7 Days Tanzania Calving Migration Safari

Day 1

Arrival in Tanzania – Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our team and transferred to your lodge in Arusha.

After your long journey, enjoy some time to relax and settle into your accommodation while getting accustomed to the Tanzanian climate and surroundings.

Arusha is known as the safari capital of Tanzania and serves as the gateway to some of the country’s most iconic national parks. The town offers a lovely blend of natural beauty, local culture, and a relaxed atmosphere.

The rest of the evening is at leisure to relax and enjoy your surroundings, followed by dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge.

Overnight: Arusha     Meal Plan: Dinner & Breakfast

Day 2

Arusha – Tarangire NP

Depart Arusha in the morning and drive through the picturesque Maasai plains towards Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most rewarding wildlife destinations. Upon arrival and after completing the park entry formalities, enter the park for an immersive game drive through vast savannahs dotted with iconic ancient baobab trees.

Tarangire is renowned for the large number and diversity of wildlife found within the park. It is particularly famous for its impressive elephant population, making it an excellent destination for travellers hoping to enjoy close and memorable wildlife encounters.

The Tarangire River is an important source of water for wildlife in the area, attracting large numbers of animals, especially during the dry season. The park’s diverse landscape is also a photographer’s dream, with magnificent baobab trees, open savannahs, and extensive marshlands creating a beautiful setting for wildlife and landscape photography.

Lunch will be served at the picnic site, allowing you to enjoy your meal surrounded by the natural beauty of the park. In the late afternoon, continue to your selected accommodation for dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay.

Overnight: Tarangire National Park     Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3

Tarangire – Ndutu Area

After breakfast, depart Tarangire and drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, heading to the spectacular Ndutu Area.

Distance: Approx. 230–250 km     Driving Time: Approx. 5–6 hours, including stops and en-route wildlife viewing.

The Ndutu region lies in the northern part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and extends towards the unfenced southern plains of Serengeti National Park, creating a natural meeting point between these two remarkable wilderness areas.

Ndutu forms part of the annual Great Migration route, when more than two million wildebeest, together with thousands of zebras, gazelles, and other antelope, move across the plains in search of fresh grazing and water. The area is also renowned for its diverse predator population, with opportunities to encounter lions, leopards, cheetahs, caracals, servals, and African wildcats.

During the early months of the year, with the peak calving season usually occurring around February, the plains become a spectacular nursery for the migrating herds. Thousands of wildebeest calves are born, attracting predators such as cheetahs, lions, and hyenas.

Enjoy wildlife viewing and sightseeing along the way, taking in the beautiful landscapes while experiencing one of Africa’s most remarkable natural spectacles – the Great Migration.

In the evening, continue to your accommodation for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.

Overnight: Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Ndutu     Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4

Ndutu – Serengeti National Park - Central

Today, continue your journey from the Ndutu area towards Central Serengeti, enjoying a scenic drive with en-route game viewing as you make your way through the changing landscapes of the Serengeti ecosystem.

Along the way, you will have the option to visit Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important archaeological sites in East Africa and a fascinating place to learn about the early history of humankind.

The Serengeti is famous for the annual Great Migration and its remarkable diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five. The Seronera region, located in the heart of Central Serengeti, is particularly rich in wildlife due to the permanent water sources found in the area. These water sources attract animals throughout the year, offering excellent opportunities for game viewing and memorable wildlife encounters.

In the late afternoon, continue to your accommodation for some leisure time, followed by dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.

Overnight: Serengeti National Park – Central     Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5

Serengeti National Park - Full Day Exploration

Morning in Serengeti is an experience worth cherishing. Wake up surrounded by the enchanting sounds of the wilderness and witness a magnificent sunrise over the endless Serengeti plains. The early hours are also an excellent time for wildlife viewing, as many animals are most active during the cooler morning hours.

Optional Activity: Usually at 5:00 AM, transfer to the balloon launching site for a hot air balloon experience, followed by a bush champagne breakfast.

Continue with a full-day game drive, exploring the heart of the Serengeti and enjoying the incredible diversity of wildlife and landscapes.

Game Drive Distance: Variable, approximately 100–120 km     Estimated Game Drive Time: 6–10 hours total

Return to your accommodation for lunch and some time to relax. Later, head out again for further exploration of the Serengeti, immersing yourself in the beauty and untamed spirit of this remarkable wilderness.

Day 6

Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu

After an early breakfast, depart the Serengeti on a scenic en-route drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying sweeping views of the highlands along the way. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable game drive within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Distance: Approximately 145 km     Estimated Driving Time: 3.5–4.5 hours

Highlights:

• Exceptional wildlife density within the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera
• Reliable Big Five sightings, including the rare black rhino
• Scenic crater walls, open grasslands, forests, and soda lakes with flamingos
• One of Africa’s most rewarding single-day wildlife experiences

After a great day ascend the crater and transfer to your accommodation located in Karatu Area, arrives in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Karatu Area     Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7

Karatu – Mto Wa Mbu – Arusha

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your accommodation before departing for Mto wa Mbu village, where you will experience the local way of life through a guided nature walk and cultural tour.

Karatu – Mto wa Mbu (Village Cultural & Nature Experience)

Distance: 35 km     Driving Time: Approx. 30–45 minutes

The experience offers an authentic glimpse into the daily life of the community, with visits to local farms, food markets, rice paddies, banana plantations, and a traditional banana beer bar. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to meet local people, discover traditional activities, and learn more about the culture and livelihoods of the area.

Later, board your safari vehicle and drive back to Arusha, continuing directly to the airport for your onward flight arrangement.

Mto wa Mbu Village – Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Distance: 185 km     Driving Time: Approx. 3.5–4 hours via Arusha

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch     Safari Ends: Arusha / Airport

Accommodation at: N/A