5-Day Migration Safari – Calving Season
This 5-day safari takes you through Tanzania’s most scenic and wildlife-rich destinations, starting from Arusha and heading into the heart of Tarangire National Park, the Ndutu plains, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You will experience diverse landscapes from baobab-filled valleys and open savannah plains to crater highlands while enjoying excellent game viewing, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, and, depending on the season, the wildebeest migration. The itinerary combines both wildlife and cultural experiences, ending with a cultural stop in Mto wa Mbu before returning to Arusha.
Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park – Karatu
Your journey begins with a morning pick-up from Arusha, followed by a scenic drive south toward Tarangire National Park. As you enter the park, you’ll be welcomed by vast open landscapes dotted with iconic baobab trees and large elephant herds, one of the park’s most famous attractions. You will spend the day exploring different sections of the park, enjoying sightings of giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, various antelope species, and, with luck, lions lounging near the riverbanks. A picnic lunch will be served at one of the designated viewpoints, giving you time to relax before continuing your afternoon game drive. Later in the day, you will exit the park and head to Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Kankari Lodge
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Karatu – Ndutu
After breakfast, you will begin your drive toward the Ndutu area, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and enjoying stunning views over the crater rim. Along the way, you may stop at a viewpoint for photographs of the breathtaking landscape. As you descend toward Ndutu, the scenery opens into vast plains known for their excellent wildlife concentrations. Upon arrival, you will enjoy an afternoon game drive across the acacia woodlands, lakes, and open grasslands of Ndutu, a region especially renowned for cheetah sightings and predator activity. Depending on the season, you may also witness large herds of wildebeest as they move across the plains.
Accommodation: Safari Haven Migration Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Full Day Game Drive in Ndutu
Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the Ndutu region. You will spend the whole day on game drives across different habitats, allowing time to track predators, observe herds, and enjoy the raw beauty of the southern Serengeti ecosystem. The area is particularly famous during the calving season, when thousands of wildebeest give birth, attracting predators such as lions, hyenas, and cheetahs. Whether during migration months or not, Ndutu offers exceptional wildlife density and a very intimate safari experience. You will enjoy lunch in the bush before continuing your exploration until late afternoon, returning to your camp for dinner and rest.
Accommodation: Safari Haven Migration Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Ndutu – Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu
In the morning, you will enjoy one final game drive in Ndutu, taking advantage of the early hours when wildlife is most active. Afterward, you will begin your journey back toward the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive. The drive offers stunning highland views and opportunities to stop for photos along the way. If interested, you may also visit a Maasai boma for a cultural experience and insight into traditional Maasai life. By afternoon, you will arrive in Karatu, where you can relax at your lodge.
Accommodation: Kankari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Karatu – Mto wa Mbu – Arusha
After breakfast, you will drive toward Mto wa Mbu, a vibrant multicultural town located at the base of the Rift Valley wall. Here, you will enjoy a short cultural experience, such as visiting banana plantations, local markets, rice fields, and small workshops. You may also take part in an optional biking tour or walking tour, depending on your preference. After exploring the town, you will continue your drive back to Arusha, where you will be dropped off at your desired location, marking the end of your safari adventure.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
SAFARI INCLUDES
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with professional driver-guide
All park entry fees and government taxes
Accommodation during the safari
All meals during the safari
Bottled drinking water during game drives
All game drives as per itinerary
SAFARI EXCLUDES
International and domestic flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips for driver-guide and lodge staff
Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs
Safari FAQs
What type of vehicle will be used?
You will travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, ideal for game viewing and photography.
What kind of accommodation should I expect?
Accommodation ranges from comfortable lodges to tented camps, all with private facilities and selected for their quality and location.
Are meals included during the safari?
Yes, all meals during the safari are included (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Drinks are typically not included unless stated.
What should I pack for this safari?
We recommend light, neutral-colored clothing, a warm jacket for early mornings, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a camera.
Do you provide airport pickup and drop-off?
Yes, airport pickup and drop-off are included. Our driver-guide will meet you upon arrival and transfer you to your accommodation.
How do I book this safari?
You can book by sending an inquiry through the website. Once your itinerary is confirmed, a deposit is required to secure your booking.
Which airport should I book my flights to?
Most safaris start from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), depending on your itinerary.
Can you help arrange pre- or post-safari accommodation?
Yes, we can arrange additional nights in Arusha or other locations before or after your safari upon request.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least 2–6 months in advance, especially for peak travel seasons (June–October and December–February).
What language do your guides speak?
Our guides are fluent in English and can accommodate other languages upon request.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Absolutely. All our safaris are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences, budget, and travel dates.