Great Wildebeest Migration

    7 Days Great Wildebeest Migration Calvin Safari

    • Tanzania
    • 7 days

    Overview

    Every year, wildebeest migrate following rainfall patterns, arriving in Serengeti’s short-grass plains in November. They stay until April, calving in February, then move west. Our 7-day Migration safari focuses on maximizing game viewing in Lake Ndutu, southern and central Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, ending with a flight to Arusha. Customizable itinerary with varied accommodation options available. Contact us for details.

    Duration

    7 days

    Map Overview

    • Arusha
    • Tarangire
    • Ndutu
    • Serengeti
    • Ngorongoro
    • Manyara
    • Arusha

    Places to Visit

    Tarangire National ParkTarangire
    Ngorongoro CraterNgorongoro Crater
    Herd of Wildebeest Running WildSerengeti
    Lake Manyara

    Day by Day Itinerary

    You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Arusha town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming Adventure. Overnight at your arranged Hotel.

    Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge

    After breakfast A professional Guide from African Traits ltd will meet you and deliver a short briefing then drive to the Tarangire National Park for a game drive. The park runs along the line of the Tarangire River and is mainly made up of low-lying hills on the Great Rift Valley floor. Its natural vegetation mainly consists of Acacia woodland and giant African Baobab trees, with huge swamp areas in the south. Both the river and the swamps act like a magnet for wild animals, during Tanzania’s dry season. The Tarangire National Park is reputed to contain some of the largest elephant herds in Africa. This African national park is also home to three rare species of animals – the Greater Kudu, the Fringe-eared Oryx, as well as a few Ashy Starlings. We eat lunch at a picnic after which we continue with the game until late evening, then drive to the accommodation overnight.

    Non game-viewing travel time: 2 hours
    Distance: 120 km

    Meals: breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 
    Accommodation: Farm house Lodge 

    After breakfast we will head to the Lake Ndutu area, situated in the Ngorongoro conservation area, part of the southern Serengeti ecosystem. Lake Ndutu is alkaline, like most of the other Rift lakes, however the water is still drinkable and used by a wide array of local wildlife.

    We arrive in time for lunch at the lodge or camp, and after lunch we will do an afternoon game drive in the Ndutu area. The majority of the wildebeest migration can normally be found on the short-grass plains from December to April. The area is usually heavily populated with elephants, birds and resident game.

    Meals: breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 
    Accommodation: Lake Masek Tented

    After breakfast we head towards the Serengeti National Park, via the beautiful high lying farmland of Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Leaving the highlands behind, we descend into the heart of wild Africa – the Serengeti National Park – with its endless plains, rolling into the distance as far as the eye can see. We head to the central park area, known as the Seronera area, one of the richest wildlife habitats in the park, featuring the Seronera River, which provides a valuable water source to this area and therefore attracts wildlife well representative of most of the Serengeti’s species. We arrive in time for lunch and enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Serengeti national park.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    Accommodation: The Singing Grass Tented Camp

    Be one of only a few fortunate people to glide in a Hot Air Balloon over the Serengeti Plains (available at supplementary cost by pre-arrangement). Floating silently above the awakening bush, while spotting wildlife and enjoying the amazing scenery of Africa, across rivers and over numerous small villages.

    We do an after-breakfast game viewing drive along the Sogore River Circuit, which loops into the plains south of the Seronera River, and which is good for possible Lion, Thomson gazelle, topi, ostrich and cheetah sightings. The Visitor Centre close to the Serengeti Seronera Lodge and public campsites is well worth a visit after the morning’s game drive. This nicely designed center offers some interesting wildlife displays as well as a gift shop selling information leaflets and maps of the area. The center also has a shop where cold drinks and snacks can be purchased, as well as a picnic area and information trail up and around a nearby kopje. We will enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch at the center in the shade of the giant acacia trees.

    In the afternoon we will follow the Kopjes Circuit, which goes anti-clockwise around the Maasai Kopjes, which usually attract a number of lions and some formidably large cobras. Kopjes are weathered granite outcrops, scattered around the plains, most of which are miniature ecosystems, providing shade and drinking water in pools left in the rock after the rains. This makes the kopjes particularly good for spotting wildlife in the dry seasons – including lions, which like to lie in wait for animals coming to drink!

    Be one of only a few fortunate people to glide in a Hot Air Balloon over the Serengeti Plains (available at supplementary cost by pre-arrangement). Floating silently above the awakening bush, while spotting wildlife and enjoying the amazing scenery of Africa, across rivers and over numerous small villages.

    If you are not interested in Hot Balloons, you will work up early in the morning for a sunrise game drive. Then return to your accommodation area for breakfast and afterward, we continue with game drive until lunch time. After lunch, we head to Ngorongoro overnight. On the way, we can experience the Maasai traditional life and experience a little bit of these cultural people’s lives in the Ngorongoro conservations.

    Non game-viewing travel time: 4 hours
    Distance: 145 km
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 
    Accommodation: Ang’ata Ngorongoro

    After breakfast we descend 600m into this magnificent crater for a full-day game drive. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most densely crowded African wildlife areas in the world and is home to an estimated 30,000 animals including some of Tanzania’s last remaining black rhino. Supported by a year round water supply and fodder, the Ngorongoro National Park supports a vast variety of animals, which include herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, eland, warthog, hippo, and giant African elephants. Another big draw card to this picturesque national park is its huge population of predators, which include lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and the ever-elusive leopard. We will enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    Accommodation: Farm House Lodge

    After breakfast, I drove to Lake Manyara national park with a lunch box packed. This national park is one of Tanzania’s most dramatically located wildlife areas, consisting of a massive but shallow soda lake (covering two-thirds of the park), located at the foot of the Great Rift Valley’s western escarpment. The park’s varied habitat attracts a wide variety of animals, including one of Africa’s largest concentrations of elephants, Lake Manyara’s unique tree-climbing lions, as well as large flocks of flamingos attracted by the algae in the lake. After a game drive, then drive back to Arusha for dinner and Overnight.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation:Arusha Planet Lodge

    Inclusions

    • Full board accommodation whilst on safari in the above mentioned Public Camps
    • Private safari guide
    • Maasai Experience tour
    • Extended Toyota Land Cruiser
    • Private 4 x 4 safari jeep with pop up roof for game viewing
    • Transfers in both directions between the International Airport and Moshi.
    • All entrance Park fees
    • Ngorongoro Crater fees
    • 18% VAT to our entrance fees.
    • All meals while on safari.

    Exclusions

    • Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival, USA and CANADA passport holders USD 100
    • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
    • Meals not listed above
    • Optional Tours (balloon rides USD. 540 per person)
    • Tips and any items of personal nature

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What’s Included and Excluded in Every Tour?

    The inclusions and exclusions vary by tour. Each tour has its specific set of inclusions and exclusions. Please refer to the individual tour page to see what is specifically included in that tour.

    What Are Your Cancellation Terms?

    Our cancellation terms are standard within the industry. For more information on our cancellation policy, please visit the designated page.

    What Vaccines and Health Requirements Are Needed?

    The requirements vary depending on the country and nationality. For the most accurate information, please visit the page specific to your destination and consult the corresponding embassy page for the latest information.

    Can I Choose Other Accommodation Than What’s Specified?

    Yes, if you have a special preference, let us know, and we will offer alternatives from our vast network of company-owned and partner accommodations. Booking with us allows you to enjoy discounted rates as we have special agreements with our partners.

    Will My Mobile/Cellular Phone Work During the Tour?

    Yes, though signal strength may vary in different areas.

    What Activities Can My Kids Do While on a Safari?

    A safari offers an enriching experience for children, allowing them to observe animals in their natural habitat. Some camps and lodges offer amenities for children, such as playrooms and pools, though these are not universally available. We suggest bringing activities that your children enjoy.

    What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

    We accept various payment methods, including card payments. For more information on acceptable payment methods, please visit our payment information page.

    What If I Have Special Needs or Requirements?

    We strive to cater to all requirements, such as providing wheelchair-friendly accommodation or rooms on the first floor if stairs are a challenge. Please communicate with us in advance about your needs.

    What Are the Road Conditions Like?

    Most safari parks have bumpy but manageable roads, with some roads being paved. Generally, guests do not view this as a problem.

    Is Electricity Available 24 Hours in the Lodges and Camps?

    Most standard camps and lodges are equipped with generators, so electricity is generally available 24 hours. However, some interruptions may occur but are typically not a significant concern for guests.

    What About My Special Diet and Food Preferences?

    We cater to all diets, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, among others. Please inform us in advance about your dietary preferences.

    Is Tipping Required?

    Tipping is not required but is recommended. The amount varies by country, but you should tip according to what you feel is appropriate.

    Take Off on a Memorable Safari Experience and Explore the Wild Right Away!

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