16 Day Tanzania Calving Season Safari + Zanzibar Beach
Overview
Enjoy the best of Tanzania’s world-famous wildlife and the tropical paradise of Zanzibar on this unforgettable 16 day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday. This itinerary has been carefully designed for the traveller seeking adventure, luxury, relaxation and authentic cultural experiences and combines the excitement of the Northern Safari Circuit with the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Zanzibar.
Your journey starts in Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania, where you will be warmly greeted and prepared for your adventure. You will then visit Tarangire National Park, a hidden gem known for its massive elephant herds, iconic baobab trees and incredible diversity of wildlife. Tarangire offers amazing opportunities to see lions, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest and different species of birds while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
The adventure continues on to the spectacular Ndutu region, one of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations and the heart of the Great Migration Calving Season between December and March. Here thousands of wildebeests gather to give birth, attracting predators like lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas. Three days in Ndutu provides great opportunities to witness dramatic wildlife interactions, newborn calves taking their first steps and memorable photographic opportunities across the endless plains.
Leaving Ndutu you’ll drive into legendary Central Serengeti National Park home to one of the world’s richest concentrations of wildlife year-round. The huge golden savannahs, rocky kopjes, meandering rivers and endless horizons create the perfect setting for extraordinary game drives. Each game drive holds the promise of something remarkable, whether it’s seeing a pride of lions resting under an acacia tree, watching elephants cross the plains or spotting elusive leopards lurking in the branches.
The safari continues to another highlight, a visit to the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as Africa’s Garden of Eden. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and home to one of the highest densities of wildlife on the planet. There are opportunities to spot the endangered black rhino in the company of elephants, lions, hippos, buffaloes, flamingos, hyenas and countless antelope species, all in a magnificent natural amphitheatre, as you head down into the crater.
Experience authentic cultural encounters in one of Tanzania’s most culturally diverse villages, Mto wa Mbu before your safari ends. You will visit local markets, banana plantations, rice farms, traditional homes and interact with friendly local communities, learning about their customs, food and daily life. This cultural experience is a wonderful complement to the wildlife adventure and will remain with you as a lasting memory of Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage.
After your safari, hop on a short flight and head to the magical island of Zanzibar for six nights of relaxation. When in Nungwi or Kendwa you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in East Africa with crystal clear turquoise waters, powder soft white sand, spectacular sunsets and a relaxed tropical atmosphere. Spend your days swimming, snorkelling, diving, sailing on traditional Dhow cruises, visiting nearby islands, feasting on fresh seafood or simply relaxing by the Indian ocean.
This itinerary is the perfect blend of thrilling wildlife encounters, spectacular scenery, amazing cultural experiences and luxurious beach relaxation. Whether on a honeymoon, family holiday, anniversary or just living the dream of an African adventure, this safari combines the best of mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Watching the Great Migration and exploring the Serengeti, or relaxing on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, each day offers unforgettable experiences that demonstrate why Tanzania remains one of Africa’s most incredible travel destinations.
Safari Itinerary
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional Tanzaniatrail Experience guide, who will transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. As you drive through the lush countryside, enjoy your first glimpse of Tanzania's beautiful landscapes and the towering Mount Meru if weather permits. After checking in, take time to relax after your international flight or enjoy the hotel's facilities before your safari adventure begins. In the evening, your guide will conduct a detailed safari briefing, explaining the exciting journey ahead while answering any questions you may have. Enjoy dinner and a comfortable overnight stay in Arusha as you prepare for an unforgettable African adventure.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
After an early breakfast depart Arusha and travel to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most spectacular wildlife destinations, famous for its giant baobab trees and impressive elephant population. On arrival at the park, begin your exciting game drive on the different terrains of acacia woodlands seasonal rivers and open savannah. Look for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest, impalas, warthogs and many species of colourful birds, and bring your camera. Have a delicious picnic lunch at one of the scenic picnic sites, then continue with your afternoon game drive. As the African sunset turns to gold, drive to your lodge or tented camp near the park for dinner, relaxation and a peaceful overnight in the heart of nature.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Ang'ata Tarangire Camp
Premium Accommodation: Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp
Wake up early for a memorable morning game drive when the predators are still active and the wildlife is gathering around the water sources. It is a peaceful time and a great time to see elephants, lions, leopards and many other animals starting their day. After breakfast drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the striking Ndutu region known for one of Africa’s greatest wild animal spectacles. Travel across the plains, enjoying spectacular scenery, Maasai villages and abundant wildlife roaming freely. Arrive Ndutu in the afternoon for your first exciting game drive looking for predators and large herds of wildebeest. Check into your lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: African Safari Ndutu
Premium Accommodation: In The Wind
Spend the entire day exploring the extraordinary Ndutu region, located between the southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This remarkable ecosystem is world-famous for the Great Migration calving season, when thousands of wildebeests gather to give birth, attracting predators from every direction. Your experienced safari guide will lead you through different wildlife-rich areas in search of lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, zebras, jackals, and countless bird species. Witness dramatic wildlife interactions while enjoying spectacular photography opportunities across the endless plains. A picnic lunch will be served at a scenic location before continuing your afternoon game drive. Return to your accommodation in the evening for dinner and another relaxing overnight stay in Ndutu.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: African Safari Ndutu
Premium Accommodation: In The Wind
Another exciting day in the wildlife-rich Ndutu region and more unforgettable experiences await you on your game drives. After breakfast, head out into the vast open plains to look for the incredible wildlife that makes this area one of Tanzania's premier safari destinations. According to the season, witness thousands of wildebeest and zebra grazing with gazelle, with lions, cheetahs, hyenas and leopards not far behind the migrating herds. Your expert guide will lead you to the best wildlife viewing spots, enhancing your opportunities for extraordinary sightings and spectacular photographs. Have a picnic lunch surrounded by nature before resuming your afternoon game drive. In the evening, return to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and another peaceful overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: African Safari Ndutu
Premium Accommodation: In The Wind
After an early breakfast, enjoy one last morning game drive in the beautiful Ndutu region before making your way to the world famous Central Serengeti National Park. Have your camera ready, the drive is part of the safari experience, with excellent chances to spot elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, hyenas and large herds of herbivores roaming freely across the endless plains. Driving into the Serengeti you will have stunning scenery as far as the eye can see which makes for unforgettable scenery. Stop for a picnic lunch en-route before continuing with an afternoon game drive through the heart of the park. Arrive at your lodge or luxury tented camp for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Enjoy a whole day exploring the magnificent Central Serengeti, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations, home to an amazing concentration of animals all year round. Your full day game drive takes you across vast grasslands, rocky kopjes, seasonal rivers and acacia woodlands where wildlife is in abundance. See the renowned Big 5 and watch lions resting under acacia trees, elephants roaming the plains, leopards stalking in riverine forests, cheetahs searching the open savannah and many herds of zebras, wildebeests and antelopes. Then, a picnic lunch at a scenic spot. The safari adventure continues until sunset. Back to your accommodation for dinner and another unforgettable night in the Serengeti wilderness.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Following an early breakfast, depart Central Serengeti and travel towards the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend over 600 meters into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional wildlife density and magnificent scenery. Enjoy an unforgettable game drive across the crater floor while searching for endangered black rhinos, large elephant bulls, lions, buffaloes, hippos, hyenas, flamingos, and numerous antelope species. The crater offers one of the best opportunities in Africa to observe diverse wildlife within a single day. After enjoying a picnic lunch near the famous hippo pool, ascend the crater walls and continue to the charming town of Karatu for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
After breakfast drive to the lively village of Mto wa Mbu, one of the most culturally diverse communities in Tanzania. You will have a real cultural experience visiting local markets, banana plantations, rice farms, traditional houses and artisan workshops, learning about the customs and daily lives of the many tribes living in the region. You can also enjoy sampling local Tanzanian dishes and fresh tropical fruits. Following this cultural tour and lunch, continue to Arusha Airport for your scheduled domestic flight to the exotic island of Zanzibar. Meet your representative and transfer to your beachside resort in Nungwi or Kendwa for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar
After your safari adventure, spend the next five days relaxing on the spectacular beaches of Nungwi or Kendwa, where crystal clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand and breathtaking sunsets make for an ideal tropical escape. Your mornings are free to enjoy breakfast overlooking the Indian Ocean and your days are spent at your own pace. Relax on the beach or by the swimming pool, take a dip in the warm ocean or try optional activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, deep-sea fishing or a traditional sunset dhow cruise. You can also explore the historic Stone Town, visit a local Spice Farm, discover the giant Aldabra tortoises on Prison Island or snorkel around the vibrant reefs of coral of Mnemba Atoll. During your stay you will enjoy authentic Swahili hospitality, fresh seafood and local dishes and tranquil evenings at your beach resort, the perfect end to your memorable Tanzanian vacation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar
After breakfast, take some time to enjoy your last moments in Zanzibar and check out from your resort. Depending on the time of your international flight you will have some free time to relax, take a little walk on the beach or buy some last-minute souvenirs. Your driver will then take you to the airport in Zanzibar for your flight home when the time is right. Conclude your safari with unforgettable memories of Tanzania’s spectacular wildlife, the endless plains of the Serengeti, the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, the vibrant culture of Mto wa Mbu and the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. Thank you for choosing Tanzaniatrail Experience and we look forward to welcome you back to Tanzania 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.