Northern Tanzania Calving Season
Northern Tanzania Calving Season
Overview
Encounter the large wildebeest herds grazing on the nutrient-rich plains of southern Serengeti between January to March. February marks the peak of the wildebeest calving season – witness how a new generation is born and takes their first steps! Of course, this event attracts a wide variety of big cats with predators in action all over the plains! An incredible event not to be missed!
Trip Highlights
- Witness the annual wildebeest calving in Ndutu Area between January and March.
- Explore the vast and diverse wildlife of Serengeti National Park, including the Big Five.
- Enjoy a game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater, home to lions, elephants, rhinos, and other wildlife.
- Take part in spectacular bird watching in Lake Manyara National Park.
Information
Trip Info
Serengeti National Park
Witness the Great Migration and iconic African wildlife in vast savanna plains.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Descend into the world’s largest unbroken caldera for epic wildlife viewing.
Lake Manyara National Park
See flamingos and tree-climbing lions on a scenic safari drive.
Dry Season in Tanzania – June to October
During this time, the weather is generally dry, with little to no rainfall (between 15mm – 36mm per month). The average temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), making it a popular time for wildlife safaris and visits. The dry season is also ideal for witnessing the Great Migration, as herds of wildebeest and other animals migrate across the plains.
Wet Season in Tanzania – November to May
The peak of rainfall is typically in March (178mm / 7”), April (368mm / 14.5”), and May (211mm / 8.3”). The wet season is characterized by intermittent showers and occasional heavy downpours. Average temperatures during this time range from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). The landscapes become lush and green, offering beautiful scenery and opportunities for birdwatching. However, it’s important to note that some roads and trails may become impassable due to muddy conditions.
Best Times To Spot Wildlife in Tanzania
As one of the best game viewing countries on the continent, Tanzania offers year-round opportunities for seeing some of Africa’s most impressive animals.
For the Great Serengeti Migration: head to Southeastern Serengeti from December through April, Western Serengeti and Grumeti from May through July, and Northern Serengeti from July through November.
For other wildlife in Tanzania, December through January is equally great for Lake Mantra and Ngorongoro, while July through November is excellent for Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Selous, Ruaha, Mahale, Gombe, Katavi.
Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
Lake Manyara National Park
- Tanzania
Meet & Greet in Arusha with your professional driver/guide. Drive to Manyara National Park – located directly along the Rift Valley. The park is squeezed in between the steep sloping Rift Valley Wall and the shallow, alkaline soda lake. The dry season from June to October is best for viewing large mammals such as elephants, giraffes, zebras and cats; while the wet season, from November to May, is ideal to spot birds. Proceed to your accommodation.
- Rift Valley Photographic Lodge
"Ngorongoro / Ndutu "
- Tanzania
After breakfast proceed to Karatu and onwards to the entrance gate of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Your drive leads you to Ndutu Area which is considered in many aspects as the continuation of the seemingly endless plains of southern Serengeti. Spend the next two days on game drive – always in search of the large wildebeest herds who graze on the short-grass plains of Ndutu.
Between January and March, Ndutu is the perfect place to witness one of the greatest spectacles on earth! Depending on the rains the wildebeest cows will give birth simultaneously with almost 8,000 calves being born each day. It is also a feast for predators that target the young and weak. An incredible experience to be part of and not to be missed!
- Ndutu Safari Lodge
Serengeti National Park – Central
- Tanzania
Road journey to Serengeti National Park with picnic-lunch. Serengeti is Tanzania’s most famous national park and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981. Game viewing is fantastic throughout the year with resident game including buffalos, cheetahs, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, leopards, lions, servals, warthogs, wildebeests, zebras and many more!
- Baobab Serengeti Camp
Ngorongoro Crater
- Tanzania
Departure with picnic-lunch to Ngorongoro Crater for game drive. The Ngorongoro Crater is an intact volcanic caldera and a natural sanctuary for wildlife. Expect to encounter prides of lions, elephants with huge tusks due to the rich volcanic soil, plain game, hippos, birds and many more. With a little luck you might spot the highly endangered black rhinoceros. Proceed to your overnight stay.
- Marera Valley
Return to Arusha
- Tanzania
Return to Arusha with drop-off according to your travel journey – either in Arusha Town or at Arusha Airport (ARK) / Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
The Beauty of Africa
Gallery
The Beauty of Africa
Gallery
Itinerary
Trip Details
Inclusions
- Accommodation
- Full Board Safari incl. extra picnic-lunch on day 1 and water in the Safari Vehicle
- 4x4 customized Safari Vehicle
- Professional English-Speaking Driver/Guide
- Park Entrance Fees: for game drives in Manyara NP, Serengeti NP & NCA Ndutu & Crater
- Trip Safety: AMREF Flying Doctor Emergency Evacuation Insurance; 24/7 Service Support
- Government Taxes: Value Added Tax at 18%, Tourism Development Levy
Exclusions
- International flights
- Airport taxes
- All meals and drinks not specified
- Personal expenses (laundry, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities
Prices
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2 pax based on a double room $4,390/person
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4 pax based on 2 double rooms $3,915/person
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6 pax based on 3 double rooms $3,760/person
Our tailor-made trips are designed to offer you the best possible value to make your East African safari experience a memorable one. As a boutique tour operator, we are happy to personalise your trip budget and package according to your needs.
Please treat all pricing as a guide only, as customisations made to this itinerary, style of travel, and number of guests may raise or lower the overall cost. All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice. Single supplements may apply.
For the best, most current rates available, request a quote or speak to one of Kikooko Africa Safari’s travel experts.
Warren Anwkasa,
Founder, Kikooko Africa Safaris
Inquire About This Tour
All our itineraries can be adapted to suit your personal interests and preferences.
Please feel free to discuss these with us so we can personalise your tour for your maximum enjoyment.
For the most current rates for your party, request a quote or speak to one of Kikooko Africa Safari’s travel experts.
Inquire About This Tour
Warren Anwkasa,
Founder, Kikooko Africa Safaris
All our itineraries can be adapted to suit your personal interests and preferences.
Please feel free to discuss these with us so we can personalise your tour for your maximum enjoyment.
For the most current rates for your party, request a quote or speak to one of Kikooko Africa Safari’s travel experts.
