The Great Migration, Calving Season

Explore the northern parks of Tarangire and Ngorongoro, before heading to the Ndutu region during the wildebeest calving season. Around 500,000 calves are born in just six weeks in the early months of the year, and the majority of the herds are found in the Ndutu area. With so many newborn beasts jumping around the southern plains, big cats and other predators are drawn in.
9 Days
$7,009

The Great Migration, Calving Season - 9 - $7,009

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

At Brilliant Africa, our job is to listen to what your dream East African adventure looks like and then create a tailor-made itinerary to match your dreams, budget, and appetite for luxury and adventure. 

The trip below is one example of what is possible in Tanzania, but get in touch with our team, and we'll help you understand if it's right for you. 

Landmarks potentially visited on The Great Migration, Calving Season

Itinerary

The itinerary below is designed to give you an overview of the route. Get in touch with our team for a full travel itinerary, or to create a tailor-made trip.

Day 1: Arusha Coffee Lodge

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Arusha Coffee Lodge. Lying on the gently rolling foothills that cascade down from the ever-present Mount Meru is the bustling and vibrant town of Arusha. It is here on the outskirts of this town, hidden amongst one of Tanzania's largest coffee plantations, that you will find Arusha Coffee Lodge, a wonderful introduction to Tanzania and a great place to start your adventure. 

Overnight: Arusha Coffee Lodge

Day 2-3: Tarangire National Park

Transfer from Arusha Coffee Lodge to Tarangire Ndovu Camp which will be your base for the next two nights as you explore the incredible Tarangire National Park. Morning and afternoon game drives, optional activities available around the lodge, and plenty of sundowners!

Tarangire Ndovu Camp is located in the heart of Tarangire, a park famed for its massive elephant herds, true sense of wilderness and a gentle backdrop of baobabs. 

Overnight: Tarangire Ndovu Camp


Day 4: Lake Manyara National Park

Transfer from Tarangire to Karatu via Lake Manyara. Game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, and continue on to Acacia Farm Lodge. Acacia Farm Lodge is a romantic Country Lodge nestled in an active mixed farm located high on the spectacular Great Rift's escarpment area with a commanding panoramic views of the amazing Karatu farmlands and the nearby Ngorongoro forest area. 

Overnight: Acacia Farm Lodge


Day 5: Ngorongoro Conservation Area

From your base at Acacia Farm Lodge, head out on an exploration of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including the Crater Descent hike and private game drive. 

Overnight: Acacia Farm Lodge


Day 6-9: Ndutu Region

Transfer from Acacia Farm Lodge to the Manyara Airstrip. Catch shared light aircraft flight from Manyara to the Ndutu region in the NCA. Transfer to Lemala Ndutu Tented Camp. 

Lemala Ndutu Tented Camp is in the Ndutu region of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area near the border of the Southern Serengeti. This area is classic savannah, characterized by flat grassy plains, and the camp is in one of the finest locations in Ndutu to see the migration between December and March. Tens of thousands of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle usually arrive in December to graze on the newly-watered, highly-nutritious short grass plains, and then by February, the main calving season takes place. Predators - especially the big cats - are highly concentrated in the Ndutu area in these months. With 9 tents, Lemala Ndutu is perched on the edge of a permanent marsh, and acts as the ultimate amphitheatre to capture the boundless drama that accompanies the migration. 

After 3 days safari in the Ndutu region, transfer to the airstrip to catch light aircraft flight back to Kilimanjaro International Airport to connect with your international flight home. 

Overnight: Lemala Ndutu Tented Camp

Prices and Inclusions

Prices are per person based on two people travelling together.

Travel during peak season months will incur higher rates. 

Prices are likely to increase by at least 10% for the 2024 season. Rates are confirmed mid-way through the year. Book now and we will not charge you more than this 10% increase. If the price is eventually confirmed as lower than a 10% increase, we will charge you this lower rate.

Small adjustments to accommodation choices, routes, and activities can make a big difference to the cost of a trip in East Africa. Our team can create a tailor-made trip to suit your budget. 


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Includes

  • Domestic flights.
  • All road transfers and airport pickups/drop-offs.
  • All accommodation as per the itinerary. Accommodation can be amended based on budget and preferences.
  • All camping equipment where necessary.
  • Fees for guides, scouts, drivers, and cooks.
  • All entrance fees as per the program.
  • Meal plan full board.
  • Fees for all activities as per the program.
  • Conservation charge. 

Excludes

  • International flights and visa fees.
  • Activities not mentioned or stated as optional in the itinerary.
  • Other personal expenses, souvenirs, tips and gratuities, etc.

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