Tarangire,
Ngorongoro &
Calving Season
6-day private safari placing you in the heart of the Great Migration calving grounds, Ndutu plains, December to March.
Tour Overview
Where the Migration
Actually Happens
This 6-day safari is all about timing and location, taking you where the Great Migration actually is. From December to early March, the herds gather in the Ndutu region for the dramatic calving season, which usually kicks off in mid-January.
Part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem, Ndutu offers front-row seats to thousands of wildebeest giving birth on the open plains, and the predators who never stray far behind. The journey starts in Tarangire's ancient baobab forests, passes through Ngorongoro's legendary crater, and arrives in Ndutu for two full days on the calving grounds.
Accommodation during migration season is in seasonal tented camps, comfortable, semi-permanent lodges set up in the heart of the action. Real beds, en-suite bathrooms, and evenings by the campfire.
Day by Day
6-Day Itinerary
Every day planned for maximum wildlife encounters.
Packing Guide
What to Pack for Calving Season
Clothing
- Lightweight neutral-coloured shirts (khaki, olive, beige)
- Light fleece or jacket for early morning drives
- Long trousers, protection from sun & insects
- Wide-brimmed hat & quality sunglasses
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
Camera & Tech
- Camera with zoom lens (300mm+ recommended)
- Extra memory cards and batteries
- Dust-proof bag or case for your camera
- Charging cables & power bank
- Binoculars (a pair is also provided per vehicle)
Health & Safety
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ and lip balm
- Insect repellent (DEET-based for malaria zones)
- Personal prescription medications
- Small first-aid kit
- Travel insurance documents
Safari Essentials
- Small day backpack for the vehicle
- Reusable water bottle (water supplied daily)
- Cash USD for tips and personal purchases
- Passport + printed eVisa copy
- Dry bags or ziplock bags for dusty days
Expert Advice
Quick Safari Tips
6:00 AM drives catch predators returning from night hunts and calving births at first light.
Noise disrupts animal behaviour and reduces your chances of close encounters.
Bright clothing disturbs wildlife. Avoid white, it attracts tsetse flies.
Minimise phone use during drives. Notification sounds can startle animals at critical moments.
Apply DEET-based repellent every 4–6 hours, especially at dawn and dusk when malaria mosquitoes are most active.
Drink at least 2 litres of water per day, the open vehicle dehydrates you faster than you expect.
The Great Migration
Over 1.5 million wildebeest.
Ndutu is where they come
to give birth.
Pricing
Safari Tour Pricing
Transparent rates for every group size
July – Oct · 20 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027
All prices USD · Park fees, accommodation, meals & transfers included · Excl. international flights
Entry Requirements
Do You Need a Visa?
Check your requirements before you travel
Select your country above to check visa requirements for Tanzania.
Always verify at the official Tanzania Immigration portal
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- All Transfers
Professional English-speaking driver, airport pickup, all inter-park transfers, and final return to airport.
- 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser
Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, charging ports, fridge, and binoculars, maintained and guided by a professional.
- Accommodation
All lodges and tented camps in the itinerary. Twin/double rooms by default; eco-friendly camps with en-suite facilities.
- Meals
Full board on safari days, breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner. Special diets (vegan, gluten-free, etc.) at no extra cost.
- National Park Fees
All park entry fees paid in advance. No extra costs or paperwork at any gate.
- Dedicated Support Team
Travel consultants available 24/7 by phone, email, or messaging before and throughout your trip.
- AMREF Air Ambulance
Emergency air evacuation to the nearest hospital included in all packages. Hospital treatment costs are not covered.
- Travel Planning Portal
Secure online portal to submit passport, insurance, arrival info, and special requirements safely.
- Community Impact
Your trip funds wildlife conservation, tree planting, education, and local community development in Tanzania.
- ✈️International Flights
Not included in any package. Contact your manager for airline recommendations to Tanzania (Kilimanjaro or Dar es Salaam).
- 💵Guide Gratuity
Tips are never required but always appreciated. Recommended: $30–$50 per day per vehicle. For specialist ranger guides: $10–$20 per group.
- 🛂Visa Fee
Most nationals pay $50 USD for a single-entry visa. US nationals pay $100 for a multiple-entry visa. See the visa checker on this page.
- 🛏️Single Supplement
Packages include twin/double room sharing by default. Private single rooms available at extra cost, subject to availability.
- 🏥Travel Insurance
Strongly recommended, and often required. Policy should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. AMREF evacuation is included but hospital treatment is not.
Price per person excludes international flights. Discounts available for children under 16, exact rates on request.
Tanzania specialists. No middlemen.
Direct bookings with a locally-based Moshi team, transparent pricing, expert guides, and full support before and during your trip.
Questions
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Everything you need to know about the Ndutu calving season safari, from timing to booking.
Ready to plan your dream adventure?