
5-Day Great Migration Calving Safari – Ndutu & Serengeti
A 5-day journey combining Ndutu / Southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
About this safari
A 5-day journey combining Ndutu / Southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Plan the camp areas around the southern herds and the early-year calving period.
This 5 days / 4 nights private safari starts in Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airport and takes you to Ndutu / Southern Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater. Your own vehicle and guide set the pace, and every stay and transfer is confirmed around your dates.
Safari snapshot
A quick look at the route, day by day.
| Day | Place | Highlights | Hotel options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arusha – Tarangire National Park | Tarangire National Park safari Scenic game drive · Picnic lunch | Kankari Lodge |
| Day 2 | Karatu – Central Serengeti | Transit game drive · Picnic lunch | Serengeti sound of silence |
| Day 3 | Central Serengeti – Ndutu | Ndutu game drive · Picnic lunch | Safari Haven Tented Camp |
| Day 4 | Full-Day Ndutu Calving Safari | Ndutu game drive · Picnic lunch | Safari Haven Tented Camp |
| Day 5 | Ndutu – Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha | Early game drive at Ngorongoro crater · Picnic lunch | Departure |
Ways to customise this trip
- Add a night in the bush, a cultural visit or a balloon flight
- Upgrade your stays or finish with beach time in Zanzibar
Route
- Day 1Tarangire
- Day 2Serengeti
- Day 3Ndutu
- Day 4Ndutu
- Day 5Ngorongoro Crater
Day by day
Here is how the days run. We can adjust the route around your dates and the pace you want.
1Day 1Arusha – Tarangire National ParkKankari Lodge / Lunch, Dinner

Explore Tarangire by safari vehicle, looking across the river corridors and baobab woodland for wildlife. The route continues from Arusha towards Tarangire National Park, with transfer timing coordinated around the activities.
- Main stop
- Tarangire National Park
- Accommodation
- Kankari Lodge
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
- Activities
- Tarangire National Park safari Scenic game drive · Picnic lunch

2Day 2Karatu – Central SerengetiSerengeti sound of silence / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel through Central Serengeti’s plains and river habitats, stopping for wildlife encountered during the scheduled game drives. The route continues from Karatu towards Central Serengeti, with transfer timing coordinated around the activities.
- Main stop
- Central Serengeti
- Accommodation
- Serengeti sound of silence
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Activities
- Transit game drive · Picnic lunch

3Day 3Central Serengeti – NdutuSafari Haven Tented Camp / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Search the Ndutu plains for the migrating herds and resident predators, with the day’s driving adjusted to seasonal conditions. The route continues from Central Serengeti towards Ndutu, with transfer timing coordinated around the activities.
- Main stop
- Ndutu
- Accommodation
- Safari Haven Tented Camp
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Activities
- Ndutu game drive · Picnic lunch

4Day 4Full-Day Ndutu Calving SafariSafari Haven Tented Camp / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Search the Ndutu plains for the migrating herds and resident predators, with the day’s driving adjusted to seasonal conditions.
- Main stop
- Ndutu
- Accommodation
- Safari Haven Tented Camp
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Activities
- Ndutu game drive · Picnic lunch

5Day 5Ndutu – Ngorongoro Crater – ArushaBreakfast, Lunch

Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for wildlife viewing across the basin’s grasslands, wetlands and lake margins. The route continues from Ndutu towards Arusha, with transfer timing coordinated around the activities.
- Main stop
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Activities
- Early game drive at Ngorongoro crater · Picnic lunch
Accommodation
Where you stay on this trip. We can move the comfort level up or down when we plan your dates.
Tour rates
Your price depends on your dates, group size and the stays you choose. We confirm it in writing once we have checked availability.
Prices are per person and assume shared rooms. Season, park fees, group size, flights and lodge availability all affect the final quote.
Get my exact quoteWhat’s included
Included
- A detailed proposal will confirm the vehicle, guide, accommodation, meals and park fees included in your chosen arrangement.
Not included
- International flights, visas and travel insurance unless explicitly stated.
- Optional activities and personal expenses not listed in the confirmed proposal.
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Read guideFrequently asked questions
Can this 5 days / 4 nights itinerary be changed?
Yes. We can review your dates, daily pace, room preferences and interests, then build a specific proposal. Changes to flights, activities or park nights may affect cost and availability.
Which accommodation will I stay in?
Your proposal will name the properties and room categories for each night. Any stays shown here are planning options and remain subject to availability; alternative properties are agreed before confirmation.
What wildlife will we see?
Wildlife sightings depend on season, weather and the animals themselves. Your guide plans around local conditions, but particular species, migration movements and river crossings cannot be guaranteed.
Can I change the route and accommodation?
Yes. The published routes are starting points. Tell us your dates, interests and preferred comfort level so we can adjust nights, transfers and activities before quoting.
What determines the final price?
The travel season, number of travellers sharing a vehicle, park fees, room arrangements, lodge availability and domestic flights all affect cost. Your written proposal will identify inclusions and optional extras.
Can the safari finish in Zanzibar?
A mainland safari can connect with Zanzibar by a separately arranged domestic flight. Leave enough time for the transfer and confirm baggage allowances before booking flights.
When is the best time for a Tanzania safari?
Wildlife can be seen all year. June to October is dry, with animals gathering near water. January to March brings the calving season in the southern Serengeti. April and May are the long rains: greener, quieter and often better value. We match the parks and camps to the month you travel.
How many days do I need?
Two or three days suit Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Four to six days let you add the Serengeti without rushing, and seven or more give time for extra parks, a cultural visit or the coast. Fewer long drives usually means a better trip.
Is the safari private?
Our tailor-made safaris are private: your own vehicle and guide, and a daily pace set around your group. Shared departures can sometimes be arranged for solo travellers — ask us and we’ll explain the options.
What vehicle will we travel in?
Game drives are in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for viewing and photography. Your proposal confirms the vehicle and seating for your group size.
Is a safari suitable for children?
Yes, with the right planning. We keep drives shorter, choose family-friendly rooms and build in rest time. Some camps and activities have minimum ages, so please share each child’s age when you enquire.
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Most lodges and camps can prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other meals with notice. Tell us about allergies or requirements when you enquire and we’ll pass them to every property on your route.
Do I need vaccinations or malaria tablets?
Requirements depend on your nationality and recent travel, and a yellow fever certificate may be needed if you arrive from certain countries. Malaria precautions are generally advised. Please check with a travel health clinic before you go.
What should I budget for tips?
Tipping is not compulsory but is customary for guides and lodge staff. We include current guidance with your proposal so you can plan for it in advance.
Will there be Wi-Fi and charging?
Many lodges and camps offer charging points and some Wi-Fi, but the connection can be slow or limited to main areas in remote parks. A spare power bank is useful on game drives.
How far in advance should I book?
For July to October and the holiday season, three to nine months ahead gives the best choice of camps. Shorter notice is often possible — send us your dates and we’ll check availability.
A few details.
A good beginning.
Tell us who is coming and what you would love to find here. We’ll send back a route you can read, question and make your own.
- Planned around your dates and interests
- Midrange or luxury, at your pace
- A personal conversation with our local team





