Embark on a brief safari to Ndutu, immersing yourself in the spectacle of the great wildebeest migration. Witness one of the most remarkable phases of this extraordinary animal movement as the herds converge on the nutrient-rich Ndutu Plains for the calving season, marked by the daily birth of a thousand newborns. With predators on the prowl, this journey promises an unforgettable experience. Note that this is a seasonal trip, available from late December to early March.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Day 2: Arusha to Ndutu
Day 3: Ndutu to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be greeted and transported to Tulia Spa & Boutique. Day 1 of the itinerary includes a city sightseeing tour featuring visits to local markets, the Maasai market, cultural heritage sites, and the Arusha City Museum.
Main Destination: Arusha (City)
Accommodation: Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa
After pick-up from the airport and a tour briefing, you will head to Arusha with a packed lunch included. You will drive to Ndutu (about 5.5 hours, covering a distance of 260 km). After 2 hours of driving, you will enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You will notice the landscape changing from hilly forests to plains and green grasslands. Sweeping grasslands cover the region which gradually fades into the Serengeti. Ndutu forms part of the route for the annual migration of more than 2 million wildebeest and thousands of zebras, antelopes, and gazelles.
During game drives in the right season (between December and April), you will be able to see the fertile plains turn into calving and nursery grounds for the great migration. This season attracts hordes of predators prying on vulnerable young wildebeest. Crested with Ndutu Lake and Lake Masek, these waterholes offer plenty of wildlife during the dry season. Ndutu is also the home ground for 6 species of big cats.
Main Destination: Ndutu (Southern Serengeti)
Accommodation: Sero Tented Camp
Start your day with a morning game drive in the Ndutu area after breakfast. Following a half-day of exploration and a picnic lunch, journey towards the Ngorongoro Crater rim. The approximately 75 km drive, taking about 2.5 hours, offers mild game sightings along the way. The crater stands as one of Africa’s remarkable geological wonders, a premier haven of untamed wilderness. Conclude the day with a satisfying dinner and a peaceful night’s rest in your accommodation.
Main Destination: Ndutu (Southern Serengeti)
Accommodation: Ang’ata Ngorongoro Camp
On the concluding day of your safari, an early start awaits. After a swift breakfast, you’ll commence an early descent around 6:30 a.m. into the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. This colossal crater stands as the world’s largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera, boasting a vast floor spanning about 260 sq km with a depth exceeding 2,000 feet.
The ensuing 5/6-hour game drive on the crater floor promises abundant wildlife encounters, including African elephants, buffalos, black rhinos, hippos, hyenas, cheetahs, and lions. Be sure to keep your camera ready for capturing these moments. Following a picnic lunch at the scenic hippo pool, embark on a steep ascent to the top exit of the crater. This marks the final stretch of your safari, with a 4-hour drive remaining to Arusha. In the evening, you’ll be dropped off at your preferred location in Arusha or transferred to the airport.
Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: No accommodation
Pax | Low season | High season | Peak season |
2 | $3736 pp | $4848 pp | $5591 pp |
4 | $3199 pp | $4269 pp | $4961 pp |
6 | $3048 pp | $4081 pp | $4755 pp |
The best time to go on safari in Tanzania is generally during the dry season months of June to October but a wide range of wildlife can be spotted year-round and each season brings its own advantages.
