Experience Tanzania’s Great Migration at its most intimate on a private 6-day Ndutu calving safari. Explore Tarangire, the Southern Serengeti/Ndutu plains and Ngorongoro Crater during January–March, when newborn wildebeest, zebra herds and predators bring the green season to life.
PRIVATE & SMALL-GROUP TOURS
CAREFULLY SELECTED LODGES & CAMPS
FLYING DOCTORS EMERGENCY COVER INCLUDED
TATO CERTIFIED
PERSONAL SUPPORT THROUGHOUT YOUR JOURNEY
TANZANIA KENYA UGANDA RWANDA ZANZIBAR KILIMANJARO
EVERY SAFARI BEGINS WITH A CONVERSATION
462+ VERIFIED TRIP ADVISOR REVIEWS
TAILOR MADE EAST AFRICAN SAFARIS
TRUSTED SAFARI SPECIALIST SINCE 2010
Designed for travellers who want a focused Great Migration calving season safari, this six-day journey takes you from Arusha to Tarangire, the Ndutu plains and Ngorongoro Crater. Travel between January and March, when newborn wildebeest and zebra attract lions, cheetahs and hyenas across the green short-grass plains.
This is a compact but rewarding route for guests who want strong wildlife without a long itinerary. Tarangire adds elephants and baobabs before you continue to Ndutu for the main calving action, then Ngorongoro gives you a final crater game drive with excellent Big Five viewing.
“Six days gave us the perfect taste of Tanzania’s calving season—newborn wildebeest, big cats and a beautiful mix of landscapes from Tarangire to Ngorongoro.”
Every stay offers exceptional wildlife. Your accommodation simply defines the comfort, style and exclusivity of your safari.
Comfortable lodges offering authentic safari experiences, warm hospitality and excellent value
Boutique lodges and camps combining exceptional comfort, prime locations and personalised service.
Elegant luxury lodges offering exceptional service, spectacular locations and unforgettable safari stays.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your SafariHQ guide will welcome you to Tanzania and transfer you to Arusha. Settle into your accommodation, relax after your journey and enjoy your first evening beneath the slopes of Mount Meru before your safari adventure begins.
Activities
Leave Arusha and journey through the landscapes of northern Tanzania to Tarangire National Park. Set out on a game drive among ancient baobabs and along the Tarangire River, searching for large elephant herds, lions, giraffes, zebras and an impressive variety of wildlife.
Activities
Leave Tarangire after breakfast and journey toward the Ndutu region, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and into the Southern Serengeti ecosystem. Arrive in the calving plains for your first Ndutu game drive, searching for wildebeest herds, newborn calves, zebras, lions, cheetahs and hyenas.
Activities
Spend a full day exploring the Ndutu plains, one of the best areas for Tanzania’s Great Migration calving season. Follow wildebeest and zebra herds across the short-grass plains, watch for newborn calves and search for predators such as lions, cheetahs and hyenas drawn by the constant movement of wildlife.
Activities
Enjoy a final morning game drive in Ndutu before leaving the Southern Serengeti ecosystem and travelling toward the Ngorongoro Highlands. As the scenery changes from open plains to volcanic landscapes, continue to your lodge near the crater, ready for the next day’s unforgettable Ngorongoro Crater safari.
Activities
After an early breakfast, descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a final game drive in one of Tanzania’s most wildlife-rich landscapes. Look for lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos and, with luck, black rhino before enjoying a picnic lunch and continuing to Kilimanjaro Airport for your departure flight.
Activities
For every destination, three accommodation levels — from authentic and comfortable to world-class. Your choice shapes the entire atmosphere of your safari.
Nestled beneath Mount Meru, this peaceful farmhouse retreat combines comfortable rooms, lush gardens and genuine Tanzanian hospitality—an ideal start or finish to your safari
Located in Set on a historic coffee estate surrounded by forest and a tranquil lake, this charming colonial lodge offers personalised service, peaceful gardens and timeless elegance.
Set between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater, Marera Valley Lodge offers spacious cottages, lush gardens and warm Tanzanian hospitality—an inviting retreat with beautiful valley views.
Nestled on a working coffee farm , Ngorongoro Farm House blends colonial charm with spacious cottages, lush gardens and warm Tanzanian hospitality after memorable safari days.
Set in the Ndutu Big Marsh region, Ndutu Heritage Camp offers classic en-suite canvas tents, warm bush hospitality and a well-placed base for calving-season wildlife on the southern plains.
Blending understated elegance with the spirit of the Serengeti, Singing Grass offers beautifully designed tents, personalised service and an intimate safari experience surrounded by nature.
Set beside Lake Masek in the Ndutu area, Lake Masek Tented Lodge offers spacious luxury tents, private terraces, lake views and a pool—ideal for calving-season safaris.
Set between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater, Marera Valley Lodge offers spacious cottages, lush gardens and warm Tanzanian hospitality—an inviting retreat with beautiful valley views.
Nestled on a working coffee farm , Ngorongoro Farm House blends colonial charm with spacious cottages, lush gardens and warm Tanzanian hospitality after memorable safari days.
Perched on the Ngorongoro Crater rim, Meliá combines refined luxury, breathtaking caldera views and personalised service for an unforgettable safari stay
We recommend applying for your Tanzania visa at least 4 weeks before departure to allow sufficient processing time. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date and contain at least one blank visa page.
Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Your SafariHQ Travel Specialist will confirm the latest entry requirements and guide you through the application process before your journey.
SafariHQ Note
Once your safari is confirmed, we'll provide personalised visa guidance based on your passport and country of residence, making the process simple and stress-free.
A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate may be required if you are arriving from, or transiting for more than 12 hours through, a country where Yellow Fever is present. Malaria prevention is recommended for most travellers visiting Tanzania.
We also recommend bringing any personal medication, insect repellent and sunscreen. Please consult your doctor or travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised medical advice.
SafariHQ Note
Every SafariHQ safari includes Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover, providing emergency air evacuation from remote safari locations throughout East Africa.
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential and should cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, lost baggage and personal belongings for the entire duration of your journey.
While every SafariHQ safari includes Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover, this does not replace comprehensive travel insurance.
SafariHQ Note
Before purchasing travel insurance, check with your credit card provider—your card may already include suitable travel cover.
Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing such as khaki, olive, sand and brown is recommended. Avoid bright colors and while on safari. Early mornings around Ngorongoro can be cool, while afternoons are generally warm, so packing layers is essential.
Recommended items: lightweight long-sleeve shirts, fleece or light jacket, safari hat, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen (SPF 50+), insect repellent, sunglasses and a good camera. Soft-sided luggage is recommended for domestic safari flights.
SafariHQ Note
Even during the dry season, early morning game drives can be chilly. We recommend packing one warm layer for added comfort.
Wildlife Viewing: Excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around rivers and waterholes. This is the best time to spot the Big Five, predators and large herds across the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Conditions: Sunny days with cool mornings and evenings. Dry conditions, minimal rainfall and clear skies make this the most popular safari season.
Best For: First-time visitors, Big Five safaris, Great Migration river crossings (Jul–Sep), Photography, Family safaris.
Wildlife Viewing: Outstanding birdwatching, lush landscapes and excellent wildlife viewing. January to March is also the calving season in Southern Serengeti, attracting predators and dramatic wildlife encounters.
Conditions: Warm temperatures with occasional short rains, vibrant scenery and fewer visitors throughout the parks.
Best For: Birdwatching, Calving season, Photography, Honeymoons, Better accommodation value
Wildlife Viewing: Wildlife remains excellent throughout Tanzania, although occasional rainfall may affect road conditions in some areas.
Conditions: The long rains bring green landscapes, quieter parks and excellent photographic opportunities with fewer visitors.
Best For: Lower prices, Peaceful safari experience, Green landscapes, Experienced travellers
SafariHQ Note
Tanzania offers exceptional wildlife viewing throughout the year, with each season providing a unique safari experience. Your SafariHQ Travel Specialist will recommend the ideal travel period based on your interests, budget and the wildlife experiences you wish to enjoy.
A 30% deposit is required to confirm your safari, with the remaining balance payable 45 days before arrival. SafariHQ accepts secure international bank transfers and online payment gateways.
Once your booking is confirmed, your dedicated safari specialist will guide you through every step of the payment and travel preparation process.
SafariHQ Note
A full itemised quote is provided within 24 hours of your enquiry. There is no commitment required at this stage.
Arrival Airport
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Airport Meet & Greet
Included — your guide will meet you on arrival
Airport Transfer
Private vehicle included on arrival and departure
Currency
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). US Dollars widely accepted.
Time Zone
GMT +3 (East Africa Time)
Languages
English and Swahili
Electricity
Type G (UK three-pin), 230V
SafariHQ Note
Guests arriving on long-haul overnight flights often appreciate spending their first night in Arusha before beginning their safari the following morning. We can arrange comfortable pre-safari accommodation on request.
Yes. A 6-day Ndutu calving season safari is a strong choice for first-time visitors who want a focused Great Migration experience without a long itinerary. It combines Tarangire, the Ndutu plains and Ngorongoro Crater in one compact Tanzania safari.
The main highlight is time in Ndutu during the wildebeest calving season, when the Southern Serengeti plains attract newborn calves, zebra herds and predators such as lions, cheetahs and hyenas.
SafariHQ Tip
Choose this safari if you want the Great Migration calving season to be the main focus, with enough variety from Tarangire and Ngorongoro.
The 6-day Ndutu calving season safari price normally includes private safari transport, a professional driver-guide, selected accommodation, meals as shown, park fees, Ngorongoro Conservation Area fees, crater fees and emergency Flying Doctors cover.
It also includes game drives in Tarangire, Ndutu and Ngorongoro Crater. International flights, visas, travel insurance, tips, drinks and personal expenses are usually not included unless stated in your final quotation.
SafariHQ Tip
When comparing prices, check if Ndutu accommodation, Ngorongoro fees and crater fees are included, as these can strongly affect the final safari cost.
In Tarangire, you may see large elephant herds, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, lions and baobab landscapes. Ndutu is best known for wildebeest and zebra herds during calving season, with newborn calves and strong predator activity.
Ngorongoro Crater offers excellent Big Five wildlife viewing in a compact area, including lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos and, with luck, black rhino. The combination gives you both seasonal migration drama and classic Tanzania wildlife.
SafariHQ Tip
For the best Ndutu calving season experience, travel between January and March, while remembering that herd movements depend on rainfall and grazing.
This safari includes some long but rewarding drives, especially from Tarangire to Ndutu and from Ndutu to Ngorongoro. These travel days pass through changing landscapes, Maasai country and the wider Serengeti ecosystem.
The route is designed to keep the safari focused, with meaningful time in Ndutu for calving-season wildlife rather than rushing through too many parks. A fly-in option can be discussed if you prefer less road travel.
SafariHQ Tip
If comfort is your priority, ask your SafariHQ specialist whether flying one way into or out of the Serengeti area makes sense for your dates and budget.
Absolutely. Every SafariHQ safari is designed around your travel style, interests and budget. Whether you'd like to add extra nights in the Serengeti, upgrade your accommodation, include a hot air balloon safari, or combine your journey with Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda or Mount Kilimanjaro, we'll create a personalised itinerary just for you.
Our travel specialists work closely with you to ensure every detail matches your preferred pace, accommodation style and travel dates.
SafariHQ Tip
Your personalised itinerary and quotation are prepared at no additional cost, giving you complete flexibility before confirming your booking.
This safari is available in Mid-Range, Mid-Luxury and Luxury accommodation categories, allowing you to choose the style that best suits your travel preferences and budget. Every option includes carefully selected lodges and tented camps known for their comfort, hospitality and excellent locations close to Tanzania's leading safari destinations.
Whichever category you choose, you'll enjoy the same unforgettable wildlife experience, with the main difference being the level of comfort, facilities and exclusivity at each property.
SafariHQ Tip
Not sure which option is right for you? Your SafariHQ Travel Specialist will help you choose the accommodation category that best matches your expectations and budget.
Absolutely. This 6-day Tanzania safari can easily be combined with a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar, a Mount Kilimanjaro climb or a tailor-made safari through Kenya, Uganda or Rwanda. Many of our guests choose to extend their journey to experience more of East Africa in one seamless itinerary.
Your SafariHQ Travel Specialist will create a personalised itinerary, ensuring flights, accommodation and transfers connect smoothly throughout your journey.
SafariHQ Tip
Whether you're planning a honeymoon, family holiday or multi-country adventure, we'll tailor every detail to match your travel style, timeframe and budget.
For the widest choice of accommodation and travel dates, we recommend booking your Tanzania safari 6–12 months in advance, particularly if you plan to travel during the Great Migration season (June–October) or the festive period (20 December–10 January).
If you're travelling during quieter months, booking 3–6 months before departure is generally sufficient. Last-minute safaris may also be possible, subject to accommodation and vehicle availability.
SafariHQ Tip
Your personalised itinerary and quotation are usually prepared within 24 hours. Once you're ready to proceed, a 30% deposit secures your booking, with the remaining balance payable 45 days before arrival.
This 6-day Tanzania safari is operated as a private safari, giving you an exclusive 4×4 safari vehicle and a professional English-speaking guide throughout your journey. Travelling privately allows you to enjoy a flexible itinerary, spend more time at wildlife sightings and stop whenever you wish for photography or sightseeing.
If you're interested in meeting other travellers, SafariHQ also offers selected scheduled group safaris on specific departures. Your SafariHQ Travel Specialist will help you choose the option that best suits your travel style and budget.
SafariHQ Tip
Private safaris offer the greatest flexibility, while our scheduled group safaris provide an excellent value-for-money option for travellers who enjoy sharing the experience.
Every safari begins with a conversation. We listen first, then design your journey around your interests, travel style, accommodation preferences and pace. No fixed templates — only yours.
From Tanzania and Kenya to Uganda and Rwanda, our specialists draw on first-hand local knowledge to recommend the right destinations, experiences and seasons for a safari designed around how you want to travel.
Every lodge and tented camp we recommend is chosen for its location, hospitality and guest experience — ensuring each stay complements your safari rather than simply accommodating it.
Since 2010, SafariHQ has helped travellers explore East Africa with clear planning, honest advice and dedicated specialist support before, during and after every safari.
Tell us what you’re dreaming of and one of our East Africa safari specialists will respond within 24 hours with a personalised starting point for your journey — with no obligation.
No commitment required · Response within 24 hours
Every SafariHQ journey is built entirely around you — your interests, your pace and your preferred style of accommodation. There are no fixed departures, only carefully crafted experiences.
