Enjoy one of Africa’s most incredible wildlife adventures on this memorable 8 Day Tanzania Calving Season Safari, a well-planned trip through the most famous safari locations in Northern Tanzania. This adventure takes in the elephant-filled landscapes of Tarangire National Park, the incredible Ndutu Plains at the peak of the Great Migration calving season, the endless wildlife-filled plains of Central Serengeti, the dramatic Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and authentic cultural experiences with the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. This safari is ideal for wildlife lovers, photographers, families, honeymooners and adventure travellers and is the perfect mix of incredible game viewing, cultural experience and unforgettable African landscapes.

The highlight of this safari is the world-famous Great Wildebeest Migration Calving Season which takes place every year between January and March on the fertile short-grass plains of Ndutu and Southern Serengeti. During this remarkable time, more than two million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and Thomson’s gazelles, gather for the birthing. Every day thousands of calves are born, one of nature’s greatest spectacles. Within minutes of birth, the calves are on their feet and running with their mothers, demonstrating one of the world’s most remarkable survival instincts.

The abundance of newborn animals also brings an extraordinary concentration of predators. The plains are home to lions, cheetahs, leopards, spotted hyenas, servals and jackals, guaranteeing exciting wildlife encounters and different experiences on each game drive. The calving season is a bit different from the other times of migration as it is centred around the miracle of new life and offers incredible opportunities to see the predator-prey interaction in its natural setting. The open grasslands of Ndutu also make it one of Tanzania’s best wildlife photography sites.

Your adventure starts in Tarangire National Park, home to magnificent baobab trees and one of East Africa’s largest elephant populations. The park’s permanent river attracts wildlife year-round, so visitors can see large herds of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, lions, leopards and an impressive variety of birdlife. Tarangire is a great introduction to the amazing wildlife of Tanzania before heading off to the migration.

Travelling from Tarangire into Ndutu you will drive through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area where the rolling volcanic highlands slowly give way to the endless plains of Southern Serengeti. The Ndutu area has another special feature that is the chance for off-road game driving in certain areas where experienced safari guides are allowed to position their vehicles for the best wildlife viewing and photography within the conservation regulations.

With two full days in Ndutu you’ll have plenty of time to track the migration herds and witness calving season in full swing. Every day there are new opportunities to watch amazing animal action, from a cheetah creeping up on gazelle to lion prides lying down under acacia trees after a successful hunt. Ndutu is also home to resident populations of elephants, giraffes, bat-eared foxes, hyenas, hippos and more than 400 bird species, making it one of Tanzania’s most rewarding safari destinations.

Next, on to the legendary Central Serengeti, famous for its endless golden plains, granite kopjes and exceptional year-round wildlife. Even in the south during calving season, large populations of predators and resident herbivores remain in the central Serengeti. In one of Africa’s most rich ecosystems, the celebrated Seronera Valley provides superb opportunities to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and many species of antelope.

After a safari in the Serengeti, drive through the stunning scenery of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Karatu. Along the way enjoy panoramic views of the crater highlands and traditional Maasai settlements before relaxing at your lodge in preparation for your cultural adventure.

On your last day you will have the chance to meet two of Tanzania’s most interesting indigenous communities, the Hadzabe and the Datoga tribes near Lake Eyasi. Learn about the Hadzabe, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes in Africa whose traditional way of life has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years, in the morning. Continue to the nearby Datoga tribe, famous for their excellent blacksmithing, traditional jewellery and pastoral way of life. These genuine cultural interactions offer a fascinating insight into the rich cultural heritage of Tanzania and make a splendid finale to your safari.

Throughout your journey, you will be travelling in a specially designed 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a professional English speaking safari guide. The 8 Day Tanzania Calving Season Safari is an unforgettable adventure that displays the very best of Tanzania’s wildlife and traditions, from witnessing thousands of newborn wildebeest during the calving season to meeting the Big Five, photographing spectacular landscapes and engaging with Tanzania’s unique cultures.