About this tour

This 6-day safari is designed around one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on Earth: the Great Migration calving season. From December to April, the vast herds of wildebeest and zebra gather in the southern Serengeti ecosystem around Lake Ndutu, within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. By January, the plains become the stage for mass calving, when hundreds of thousands of wildebeest are born within a few short weeks. With predators never far away, this is nature at its most raw and breathtaking. Along the way, you will also explore Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara for a truly diverse safari experience.

Day 1 – Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by a Savanna & Beyond representative and transferred to Arusha. This vibrant city, nestled at the base of Mount Meru, is the gateway to Tanzania’s most famous national parks. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax or explore the coffee plantations and bustling streets before your adventure begins.

Day 2 – Tarangire National Park

Your journey starts with a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, where ancient baobab trees and sweeping landscapes provide the backdrop to abundant wildlife. Tarangire is famed for its vast elephant herds, but you’ll also encounter giraffe, buffalo, zebra, and perhaps even big cats lurking nearby. With its seasonal swamps and the life-giving Tarangire River, the park is alive with wildlife year-round. Birdwatchers will also be delighted with over 500 species recorded here.

Day 3 – South Serengeti (Ndutu)

Today you travel to the Ndutu region, part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem and the heart of the Great Migration during the calving season. The alkaline Lake Ndutu attracts large numbers of wildlife, making this area especially rewarding for game drives. From December to April, the herds spread across the fertile short-grass plains — a breathtaking sight and a photographer’s dream. Your afternoon is spent exploring this remarkable landscape, home to both grazers and predators in close proximity.

Day 4 – Ndutu Calving Season Experience

Enjoy a full day in the Ndutu region, witnessing one of nature’s greatest events. Around January, more than half a million wildebeest calves are born within a few weeks, filling the plains with new life. This synchronized birthing attracts predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, creating thrilling game-viewing opportunities. The vast plains, soda lakes, woodlands, and swamps offer diverse habitats that support incredible biodiversity, making every drive unique.

Day 5 – Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, you journey to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Descending into the caldera is like stepping into a natural amphitheater, where an extraordinary concentration of wildlife awaits. Wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, and elephants roam freely, while the crater’s wetlands attract flocks of flamingos. With luck, you may spot the endangered black rhino grazing on the open plains.

Day 6 – Lake Manyara & Return to Arusha

Your final day takes you to Lake Manyara National Park, a compact yet diverse park famous for its tree-climbing lions and vibrant birdlife, including flocks of flamingos that line the shores of the lake. The park’s varied landscapes — from acacia woodlands to open floodplains — provide a fitting finale to your safari. After a picnic lunch, you return to Arusha, where your journey with Savanna & Beyond comes to a close.