13 Day Tanzania Calving Season Safari + Zanzibar
Overview
This 13 Days Tanzania Calving Season Safari & Zanzibar Relaxation is one of the most comprehensive safari itineraries in Tanzania that will take you on the perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, culture and tropical relaxation. This once in a life time experience for nature lovers, photographers, honeymooners and families combines the spectacular Great Migration Calving Season, breathtaking national parks, authentic cultural experiences, scenic waterfalls and the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar into one seamless holiday.
Your adventure begins in Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania and gateway to the famed Northern Safari Circuit. Before heading out to the wilderness, enjoy a thrilling day trip to the beautiful Materuni Waterfalls, set in the lush slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Set in the midst of green coffee plantations and tropical rainforest, this experience includes a refreshing nature walk, a delicious traditional lunch and an authentic coffee tour, during which you will learn every step of coffee production: from harvesting and roasting to grinding and tasting freshly brewed organic coffee prepared by the local Chagga community. It is the perfect introduction to the rich culture and hospitality of Tanzania.
Your safari starts with a visit to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s best kept secrets and an elephant lover’s paradise. The park is famous for its ancient baobab trees, wide-open savannahs and the life-giving Tarangire River and is home to one of the largest herds of elephants in East Africa. On exciting game drives you’ll look for lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, impalas, ostriches and more than 550 species of birds. With a peaceful atmosphere and wonderful scenery, Tarangire is one of the country’s best spots for seeing animals.
We continue our journey through the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands before descending into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often referred to as Africa’s “Garden of Eden”. A giant volcano collapsed millions of years ago to form the crater and it contains an amazing concentration of wildlife including endangered black rhinoceros, elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, hyenas and countless species of birds. A game drive on the crater floor offers the best wildlife viewing and spectacular views of one of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders.
Travel from Ngorongoro to the wildlife-rich plains of Ndutu, in the southern Serengeti ecosystem. Ndutu is home to one of nature’s greatest spectacles between December and March – the Great Migration Calving Season. This amazing time of year sees more than half a million wildebeest calves born within a matter of weeks, turning the endless plains into one of Africa’s busiest wildlife nurseries.
Ndutu is one of the best places in Africa to see dramatic predator-prey interactions, with so many newborn calves attracting large numbers of predators. Lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas and jackals patrol the open grasslands, while elephants, giraffes, zebras and countless species of antelope roam freely across the landscape. The Calving Season is an amazing chance for photographers to capture dramatic wildlife behaviour, stunning landscapes and unforgettable moments that happen all through the day.
Your safari continues to the legendary Central Serengeti, home to endless golden plains, scattered granite kopjes and the wildlife-rich Seronera Valley, providing exceptional game viewing all year round. Spend a full day exploring this iconic national park as you look for the Big Five and many other animals that call the Serengeti home. Every game drive offers memorable wildlife encounters, be it lions snoozing under acacia trees, leopards in riverine forests or cheetahs scanning the plains for prey.
After Tanzania’s most spectacular safari destinations, you’ll take a scenic domestic flight to the tropical paradise of Zanzibar. Zanzibar is the perfect way to end your adventure. With its powder white beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and rich Swahili culture. Spend the next four days relaxing at your beachfront resort or opt for a variety of optional activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, traditional dhow sunset cruises, deep-sea fishing, kayaking or the famous Safari Blue excursion.
History and culture lovers can explore the Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, walk along its narrow streets, visit busy local markets and admire centuries-old architecture influenced by African, Arab, Persian and European cultures. You may also want to visit one of Zanzibar’s famous spice farms or see the giant Aldabra tortoises on Prison Island.
On your journey you will be travelling in a professionally maintained 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser Safari Vehicle with pop-up roof and an experienced English speaking Driver-Guide committed to excellent service and wildlife experiences you will never forget. Carefully selected lodges, tented camps and beachfront resorts will ensure that you are comfortable, well looked after and travel seamlessly from start to finish.
This 13 Days Tanzania Calving Season Safari & Zanzibar Relaxation is a perfect combination of wildlife, culture, breath taking scenery and tropical island relaxation. It is one of the best safari holidays Tanzania has to offer. Whether you are on a honeymoon, family adventure or living a lifelong dream of experiencing Africa, this itinerary will create memories to last a lifetime.
Safari Itinerary
Welcome to Tanzania! On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) you will be met and greeted by your professional Tanzaniatrail Driver-Guide who will assist you with your luggage and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. As you drive, enjoy your first views of northern Tanzania as your guide tells you about the exciting adventure that lies ahead. Depending on the time of your arrival you might want to relax at the lodge, enjoy the beautiful gardens or recover from your international flight. This evening your guide will give you a full safari briefing highlighting your itinerary, accommodation, wildlife destinations and Zanzibar extension. Enjoy a delicious dinner and settle in for a restful overnight stay as you prepare for an unforgettable Tanzanian adventure.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
After breakfast drive to the beautiful village of Materuni, located at the green foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Begin your adventure with a scenic guided walk through banana plantations and tropical rainforest to the spectacular Materuni Waterfalls where water cascades nearly 90 metres into a refreshing natural pool. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and take some photographs to remember by before heading back to the village for traditional Chagga lunch using fresh local ingredients. In the afternoon, go on an authentic coffee tour to learn all about the process of coffee production by local farmers, from picking to roasting, grinding, and brewing. Enjoy the taste of freshly made organic coffee, before returning to Arusha for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
After an early breakfast depart Arusha for the scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s finest wildlife destinations. On arrival begin your exciting game drive through the terrain dotted with the ancient baobab trees, rolling savannahs and the life giving Tarangire River. The park is famous for its huge herds of elephants, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, as well as lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests and many species of antelope. There are over 550 bird species recorded, so bird lovers will enjoy the amazing diversity. Stop off for a picnic lunch in the heart of the park before continuing your afternoon game drive. Return to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay as the sun sets.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Ang'ata Tarangire Camp
Premium Accommodation: Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp
Rise early for another rewarding morning game drive in Tarangire National Park when wildlife is most active and the temperatures are still cool. Keep exploring different areas of the park while searching for predators, elephants congregating along the river banks and countless plains animals grazing across the savannah. The peaceful morning light also makes for great photo opportunities with the iconic baobab trees of Tarangire in the background. After your game drive, enjoy lunch before leaving the park and driving through the scenic Great Rift Valley towards the charming town of Karatu. Karatu is surrounded by rolling green hills and coffee plantations and is a peaceful place to relax, enjoy dinner and get ready for the exciting wildlife adventures that are awaiting you in Ngorongoro and Ndutu.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
After breakfast drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend some 600 metres into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries. Spend the morning exploring the crater floor in search of the endangered black rhino, elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, hyenas, zebras and numerous bird species that live in this unique ecosystem. Stop for a picnic lunch at the famous hippo pool, then hike up the crater rim and continue on your way to the Ndutu region. When you enter into the southern Serengeti ecosystem, you will immediately notice an increasing number of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles as you arrive at one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations during the amazing Calving Season.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: African Safari Ndutu
Premium Accommodation: In The Wind
Today is a full day exploring the spectacular Ndutu region, the heart of the world famous Great Migration Calving Season, which peaks December to March. Spend the whole day tracking vast herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle spread across the endless short grass plains. It is one of nature's greatest wildlife spectacles and thousands of wildebeest calves are born each day during this extraordinary time. The sheer number of newborn animals draws predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas and jackals, providing exceptional opportunities to witness dramatic wildlife interactions. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush, surrounded by breathtaking scenery before continuing with your afternoon game drive. As the sun sets over the plains, head back to your camp for dinner and another unforgettable night under the African stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: African Safari Ndutu
Premium Accommodation: In The Wind
After breakfast, enjoy one last game drive over the wildlife-rich plains of Ndutu, taking advantage of your final opportunity to experience the incredible Calving Season. Look out for predators starting their morning hunt, playful wildebeest calves taking their first steps and large herds of zebras and gazelles grazing across the open savannah. Later depart Ndutu for the legendary Central Serengeti with a thrilling en-route game drive through one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife ecosystems. As you enter the Seronera region, famous for its wealth of wildlife, and predator sightings all year round, keep your camera ready for lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes and countless other species. Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in time for dinner and an overnight stay to relax.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Spend a full day discovering the spectacular wildlife of Central Serengeti, one of Tanzania's most famous safari destinations. The Seronera Valley is recognised for its permanent water sources that attract an incredible concentration of wildlife all year round. Early morning and afternoon game drives provide excellent opportunities to see lions and leopards resting in acacia trees, cheetahs scanning the plains, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, giraffes and countless species of antelope. Your experienced Driver-Guide will follow the movement of wildlife and share fascinating insights into the Serengeti ecosystem and animal behaviour. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the spectacular African wilderness before returning to explore the endless golden plains. Return to camp for dinner and overnight as the sun sets over the Serengeti.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Wake up early for a final morning game drive in Central Serengeti, when wildlife is most active and the golden morning light creates exceptional photography opportunities. After breakfast, transfer to the local airstrip for your scheduled domestic flight to the tropical island of Zanzibar. Fly over Tanzania’s vast plains and take in the breathtaking aerial views. Land on the beautiful island surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Upon arrival you will be met by our Zanzibar representative and transferred to your selected beachside resort. After your incredible safari experience, spend the rest of the day relaxing by the beach, swimming in the warm ocean or just enjoying the peaceful tropical atmosphere.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar
Spend the next three days relaxing on the stunning island of Zanzibar. Powder-white beaches, turquoise waters and swaying palm trees, this is the perfect tropical paradise. Relax and enjoy the comfort of your beachfront resort, swimming, sunbathing or just relaxing beside the Indian Ocean For the more adventurous there are optional activities including snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, traditional dhow sunset cruises, deep-sea fishing and the famous Safari Blue excursion. You can also visit the Stone Town UNESCO World Heritage Site, take a trip to a traditional spice farm or spot the giant Aldabra tortoises on Prison Island. Whether you want to relax or seek adventure, Zanzibar is the perfect way to end your unforgettable Tanzania Calving Season Safari.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar
Treat yourself to a relaxed breakfast and the final moments of your time in the tropical paradise of Zanzibar. Depending on your international flight schedule, there may be time for you to relax at the resort, enjoy a final walk along the beach or pick up a few souvenirs before your transfer. At the appropriate time, your driver will transfer you to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for your onward flight home. Your 13 Days Tanzania Calving Season Safari & Zanzibar Relaxation is coming to an end, but you will depart with unforgettable memories of amazing wildlife encounters, the incredible Great Migration Calving Season, authentic cultural experiences, spectacular landscapes and the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. Thank you for travelling with Tanzaniatrail and we look forward to welcoming you back for another extraordinary African adventure.
Meals: Breakfast.
MID-RANGE INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- Airport Transfers
- National Park Fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
- Domestic Flight
MID-RANGE EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
LUXURY INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- VIP airport pick-up and drop-off
- All national park and conservation area fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
- Premium accommodation in high-end lodges or luxury tented camps
- Domestic Flight
LUXURY EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
- Premium wines and spirits (unless specified)
FAQs
The Tanzania Calving Season Safari is a unique wildlife experience that occurs every year from late January to March when over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu Plains. It is one of the most spectacular phases of the Great Wildebeest Migration and provides for some exceptional wildlife viewing and predator action.
Tanzania Calving Season Safari Best Time: Late January to early March. February is normally the peak of calving season when thousands of wildebeest are born every day, creating incredible wildlife activity on the plains.
The calving season is mainly in the Ndutu area, Southern Serengeti National Park and sections of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. These short-grass plains are full of nutrients -- the perfect place for wildebeest to give birth to their babies.
The volcanic grasslands of the southern Serengeti are full of minerals and nutrients and there is plenty of food for nursing mothers. The open plains also enable wildebeest to spot predators from afar, which improves the survival chances for newborn calves.
Yes. Migration is concentrated in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu area during the calving season. There are no dramatic river crossings, but you will see vast herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle with thousands of newborn calves taking their first steps.
Besides the wildebeest and their young calves, you will most probably see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, jackals, hippos, gazelles, warthogs, ostriches and more than 500 species of birds. It is particularly a great time for predator sightings.
Yes, sure. Tanzania Calving Season Safaris offer some of the best wildlife photography experiences in the world. The combination of baby animals, thrilling predator interactions, lush green scenery, beautiful skies and active wildlife offers great photographic opportunities for the professional or beginner photographer.
Yes. Tanzania Calving Season Safaris are a great choice for families. In a safe, educational environment with experienced professional safari guides, children can experience one of nature’s great events, learn about conservation and witness incredible wildlife behaviour.
Tanzania’s green season is also the calving season when the days are warm (between 24°C to 30°C (75°F–86°F). Rain showers tend to be short, usually only lasting a short while, and the landscape is lush, green and great for wildlife viewing and photography.
Bring along light-coloured, lightweight clothing, a warm fleece or jacket for early morning game drives, a waterproof rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, binoculars, a camera and extra batteries and any personal medications. A small daypack is also handy for day trips.
7 to 10 days is the ideal duration for a safari to experience the calving season in all its glory, as well as other famous destinations such as Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. Longer itineraries can additionally include a beach holiday in Zanzibar or Lake Manyara and Lake Natron.
Tanzaniatrail we specialise in tailor made private safaris to suit your interests and travel style. Our experienced professional guides have an in-depth knowledge of the Serengeti ecosystem and closely monitor migration movements to maximise your wildlife viewing opportunities. We offer comfortable 4x4 safari vehicles, hand-picked lodges, personalised service, flexible itineraries and a commitment to memorable safari experiences whilst supporting responsible tourism and wildlife conservation.
Giving Back Through Every Journey
At Tanzaniatrail, we believe that travel should create lasting memories and make a positive difference. That’s why 1% of every safari package you book goes directly back to local communities in Tanzania. We regularly visit and support orphanages and community centers, and our dream is to establish a dedicated children’s home under Tanzaniatrail’s care. When you travel with us, you’re not only exploring Tanzania’s beauty — you’re also helping provide education, food, and brighter futures for vulnerable children. Your adventure changes lives. Travel with purpose.