8 day Great Serengeti Migration calves season

Safari Overview

This wildebeest Safari is meticulously designed to observe the migration during the calving season, which occurs from December to April. This journey will encompass the Lake Ndutu region, along with the southern and central sections of Serengeti National Park, where the majority of wildebeest typically congregate. Additionally, this expedition includes a visit to the renowned Ngorongoro Crater.

Participants can anticipate witnessing large herds of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and various other herbivores alongside predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas that pursue these herds for sustenance. Furthermore, there will be an opportunity to engage with Maasai communities to gain insights into their cultural practices and way of life.

The tour incorporates game drives across multiple regions of the Serengeti, including the famed Mara River crossing, where one can observe the courageous migration of wildebeest as they navigate the river while evading lurking crocodiles.

Accommodations each night will include comfortable lodges or campsites, complemented by delightful meals, all while enjoying the ambient sounds of the wilderness. Overall, the 8-day Serengeti wildebeest migration safari promises an extraordinary and unforgettable adventure.

Detailed Itinerary

Welcome to Tanzania. Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be met by a representative from Somewhere in Africa, who will provide transportation to Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to relax and prepare for the upcoming adventure. The bustling city of Arusha serves as a vital hub for safari excursions in northern Tanzania, and it is common for most travelers to transit through this vibrant location at some point during their journey.

Accommodations:
Budget: Our stay at Mlima
Midrange: Tanzania Safari Lodge
Luxury: Legendary Lodge

On the second day of the itinerary, the expert guide will collect you from their hotel following breakfast. The journey to Tarangire National Park will commence, with an approximate transit time of two and a half hours along well-maintained tarmac roads. The park derives its name from the Tarangire River, which traverses its expanse and serves as the sole source of water for wildlife in the region during the dry season. Tarangire National Park is particularly renowned for its populations of elephants, which can frequently be observed gathering by the river. Visitors may also encounter giraffes, bushbucks, and hartebeests in the area. These species are accompanied by various predators, including lions and leopards. Notably, Tarangire boasts the highest diversity of breeding bird species found in any location worldwide. The park is also home to numerous ancient Baobab trees, some of which are estimated to be over one thousand years old.

Lunch will be provided at a designated picnic site within the park. Following the game drive, participants will then be transported to their hotel in Karatu.

Accommodations:
Budget: Kankari Lodge
Midrange: Marera Valley
Luxury: Kitela Lodge

Following an exquisite breakfast, You will embark on a journey to the remarkable Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where the vistas of the Ngorongoro Crater are truly breathtaking. This presents a unique opportunity for photography enthusiasts.

As travelers proceed through the magnificent landscapes of the conservation area en route to the Serengeti, they will encounter the region’s renowned expansive grasslands. The prospect of observing diverse and remarkable wildlife, such as impalas, buffaloes, crocodiles, and hippos, is genuinely exhilarating. Additionally, one should remain vigilant, as there is the potential to observe formidable predators, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards. This experience is poised to offer unforgettable moments, and we look forward to sharing the extraordinary wonders of the Serengeti with you. We encourage you to fully engage in every thrilling moment of this adventure.

Accommodations:
Budget: Tukaone Tented Camp
Midrange: Signature Tented Camp
Luxury: Kubu Kubu Tenter Lodge

This day is dedicated to game drives within Serengeti National Park. Visitors have the option to adopt a more leisurely pace by engaging in early morning and late afternoon game drives, with the opportunity to return to their accommodations for lunch and rest in between excursions. Each day presents unique experiences in the Serengeti, ensuring that there is always an abundance of opportunities for exploration.

Accommodations:
Budget: Tukaone Tented Camp
Midrange: Signature Tented Camp
Luxury: Kubu Kubu Tenter Lodge

Following breakfast, you will proceed through the Serengeti en route to Ndutu, with various opportunities to appreciate the remarkable features along the journey. The Serengeti is renowned for its diverse wildlife, particularly the annual Great Migration. During this event, substantial numbers of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope follow a cyclical pattern in search of fresh grazing pastures. The migration can be observed during any month of the year; however, knowledge of specific locations is essential for successful viewing. At this particular time, the Migration is typically found in the southern region of the Serengeti and Ndutu, which is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. A notable characteristic of this area is Lake Ndutu, an alkaline body of water, similar to many other lakes within the Rift Valley, serving as a vital water source for the ecosystem. Overnight accommodations will be at selected seasonal tented camps.

Accommodations:
Midrange: Tanzania Bush Camp
Luxury: Lake Maseki Tented Lodge

Following a substantial breakfast, You will embark on a full-day game drive in the Ndutu region. This excursion offers the opportunity to explore a diverse array of habitats, including swamps, woodlands, and savannahs. With favorable conditions, one may witness large congregations of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope, sometimes extending to the horizon. The resonance of the wildebeest’s gentle vocalizations is both haunting and melodious.

During a specific timeframe, typically in February, a significant number of female wildebeest give birth to their young, resulting in an extraordinary phenomenon of synchronized calving, with over half a million offspring being born. The sparse grass cover in this area leaves the young vulnerable to various predators, including cheetahs, lions, hyenas, and leopards. Remarkably, wildebeest calves are capable of standing and running within minutes of birth, and they usually possess the strength to accompany the herd within three days.

After a comprehensive day of exploration, You will return to your Tented Camp in time to enjoy dinner.

Accommodations:
Midrange: Tanzania Bush Camp
Luxury: Lake Maseki Tented Lodge

This morning, the itinerary includes a gentle traversal of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, during which there is a high likelihood of observing various wildlife, including a journey of giraffes on the verdant slopes. It is anticipated that arrival at the Ngorongoro Crater will occur around lunchtime. Upon first viewing the Ngorongoro Crater, one may perceive it as an isolated world, encased by steep volcanic walls that protect a pristine wilderness characterized by expansive savannahs, clusters of acacia woodlands, and shimmering lakes and swamps. The Crater itself was formed as a result of a significant volcanic eruption that caused the volcano to implode approximately two to three million years ago. The descent into the Crater represents an adventurous experience, and upon reaching the Crater floor, visitors will encounter substantial populations of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and over 500 species of birds. The Crater offers an optimal opportunity to observe the endangered black rhinoceros, which can occasionally be sighted in the open grasslands. Following an afternoon of wildlife observation, the group will proceed to their next destination.

Accommodations
Budget: Kankari Lodge
Midrange: Marera Valley
Luxury: Kitela Lodge

Day 8 Lake Manyara to Arusha
This morning, you will proceed to Lake Manyara National Park, which marks the conclusion of your remarkable safari experience. Lake Manyara is a relatively small yet ecologically diverse park located 120 kilometers west of Arusha. The park showcases unique characteristics, being both compact—one of the narrowest parks in Africa—and expansive, with the Great Rift Escarpment forming its western boundary.

The park derives its name from its shallow, saline lake, which spans a considerable area of the park and undergoes seasonal flooding and drying. This lake serves as a habitat for thousands of wading birds, including flamingos, as well as over 500 additional bird species. Visitors may also observe baboons and elephants within the park’s dense evergreen forests and should keep an eye out for the tree-climbing lions that have gained fame across Africa.

A picnic lunch will be provided within the park. Following your game drive, you will be transported to a location of your preference, such as Arusha, Kilimanjaro Airport, or Arusha Airport. We trust that you have thoroughly enjoyed your adventure, emanating from the diverse landscapes of Africa.

Please note that accommodations are not included at the end of your trip.

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