14 Day Tanzania Calving Season Safari + Zanzibar Beach
Overview
Come and experience the ultimate East African adventure with this 14 Days Tanzania Calving Season Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday. This specially crafted itinerary perfectly combines spectacular wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, authentic cultural experiences and the tropical paradise of Zanzibar. This safari is ideal for honeymooners, families, photographers and nature lovers who want to witness one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth whilst enjoying the beauty and diversity that Tanzania has to offer.
Your unforgettable journey begins in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s famous Northern Safari Circuit. First you will explore the beautiful Arusha National Park, one of the best kept scenic secrets of Tanzania before heading to the larger national parks. The park, located under the mighty slopes of Mount Meru, is a unique combination of lush forests, sparkling Momella Lakes and open grasslands. Apart from the traditional game drives, Arusha National Park also offers a guided walking safari, in which you can experience the African wilderness on foot with an armed ranger. Few safari destinations can match the exhilarating perspective of walking among giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and other wildlife.
Continue your adventure to the magnificent Tarangire National Park, famous for its giant baobab trees, spectacular landscapes and one of the largest elephant populations in East Africa. The Tarangire River provides life and attracts thousands of animals to the park year-round, making it one of Tanzania’s most notable wildlife destinations. Excellent opportunities will be available to see elephants, lions, leopards, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest, ostriches and many species of antelope on your game drives. The tranquillity and relative absence of crowds make Tarangire one of the most rewarding safari experiences in the country.
From Tarangire you will drive to Lake Manyara National Park, known for its incredible ecological diversity in a tiny space. The park lies below the dramatic escarpment of the Great Rift Valley and has lush ground-water forests, open grasslands, acacia woodlands and the beautiful alkaline lake which attracts thousands of flamingos in season. Lake Manyara is also famous for its tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, hippos and impressive birdlife, making it a great addition to your Northern Circuit adventure.
Your cultural journey starts with an unforgettable visit to Lake Eyasi where you will spend time with the fascinating Hadzabe Tribe, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer communities in Africa. Accompanied by local guides, learn about their traditional hunting techniques, survival skills and ancient lifestyle that has been preserved for thousands of years. You will also visit the neighbouring Datoga Tribe, famed for their outstanding blacksmithing skills and rich cultural traditions. This authentic cultural experience gives you a great insight into the varied culture of the country and helps you connect with the local people of Tanzania.
The safari continues to Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Africa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world. Africa’s “Garden of Eden”, the crater is home to one of the continent’s most dense concentrations of wildlife. During your game drive you will be on the lookout for the endangered black rhino, elephants, lions, buffalo, hippos, hyenas, zebra and many other species that thrive within this incredible ecosystem.
After leaving the crater, you will move to the famous Ndutu region in the southern Serengeti ecosystem where the highlight of your safari awaits you. Ndutu is the centre of the world-famous Great Migration Calving Season between December and March when more than half a million wildebeest calves are born across the endless short-grass plains. This amazing natural spectacle offers one of Africa’s richest wildlife experiences and attracts large numbers of predators including lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas and jackals. Ndutu, with its profusion of wildlife and dramatic predator-prey interactions, is one of Africa’s most rewarding destinations for wildlife photography and unforgettable safaris.
Your journey continues into the legendary Central Serengeti, a realm of endless golden plains, rocky kopjes and the famous Seronera Valley. This is a region where you can see lots of wildlife at any time of year and is particularly well known for its resident predators. Exciting game drives with your experienced professional Driver-Guide offer sightings of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and many plains animals. Every day in the Serengeti is a new experience, a new discovery, a new animal encounter.
You’ll experience Tanzania’s most famous safari locations before taking a scenic domestic flight to the tropical island of Zanzibar, where four relaxing days await. Relax in the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean after your safari adventure at the perfect place, Zanzibar! Lounge on powder white sand beaches, take a dip in the warm ocean, or simply enjoy the lavish amenities of your beachfront resort. Adventure seekers can enjoy optional activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, traditional dhow sunset cruises, deep-sea fishing, kayaking and the famous Safari Blue excursion. You can also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town, the fragrant spice farms, or the giant Aldabra tortoises on Prison Island.
You will travel in a professionally maintained 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser Safari Vehicle with a pop-up roof and an experienced English speaking Driver Guide who is dedicated to providing you with exceptional service and memorable wildlife experiences. We have carefully chosen lodges, tented camps and luxury beachfront resorts to provide comfort, personalised hospitality and memories to treasure from the very beginning of your journey to the very end.
This 14 Days Tanzania Calving Season Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday is the perfect mix of wildlife, culture, adventure and relaxation. Stroll under Mount Meru, witness the miracle of the Great Migration Calving Season, discover the endless plains of the Serengeti and unwind on the world-famous beaches of Zanzibar. This itinerary guarantees an extraordinary African experience and memories to last a lifetime.
Safari Itinerary
Welcome to Tanzania, a land of breathtaking scenery, incredible wildlife and unforgettable adventures. Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), your professional Tanzaniatrail Driver-Guide will warmly welcome you, assist you with your luggage and then transfer you to your carefully selected hotel in Arusha. Your guide will introduce you to the famous Northern Safari Circuit of Tanzania on the way and give you useful information about the exciting adventure that is awaiting you. Depending on the time of your arrival, you can either relax at the hotel, soak in the beautiful surroundings or just recover from your international flight. In the evening a detailed safari briefing will prepare you for the amazing wildlife experiences and Zanzibar beach holiday ahead.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
After breakfast depart for Arusha National Park, one of Tanzania's most scenic yet underrated national parks. Located in the dramatic slopes of Mount Meru, the park encompasses a range of habitats from lush montane forest to open grasslands and sparkling Momella Lakes. Begin your day with a thrilling morning game drive in search of giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, waterbucks, bushbucks and the striking black-and-white colobus monkeys that live in the forest canopy. Later enjoy a guided walking safari with an armed ranger, on foot exploring the wilderness and learning about the park’s plants, birds and smaller wildlife. You will have lunch picnic then continue sightseeing and later return to Arusha for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
Depart Arusha after an early breakfast and drive to the spectacular Tarangire National Park, famed for its giant baobab trees, magnificent elephant herds and abundant wildlife. Drive into the park and start your exciting game drive through beautiful savannah landscapes where large numbers of elephants gather along the Tarangire River. Be on the lookout for lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas and myriad of bird species and keep your eyes and camera open. This park is a nature lover’s paradise. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the park before continuing your afternoon game drive through different habitats. As the sun sets, head to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay surrounded by nature.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Ang'ata Tarangire Camp
Premium Accommodation: Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp
Rise early for an other rewarding morning game drive in Tarangire National Park, when the wildlife is at its most active and the golden morning light makes for excellent photography. Continue searching for predators, elephants and numerous plains animals before leaving the park and travelling to Lake Manyara National Park. Lake Manyara is small but famous for its tree climbing lions, lush groundwater forests, hippos, baboons and colourful birdlife including flamingos when in season. Enjoy another exciting game drive and picnic lunch while exploring this beautiful park beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Later in the afternoon, continue to the charming town of Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
After breakfast, drive to the shores of Lake Eyasi for an unforgettable cultural encounter with the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. Learn about their traditional hunting techniques, survival skills and unique lifestyle that has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years from the Hadzabe, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes in Africa. Next, head to the nearby Datoga Tribe, renowned for their traditional blacksmithing, livestock keeping and rich cultural heritage. Watch local artisans as they create tools and jewellery with ancient techniques passed down from generation to generation. After this interesting cultural experience return to Karatu where you can relax, enjoy dinner and prepare for the exciting wildlife adventures that await you in Ngorongoro and Ndutu.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
After an early breakfast, depart Karatu and drive to the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area, descending some 600 metres into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa and provides excellent opportunities to see the endangered black rhinoceros, lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, wildebeests and a plethora of bird species. Take a game drive on the crater floor and enjoy the spectacular scenery around this natural wonder. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the famous hippo pool, then climb the crater rim and proceed to the wildlife-rich Ndutu area, where the famous Great Migration Calving Season takes place over the sweeping plains.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: African Safari Ndutu
Premium Accommodation: In The Wind
Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the remarkable Ndutu region, one of Africa's finest wildlife destinations during the Great Migration Calving Season. Between December and March, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest gather on the fertile short-grass plains to give birth, creating one of nature’s greatest spectacles. Your knowledgeable Driver-Guide will be on the lookout for newborn calves, large herds of zebras and gazelles, while tracking predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas and jackals that are drawn by the abundance of wildlife throughout the day. Have a picnic lunch in the bush before continuing with your afternoon game drive. Every moment in Ndutu is a good one with excellent wildlife viewing and photo opportunities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: African Safari Ndutu
Premium Accommodation: In The Wind
After breakfast enjoy one last morning game drive through the spectacular Ndutu plains en-route to the legendary Central Serengeti National Park. The drive itself is an exciting safari – there are endless opportunities to spot wildlife as you cross the vast Serengeti ecosystem. Entering the world famous Seronera area with its permanent water holes and prolific wildlife, keep your camera ready for lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, cheetahs and countless plains animals. Enjoy a picnic lunch and continue with your afternoon game drive through the endless golden plains and dramatic African landscapes. Return to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight.
Enjoy a final morning game drive in the world-renowned Central Serengeti, when the animals are at their most active and the soft morning light is excellent for photography. See the predators return from their nocturnal hunts, elephants calmly feeding, and vast herds of herbivores grazing over the endless plains. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the nearby airstrip for your scheduled domestic flight to Zanzibar Island. Fly over the spectacular landscapes of Tanzania for a bird’s eye view before arriving at the beautiful island. On arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your beach side resort, to unwind by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and begin your tropical beach holiday.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar
Spend the next four days relaxing on the breathtaking island of Zanzibar, famous for its powder-white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and warm tropical climate. Enjoy the comfort of your beachfront resort while swimming, sunbathing or simply relaxing beside the Indian Ocean. For guests seeking adventure, optional activities include snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, traditional dhow sunset cruises, deep-sea fishing and the famous Safari Blue excursion. You may also visit the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town, explore a traditional spice farm or discover the giant Aldabra tortoises on Prison Island. Whether you choose complete relaxation or exciting island adventures, Zanzibar provides the perfect conclusion to your unforgettable Tanzania safari experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar
Enjoy your last breakfast with views over the beautiful Indian Ocean before checking out of your beachside resort. Depending on your international flight schedule, you may have some leisure time to relax by the beach, enjoy the resort facilities or purchase a few last-minute souvenirs before your transfer. When the time comes your driver will transfer you to the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for your onwards flight home. This 14 Days Tanzania Calving Season Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday ends with unforgettable memories of incredible wildlife encounters, authentic cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes, the spectacular Great Migration Calving Season and the tropical beauty of Zanzibar. Tanzaniatrail thanks you for choosing us and we look forward to welcoming you back for another incredible 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.