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Calving Season in Ndutu
Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Calving Season in Ndutu
This 4-day safari is all about timing and location — taking you where the Great Migration actually is. From December to early March, the herds gather in the Ndutu region for the dramatic calving season, which usually kicks off in mid-January. Part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem, Ndutu offers front-row seats to thousands of wildebeest giving birth on the open plains — and the predators who never stray far behind.
The journey starts with a classic safari day in Tarangire, known for its ancient baobabs and large elephant herds. Further on, you'll enjoy a game-drive in Ngorongoro Crater, before heading to the Ndutu plains, which is part of the larger Ngorongoro-Serengeti ecosystem.
Accommodation during the migration season is in seasonal tented camps — comfortable, semi-permanent lodges set up in the heart of the action. These camps are carefully placed in prime wildlife areas, offering real beds, en-suite bathrooms, and cozy evenings by the fire.
Safari Tour Price
Tarangire & Ngorongoro
Price per person
Tarangire & Ngorongoro
Price per person
BASED IN TANZANIA
Safari Itinerary
The group arrives at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO). Participants are met by a representative of Altezza Travel and transferred to a hotel in Arusha.
Note: Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Meal Plan:Half Board
Located on the slopes of Mount Meru, Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge is perfectly suited for exploring the natural beauty of East Africa. The main house is one of the oldest family cottages in Arusha: it was built at the beginning of the 20th century and still retains many features of the original style. Kilimanjaro International Airport is just 27 kilometers (17 miles) away, making the lodge an excellent place for overnight stays between climbing and safaris.
A respectful attitude towards historical heritage is combined at Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge with modern standards of comfort and hospitality. Each room features comfortable wide beds with carved headboards and anti-mosquito canopies, large baths to relax in after a busy day on safari, solid wood furniture, lamps, sockets, Wi-Fi, and everything needed for rest and relaxation.
Long verandas in colonial style stretch along the facade of the house. Sitting in chairs with long armrests, it's pleasant to admire the lake, greenery, and gardens. And when the clouds dissipate, one can see the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro.
The property has an outdoor pool with sun loungers and a spa center where guests can book a massage session or other self-care treatments. There is also a bar and restaurant. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner can be enjoyed in the dining room with an open veranda, in the dining area, or in a secluded pavilion by the lake.
WiFi 
Swimming Pool 
Laundry service 
Wildlife area 
Spa 
Restaurant 
Today your safari will take place in Tarangire National Park. This is one of the most interesting places in Tanzania! The river of the same name flows through the park, where giraffes, zebras, antelopes and buffaloes come to drink. These animals attract predators, which is why a lot of lions live in Tarangire. You will definitely see them during your trip.
In the dry season, the Tarangire River becomes the only source of drinking water for many kilometers around. Because of this, large herds of elephants come to Tarangire, making Tarangire the home to the largest population of elephants in Northern Tanzania for most of the year (especially June - October and December - March). Elephants are not at all intimidated by visitors to the park, and they often come quite close to cars. This is completely safe - since elephants have no enemies in their natural nature they are naturally curious and unafraid.
Tarangire National Park is also known for its ancient baobab trees. These massive trees are larger and older than any other park in continental Africa. The scenery, accented with these signatory trees is simply stunning.
Meal Plan:Full board
Gym
Laundry service
Restaurant
Spa
Swimming Pool
WiFi
Today you are going to the Legendary Ngorongoro Crater! Your day will begin early in the morning, when your guide arrives to drive you to the Ngorongoro Crater, part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Crater is somewhat reminiscent of The Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: here you will witness tens of thousands of wild animals living in the massive crater left by a huge ancient volcano. The actual crater is relatively small, when you consider that it is home to the most variety of animals per square meter than anywhere else in the world! Here, you are sure to see a great number of animals within close proximity to one another.
The descent into the crater will take about half an hour of driving. The road passes through beautiful, lush forests with great scenery. Your safari guide will make a stop to see the ‘look out’ which is a place offering a stunning panoramic view of the entire crater. Contrary to popular myth, animals can go outside the caldera. However, most of them are safe and comfortable inside the caldera which provides an unlimited supply of fresh grass for grazers and easy prey for predators. Therefore, they prefer to remain in the crater t all the time.
Elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, lions, cheetahs, zebras and other African animals can be seen in Ngorongoro Crater. This is one of the few places in Africa where rhinos are found, although, remember that they are an endangered species, so there are very few of them. One animal that is absent are giraffes; you will not spot any of them in the crater because, due to the build of their bodies, including legs and long necks, they cannot walk down into the crater.
After your morning game drive around the crater, you will stop at the picnic area next to Lake Magadi for a snack and rest. This place is popular with various birds, including kites, who sometimes try to steal food right from the table! While not dangerous, at all, it is a good idea not to leave any food unattended. One of the draws of Lake Magadi are the hippos that live in the area. You’re sure to enjoy watching them while you eat lunch. These huge animals stay close to the shore and often surface to get air. If you do see one walking out of the water, give it plenty of space. Due to the large number of animals and endemic plants, Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and renowned for its natural significance in the world.
Please do not feed animals in Ngorongoro or any other parks in Tanzania. Even if you really want to treat a small bird or monkey, you should not do this - you will only harm them. Human food disrupts the natural diet of animals and can lead to their early death!
Remember, this is not just our request. This is a law which is enforced by park rangers. Any person caught feeding wildlife or violating other park rules may be fined.
Meal Plan:Full board
The Nyikani Migration Camp operates as a mobile camping hotel that literally follows the action: twice a year, it relocates in pursuit of the immense herds of zebras and wildebeests participating in the Great Migration. From December to March, the migration takes place in the Ndutu area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, south of the Serengeti National Park. This strategic location offers direct access to prime wildlife viewing spots around the Ndutu and Masek lakes. Additionally, guests might spot cheetahs, lions, giraffes, and hundreds of extraordinary bird species.
The camp comprises 12 tents that are so spacious that they comfortably accommodate not only large beds, wardrobes, tables, and chairs but also private bathrooms equipped with toilets, showers, sinks, and hot water. The tents are placed at a distance from each other, allowing guests to enjoy seclusion and tranquility. The design is meticulously thought out, from the pristine white linens and electricity to the mosquito nets over the windows and the cosmetic amenities in the bathrooms.
Guests can start their mornings on their own private verandas, where the camp team is ready to serve tea or coffee. Meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are typically served in a large communal dining tent. However, meals can also be enjoyed outdoors: experiencing a meal in the midst of the vast Serengeti plains with just a special someone is a memorable experience that will last a lifetime. In the evenings, the campfire becomes a focal point where guests gather to enjoy pre-dinner drinks, exchange stories and impressions of the day, and share what they were fortunate enough to witness—perhaps, for example, the newborn calves of antelopes learning to take their first steps during the calving season in February.
Laundry service
Restaurant
Wildlife area
Today your safari will take place in the southwestern corner of Ngorongoro, in an area called Ndutu. It borders the Serengeti, from where animals often come to Ndutu in search of fresh grass. While there are very beautiful panoramic views, few other tourists venture here, meaning you will feel like you have the place to yourself.
The Ndutu area is on the Great Migration route and it is here, from late January to mid March, that the wildebeests give birth. During the calving months, visitors can see thousands of baby wildebeests arrive into the world. One of the unique traits of these animals is that newborn wildebeests can walk within a few minutes of birth, and run within a few hours! This ability is essential for survival in Tanzania’s wild because predators see newborn wildebeests as easy prey. What is bad news for wildebeests is an excellent opportunity for safari-goers to spot all the Big Cats of Tanzania within a few days: lion, leopard, cheetah, serval and caracal.
Meal Plan:Full board
The Nyikani Migration Camp operates as a mobile camping hotel that literally follows the action: twice a year, it relocates in pursuit of the immense herds of zebras and wildebeests participating in the Great Migration. From December to March, the migration takes place in the Ndutu area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, south of the Serengeti National Park. This strategic location offers direct access to prime wildlife viewing spots around the Ndutu and Masek lakes. Additionally, guests might spot cheetahs, lions, giraffes, and hundreds of extraordinary bird species.
The camp comprises 12 tents that are so spacious that they comfortably accommodate not only large beds, wardrobes, tables, and chairs but also private bathrooms equipped with toilets, showers, sinks, and hot water. The tents are placed at a distance from each other, allowing guests to enjoy seclusion and tranquility. The design is meticulously thought out, from the pristine white linens and electricity to the mosquito nets over the windows and the cosmetic amenities in the bathrooms.
Guests can start their mornings on their own private verandas, where the camp team is ready to serve tea or coffee. Meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are typically served in a large communal dining tent. However, meals can also be enjoyed outdoors: experiencing a meal in the midst of the vast Serengeti plains with just a special someone is a memorable experience that will last a lifetime. In the evenings, the campfire becomes a focal point where guests gather to enjoy pre-dinner drinks, exchange stories and impressions of the day, and share what they were fortunate enough to witness—perhaps, for example, the newborn calves of antelopes learning to take their first steps during the calving season in February.
Laundry service
Restaurant
Wildlife area
Ndutu has all the big African mammals: elephants, giraffes, antelopes, and other inhabitants of the savanna come close to safari jeeps and look with curiosity. You can come here all year round - there are always a lot of animals in Ndutu!
The area also has two lovely lakes: Ndutu and Masek, where animals come to drink. The lakes provide amazing photo opportunities; they are lined with stunning acacias and animals of all kinds come to drink the peaceful water.
This area also has historic significance: it was in Ndutu in 1973 that the remains of ancient people and the first primitive tools were found: stone axes, hammers and spears. Scientists studied them and came to the conclusion that they are more than 500,000 years old! This once again confirms the assumption that Africa is the Cradle of Humanity.
Meal Plan:Half Board
Located on the slopes of Mount Meru, Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge is perfectly suited for exploring the natural beauty of East Africa. The main house is one of the oldest family cottages in Arusha: it was built at the beginning of the 20th century and still retains many features of the original style. Kilimanjaro International Airport is just 27 kilometers (17 miles) away, making the lodge an excellent place for overnight stays between climbing and safaris.
A respectful attitude towards historical heritage is combined at Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge with modern standards of comfort and hospitality. Each room features comfortable wide beds with carved headboards and anti-mosquito canopies, large baths to relax in after a busy day on safari, solid wood furniture, lamps, sockets, Wi-Fi, and everything needed for rest and relaxation.
Long verandas in colonial style stretch along the facade of the house. Sitting in chairs with long armrests, it's pleasant to admire the lake, greenery, and gardens. And when the clouds dissipate, one can see the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro.
The property has an outdoor pool with sun loungers and a spa center where guests can book a massage session or other self-care treatments. There is also a bar and restaurant. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner can be enjoyed in the dining room with an open veranda, in the dining area, or in a secluded pavilion by the lake.
WiFi
Swimming Pool
Laundry service
Wildlife area
Spa
Restaurant 
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
Note: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out before your evening flight, you have the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee. Let your manager know in advance if you need a late check-out.
Safari Cost Includes
Transfers
- All transfers described on the program
Accommodation & Meals
- Hotels and lodges described on the program
- Meals described on the program
- Bottled water, soft drinks, hot coffee and tea while in the jeep on safari
Guiding & Game-Driving
- Certified and experienced English-speaking safari guide
- Comfortable Land Cruiser 4x4s with pop-up roof, fridge, Wi-Fi, and power outlets
- National park fees for the entire tour (park entry fees and concession fees)
- Free Wi-Fi. Signal will be available in only 60-75% of the travelled territories due to lack of cell coverage in the wilderness areas
- 24/7 phone support service
- Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors
- Binoculars (1 pc per SUV)
- Medical kit
Safari Cost Excludes
- Air tickets;
- Visa fee;
- Travel insurance;
- Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).
Please note:
- By default our tours include shared accommodation in twin/double rooms, unless requested and agreed otherwise. Single supplement is available upon request. Please refer to the program to see your accommodation arrangements
- Moshi and Arusha-based accommodations usually include breakfast only, unless requested and agreed otherwise. Please refer to the program to see your meal plans on each night
- Most safari lodges usually do not include tea, coffee, soft and alcoholic drinks not to have you overpay for beverages you don't need. You will be able to order and pay for drinks at the hotels' restaurants
- Tented lodges are the most common type of accommodation in savannah. Many of them work on solar energy. This sometimes means bucket showers, limited wi-fi and no hair dryers, all in an effort to reduce environmental impact. We encourage you to do some basic research on the accommodations in your program to ensure the safari matches your travel style
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