8 days Wildebeests Migration
Tour snapshot
Duration
8 Days, 7 Nights
Tour Type
Tanzania Safari
Tour Style
Private
Tour Overview
This is our typical 8-Day wildebeests calving safari in Northern Tanzania including a visit to the Ndutu Plains in south of the Serengeti National Park. The package takes 8 days in Tanzania including the the arrival day and we have included the Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater in order to give you a variety but also to breakdown the driving into manageable distances.
Every year between November and December the Wildebeests Migration herds after returning to Serengeti from the Masai Mara, cross the Central Serengeti and cross over to Ndutu plains an area that is considered South Serengeti but administratively under The Ngorongoro Conservation Area for their calving season. This breeding season in the Ndutu plains goes on for a period between December through the month of March.
Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
This day is set aside for your arrival into Tanzania and our representative meets you on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. He or she will transfer you to your lodge around Arusha town. Your dinner is included.
Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
After a long flight to Africa we usually recommend starting easy while also cutting down the distances and so after breakfast you will be picked up and transferred to Tarangire National Park in a 4×4 Safari jeep. At Tarangire we register at the gate and continue with game drives for the rest of the day as we explore the African wilderness for the first day of our safari. This park is famous for its the large populations of elephants and its gigantic age old baobabs, but it has much more to offer in terms of many animals and birds that are resident to this park. We expect to see lions, cheetahs, warthogs, gazelles, dikdiks, the rare long necked gerenuks and many more. Later in the afternoon we retire to the lodge for dinner and overnight. All meals included.
Day 3: Tarangire – Ndutu Plains/South Serengeti
Breakfast at the lodge, or Camp early this morning and we are off to Ndutu plains for the migration safari in Southern Serengeti. We will have a brief stop at the Loduare Main Gate before entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, an another brief stop to take pictures and get some stunning views over the Ngorongoro Crater floor. We will then drive further to Lake Ndutu area where the action takes place during the months of December through March. Picnic will be served and the afternoon will be spent doing game drives until later in the afternoon time to check in at the lodge or camp for dinner and overnight. All meals included.
Day 4-5: Ndutu Plains Calving Safari
These 2 more days will be spent at the Ndutu plains within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Ndutu plains is where it all happens in the month of January to March as the wildebeests Migration give birth to thousands of young calves every day. At Ndutu plains with the green pastures during this time of the year and the rich mineral soils that the herds adore you are sure to see the thousands of wildebeests accompanied by zebras, and gazelles spread along vast areas, as well as have the rare chance to witness some real wildlife action as the predators engage the herds and try to snatch their loved newly born foals. Walking safari with an armed range is also an optional activity that you can enjoy at Ndutu, and you only need to ask your diver to arrange that. Accompanied by an armed ranger you will see animals at close range while listening to the lectures offered by the trained naturalists and rangers rangers. Ndutu is also an amazing place to be for the avid bird watchers with 400 recorded resident and migratory bird species recorded. Overnight at Ndutu Safari Lodge or Serengeti Savannah Ndutu Camp. All meals included.
Day 6: Serengeti National Park
It is worthy visiting the Serengeti National Park having come this far. After breakfast at your lodge or camp we check out and drive a short distance to the Naabi Hill Gate where you will register and enter the Serengeti National Park for a day of game drives around the Central areas like Seronera Valley and around the Moru Kopjes. Later in the afternoon you will check in at the lodge or camp for dinner and overnight. Overnight at Kenzan Tented Camp or Kati Kati Tented Camp. All meals included.
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Early morning breakfast and check out of the lodge or camp and drive backwards to the Ngorongoro Crater. We will register at the Naabi Hill Gate again and at the Seneto Gate then descend the 600 high walls of the Ngorongoro Crater to the floor of the Crater for a full day of Game drives. Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unbroken Caldera in the world and a wonderful place to be with an estimated 20000 animals roaming such a small area of just about 21 Kilometers across. The Crater offers the last chance to clock the Big five with the best chance to spot the black rhinos and leopards as well as many other animals. Later in the afternoon we will ascend up the Crater rim for overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge or drive out of the Conservation Area for overnight at Ngorongoro Farm House or Farm House Valley at Karatu nearby.
Day 8: Departure
Breakfast at your lodge then you will drive back to Arusha where your safari ends. At Arusha you can be dropped at The Arusha Airport for a flight to Zanzibar or transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for departure.
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
- Park fees
- Park Fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary.
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Visa on arrival
- International flight
- Travel insurance
- Personal Expenses (e.g., laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Optional Tours
- Tips to your safari guide
Packing list for safari
Travel Documents
- Valid passport
- Yellow fever vaccination records/ certificate.
- Tanzania visa, available at airport upon arrival, USD $100 payable in cash only for US citizens or USD $50 for residents of UK/European Union and most other countries.
- Copy of flight itinerary.
- Copy of travel and/or medical evacuation insurance.
- Personal medical/dental insurance cards.
- Credit card (Visa and MasterCard are most widely accepted).
- Cash in U.S. Dollars (bills MUST have been issued in 2004 or later)
Clothing
Remember, it’s not a fashion show out there, so be a bit more practical when choosing your safari wardrobe. Try to stay away from bright colours – khaki and other neutral colours tend to work well. It is probably best if you dress in layers since it can get cold, but also very hot.
- Sweater or fleece pullover to keep warm
- Sturdy boots or sandals
- Sun hat
- Sun glasses
- T-shirts or polo shirts (2-5 depending on how often you want to change)
- Long sleeve shirts (light weight)
- Shorts
- Long trousers
- Underwear
- Socks
- Sleepwear
- Travel towel
- Thermal underwear, gloves and warm hat (during May – Sept)
- Rain coat and rain trousers (During rainy season Mar - May and Oct - Dec)
Highly recommended
- Camera and memory cards
- Binoculars
- Sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Insect Repellent
- Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, eye drops etc)
- Malaria tablets
- Basic first aid kit and prescription medicines
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Chargers and extra batteries for your camera, phone etc
- Power adapter to fit the UK style electrical socket
Others tips
- Bring soft luggage such as a duffel bag, hiking pack or sports bag. These are ideal for packing into a safari vehicle. Hard suitcases can often be difficult to fit into the vehicles.
- Bring a backpack to carry all of your important items including travel documents, money, camera, medication etc. You should keep this backpack with you at all times.
- Keep luxury items such as hair dryers/ straighteners, expensive jewellery, make up and bulky toiletries to an absolute minimum. If in doubt, leave them out.
- If you plan to bring cash, divide it into different areas of your carry-on luggage, wallet and money belt just in case something happens to one of those carry items.
- Leave some space in your luggage for the all-important souvenirs that you will probably buy. There are places where you can send packages home via DHL etc, however this can sometimes be an expensive option.
Tanzania safari FAQ’s
When is the best time to go on the Tanzania safari?
Tanzania Safari holidays are good all-year-round. Because of such close proximity to the equator, Tanzania undergoes two distinct dry and wet seasons. But the best-best time depends on the type of Tanzania safari activity you choose. However, the dry season of June to October is considered to be the best time to go on the Tanzania safari.
When is the best time to see the great wildebeest migration in Tanzania?
What should I take on safari in Tanzania?
When traveling to foreign destinations it is always respectful to dress modestly and we suggest the emphasis is on comfortable clothing.
It is often warm on the plains and at lower altitudes but cold in the hilly and mountainous areas; a rain jacket, fleece and good quality walking shoes/boots are essential.
- Shorts;
- T-shirts;
- Rain jacket;
- Warm sweater;
- Hat;
- Swimsuit & swimsuit cover-up;
- Sunglasses;
- Safari boots;
- Sneakers;
- Fast Aid kit;
- Plasters and anti-bacterial medicines;
- Binoculars for animal sighting
For a detailed list of items read Tanzania Safari Packing List.
What does a Tanzania Safari cost?
Ideally, there is no fixed price range for Tanzania safari. There are several factors such as time, numbers of days, and accommodations types that influence the Tanzania safari cost. However, the average cost of Tanzania Safari per day can come down to $400 (dollars) per head for a lodge safari and around $200 (dollars) per day for camping.
For a detailed list of items read Tanzania Safari Cost.
Is it safe to go on a Tanzania Safari?
Yes, Tanzania is a fairly safe country. Every year millions of tourists visit this beautiful country in the hopes of a thrilling Tanzania travel experience. And, the statistics say that maximum tourists leave the country with their heart bubbling with joy and a secret promise to visit again.
Where will I stay during the Tanzania safari?
Tanzania offers a great range of lodges and tented camps. However, your Tanzania accommodations depend on the type of packages you have purchased like budget safaris, standard or luxury Tanzania safari.
What is the official language of Tanzania?
Tanzania has two official languages: English and Swahili. But the national language of Tanzania is Swahili.
How long does it take to do safari in Tanzania?
The duration of an ideal Tanzania safari can take between 5 to 10 days, to ensure you hit all the top spots on your safari. The length though can depend on how long you'd like to stay and enjoy a specific place, hotel, park on your itinerary.
What is the current Covid status of Tanzania?
All travelers are required to produce proof of vaccination; a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19. It is mandatory to wear masks and maintain social distance in public. As the status is changing we recommend consulting our team for further details.
Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Tanzania?
There is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Tanzania as long as travelers do not test positive when they are tested on arrival in Tanzania.
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