December-March · Safari

Ndutu Calving Season Safari

A seasonal journey centred on the southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains when large herds gather to feed and give birth.

7 Days · Custom quote after a planning conversation · Tarangire · Ndutu · Ngorongoro

Journey highlights

  • Several nights in the Ndutu ecosystem
  • Newborn-herd activity
  • Strong predator viewing potential
  • Ngorongoro Crater finale

Practical planning

Best time
Late December to March; exact conditions vary each year
Accommodation
Permanent lodge plus seasonal migration camp
Start and finish
Starts and ends in Arusha
Travel style
Seasonal migration safari · 2-6 travellers · Easy

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day 1: Arusha arrival

    Meet the team and discuss current rain, road and herd reports. Seasonal camps and daily routes are confirmed around real conditions rather than a fixed map.

  2. Day 2: Tarangire

    Begin in elephant and baobab country, an ecological contrast to the short-grass plains ahead. Continue to a lodge in the highlands after the game drive.

  3. Day 3: Highlands to Ndutu

    Cross the Ngorongoro Conservation Area toward Lake Ndutu, watching the landscape flatten into seasonal grazing country. Start searching for concentrations of wildebeest and zebra en route to camp.

  4. Days 4-5: Ndutu and southern plains

    Use two complete days to follow the herds, nursery groups and associated predators. Your guide adjusts each drive around rainfall, fresh tracks and reports from the wider ecosystem.

  5. Day 6: Ndutu to Ngorongoro

    Take a final plains drive before returning toward the crater rim or Karatu. Stop at viewpoints and arrive in time for a restful evening.

  6. Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater

    Descend early for a contrasting, enclosed wildlife landscape. After a crater-floor picnic, climb out and continue to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport.

Important itinerary note

Wildlife movement, trail conditions, sea conditions and domestic schedules can change. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point; the confirmed proposal states the exact accommodation, transport, activities, inclusions and payment terms.

Contact Indigo's Arusha team for dates, availability and a personalised proposal.