3-Day Southern Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Price from: $1600 per person

Overview

Witness the Great Migration Calving Season

Experience one of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife spectacles on this 3-day migration calving safari in Lake Ndutu, located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a vital part of the Serengeti ecosystem. During this season, vast herds of wildebeest and zebras gather on the lush, short-grass plains to give birth to thousands of calves.

Thrilling Predator Encounters

As a result, the abundance of newborns attracts predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. During your safari, witness thrilling and raw wildlife interactions as nature’s cycle unfolds before your eyes. This is a rare opportunity to see predator-prey dynamics in action.

Front-Row Access to Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Event

This extraordinary Tanzania safari offers front-row access to the Great Migration’s most intimate and action-filled season. You will enjoy sweeping savannah landscapes, dramatic predator interactions, and one of the world’s greatest wildlife events at its peak.

Ideal for Wildlife Enthusiasts

This safari is perfect for travelers seeking:

Great Migration calving season experiences
Serengeti wildlife photography
Predator action encounters
Authentic Tanzania safari adventures

Highlights

Tanzania’s classic northern reserves: the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater
See the Big 5 in Ngorongoro and enjoy wonderful birding
Seasonal viewing of the annual Wildebeest Migration
Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal)
Comfortable midrange safari experience with expert guides and immersive game drives.
Stay exclusively in Midrange lodges and tented camps
Dramatic predator action as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas follow the herds across the open savannah.
Unmatched photography opportunities with newborn wildlife, massive herds, and sweeping green plains.
Witness the Great Migration calving season on the lush plains of Lake Ndutu, where thousands of wildebeest calves are born daily.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha – Ndutu (Southern Serengeti)

Morning Departure from Arusha

Your safari begins with breakfast at your accommodation in Arusha. Afterwards, embark on a scenic drive to the Ndutu area, located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and forming part of the southern Serengeti ecosystem.

Wildlife Highlights of Ndutu

Ndutu is famous for its short-grass plains, which are highly nutritious and attract vast numbers of wildlife, especially during the wildebeest calving season from December to April. Lake Ndutu, an alkaline Rift Valley lake, provides a vital water source for elephants, zebras, wildebeest, and numerous bird species.

Afternoon Game Drive

Upon arrival, your guide will take you on a game drive to spot resident wildlife, including elephants, gazelles, and a variety of birds. During the drive, enjoy the sweeping plains and observe animals thriving in this rich ecosystem.

Evening Arrival at Lodge or Camp

In the evening, check in at your lodge or camp. Relax and enjoy a delicious dinner before spending the night immersed in the sights and sounds of the African wilderness.

Accommodation: Nyikani Migration Camp

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in the Southern Serengeti

Early Morning Departure

After an early breakfast, embark on a full-day game drive across the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains. Depending on the season, follow the Great Wildebeest Migration as it moves within the Serengeti National Park or Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Wildebeest Calving Season

Between December and March, these plains become a birthing ground for thousands of wildebeest calves. During this time, predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are often seen hunting. As a result, visitors witness one of Africa’s most dramatic and unforgettable wildlife spectacles.

Wildlife Viewing Along the Plains

Throughout the day, your guide will highlight other resident wildlife, including zebras, gazelles, elephants, and a wide variety of birds. During each stop, enjoy photography opportunities and observe the rich interactions of the Serengeti ecosystem.

Afternoon Return to Lodge

The afternoon game drive concludes around 5:00 pm. Afterward, return to your lodge or camp for dinner and an overnight stay, resting and reflecting on the day’s incredible wildlife encounters.

Accommodation: Nyikani Migration Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: The Great Ngorongoro Crater

Morning Departure to Ngorongoro Crater

Following breakfast, depart for the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Upon arrival, descend to the crater floor for a game drive in this natural amphitheatre, formed millions of years ago.

Wildlife on the Crater Floor

The crater hosts over 25,000 animals and nearly every species found in the East African savannah. Look out for the Big Five: black rhino, elephant, buffalo, lion, and leopard. In addition, you may see wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and more than 500 bird species. With some luck, spot the endangered black rhino grazing among the grasses.

Afternoon Return to Arusha

After your game drive, ascend the crater rim and begin the return drive to Arusha. Finally, the safari concludes with a drop-off at your hotel or a transfer to the airport for your departure.