Name: 9 Day Private Safari in Tanzania: The Great Wildebeest Migration - Calving Season in Lake Ndutu
Brand: Kilimanjaro Trekking Mate
Price: 20928 USD
Availability: InStock

Accommodation

Facilities

Barbeque facilities
Dining area
Environmentally friendly
Kitchen
Special menu request
Free Wi-Fi
Internet access

You will stay at a range of classic safari accommodation, lodges, and tented camps in Tanzania, putting you in the right place at the right time to maximize your Tanzania safari experience. You will enjoy spacious safari accommodation with different accommodation types.

The package includes some of the best lodges in Tanzania, ranging from classic, luxury, and good value for you to explore. The lodges on your Tanzania safari can be completely tailored to your needs. So whether you want to live in the lap of luxury or just want a little pampering, it can be done as the perfect accommodation for you.

Lodges:

Panama Garden Resort or Chanya Lodge
Marera Valley Lodge or Baghayo Garden
Tanzania Bush Camp or Acacia Migration Tented Lodge
Tukaone Tented Lodge or Embalakai Tented Lodge
Rhino Lodge

Panama Garden Resort

Located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in Africa, Panama Garden Resort is a three-star elegant resort, an ideal place for unique moments of relaxation. The surroundings are those of gardens with local flowers and trees with an outdoor pool with a pool bar, BBQ corner, outdoor garden area catering setup rest are, children playground, free Wi-Fi all over, fully stocked curio shop and also free parking.

The resort also has rooms suitable for all guests and offers a high-quality continental style buffet breakfast with fresh local products. Rooftop (summit roof) gives an opportunity to take a glimpse of the Kilimanjaro Mountain and take early morning photos.

Accommodation level: Mid-range

Chanya Lodge

Chanya Lodge is nestled on the outskirts of Moshi town, in Tanzania (East Africa), at the foothills of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. The prime location of the lodge is a 50-minute drive away from Kilimanjaro International Airport, making it an ideal stay for trekkers, safari seekers, business people and families. Guests are warmly welcomed by the smiles of friendly, helpful staff and accommodated in one of 32 en-suite rooms. The lodge is known for its abundant green carpeted-grass gardens, multi-cuisine restaurant and its large swimming pool.

Marera Valley Lodge

Located between Karatu Town and Rhotia Village, Marera Valley Lodge is close to the main road to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Lovely country setting and beautifully landscaped, the lodge offers 19 spacious cottages with views and private decks.

Baghayo Garden

Baghayo homestead offers warm hospitality in a country setting. Set on five acres of coffee estate, neighbouring Ngorongoro, the family has been stewards of this land for three generations. The idea for the lodge grew out of traditional Tanzanian hospitality. The owner, Reginald Bayo, is a trained chef, a leader in the community and committed to his family. With many years of experience in Tanzania tourism and while he has been involved in developing a group of lodges for the last fifteen years, this endeavor is an act of love. The idea to share the roots of the Baghayo family took hold and resulted in the creation of an incredibly special retreat for visitors to Tanzania. Comfortable accommodation, stunning views, caring service, and farm to table cuisine all combine to provide a unique experience for you.

Tanzania Bush Camp

Serengeti is a semi-permanent camp offering wilderness and luxury in Serengeti National Park. This finest camp is owned and managed by indigenous Tanzanians, the management and office staff are local Tanzanians who have great knowledge of hospitality and have spent many years in the travel and tourism industry. The team boasts excellent experiences in both general customer care and hospitality services.

Tanzania Bush Camp Serengeti consists of 12 spacious and comfortable luxury en-suite tents all with two queen-size beds fitted with mosquito nets, en-suite flush toilets and shower with a mixer tap of warm or cold running water, rooms with warm duvets, nicely local designed metal and wood beds, comfortable bedding, local made lampshades, wall-to-wall floor carpets, comfortable wooden writing table and chairs, luggage rack, coffee table and tray, resting sofa, canvas shelves, 24-hour solar lighting and a backup generator.

The tents are accompanied with a large spacious verandah in front, and the left side of your room is furnished with comfortable safari chairs and tables - the perfect retreat for a relaxing moment watching birdlife in trees around the tent, or a herd of impala grazing quietly around the camp area, or rather basically sit, relax while listening to the sounds of the African bush. Large and spacious mess tent, and lounge tent linked with bar are beautifully designed and decorated with comfortable designed chairs and sofas, antique furniture, side cabinets and chest.

Acacia Migration Tented Lodge

The Acacia Migration Camp has 19 safari tents; including 4 family tents and one honeymoon tent. From June to October the camp is in the Kogatende area, with additional tents erected at Ndutu from November to March. In keeping with its name, the camp optimizes your immersion into the rhythms and drama of the Great Migration.

Tukaone Tented Lodge

Tukaone Serengeti Camp is a private safari camp perfectly located at the heart of the Great Serengeti, with a stunning view of the Hembe Hills and the endless plains of the Serengeti. Its exceptional location is broadly encompassed by a variety of different fauna and flora, with millions of wild animals migrating through these plains year after year.

Embalakai Tented Lodge

With high-quality canvas between your comfortable bed and the sounds of the African night, these camps provide the ideal lodging for lovers of the great outdoors, while retaining the cosiness of a warm bed, a hot shower, delicious food, and a friendly staff.

Rhino Lodge

Ideally located on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater rim, Rhino Lodge offers a perfect base from which to explore the Ngorongoro Crater and its surroundings. After 21.00 the generator is switched off and a limited amount of electricity is available from the storage batteries for lighting. After dark please be careful and never walk around the grounds unless you are accompanied by a member of the staff. One of the Askaris (watchmen) will accompany you to and from the dining room. They are also on duty throughout the night should you require assistance.

Program

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Your Kilimanjaro Trekking Mate guide will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and escort you to tonight’s accommodations in Moshi/Arusha. As local Tanzanians, the guides know the country with unrivaled familiarity, so you’ll be in good hands from the moment you land to the moment you leave. You can also arrive a day earlier as the accommodation is included at no extra cost in Moshi or Arusha. Overnight at Chanya Lodge or Bru Bru Lodge in Moshi - or Arusha @ Mount Meru Hotel.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

After breakfast at your hotel, Kilimanjaro Trekking Mate will pick you up and proceed to Tarangire National Park. One of the largest national park in Tanzania located in Manyara region, this place is characterized by the large herds of elephants, tree climbing lions, and the fascinating baobab trees also called the Tree of Life for its almost mythical powers that some cultures attach to it. This park is especially known for Tarangire river which flows all year round and the only source of water for wild animals during dry seasons.

After a day spent exploring Tarangire National Park, you leave the park and head to your nearby lodge for dinner and overnight rest at Marera Valley Lodge or Baghayo Garden.

Day 3: Lake Ndutu

After breakfast, you will set off for Ndutu area situated in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is part of the southern Serengeti ecosystem. Lake Ndutu like most other rift lakes is alkaline however the water is still drinkable and consumed by a wide array of local wildlife.

You will spend the afternoon with a 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 elephant, birds, and resident game.

Watching the thousands of wildebeest and zebra majestically floating along the seemingly endless plains of the Serengeti is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will never forget.

Evening you drive to your lodge for dinner and overnight rest at Tanzania Bush Camp or Acacia Migration Tented Lodge.

Day 4: Lake Ndutu

After breakfast, you will enjoy a full day game drive in the Lake Ndutu area exploring a great range of various habitats such as swamps, woodland, soda lakes, and the world-famous Serengeti short grass plains.

Watching the thousands of wildebeest and zebra majestically floating along the seemingly endless plains of the Serengeti is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will never forget. You will witness herds of wildebeest and zebras especially during a short time-frame from around February and lasting for about 3 weeks where majority of the wildebeest calve. The sea of grass provides little cover and the young makes an easy prey for a variety of predators.

Evening you make your way back to your lodge for dinner and overnight rest at Tanzania Bush Camp or Acacia Migration Tented Lodge.

Day 5: Lake Ndutu to Central Serengeti

Today your journey continues as you head from the edge of the Serengeti into its very heart…but not before you seize a final opportunity for a morning game drive around Ndutu, where you are sure to see something new. But now Serengeti beckons, and so you continue to head north and west into what is surely the world’s greatest park.

The Central Serengeti, lying at the heart of this spectacular national park, is the most popular region in the reserve for its abundant wildlife, large numbers of big cats and quintessential Serengeti landscapes of acacia-studded savanna. Resident wildlife makes this part of the Serengeti a fantastic year-round destination, but the months of April to June and October to December, when the herds of the Great Migration pass through the area, are when it’s at its peak. You will enjoy your dinner and overnight rest at Tukaone Tented Lodge or Embalakai Tented Lodge.

Day 6: Central Serengeti National Park

Waking up in the Serengeti is something really special. The sights, sounds, and smells of Africa are all around you, and ahead is a full day of adventure in the world’s most famous national park.

After breakfast, you start today with the morning section of your game drive in Serengeti National Park, marveling at the stunning scenery, ever-changing light, and always entertaining wildlife, all explained to you by your expert driver-guide. After your picnic lunch, you set off again, searching for wildlife in this awe-inspiring park. Serengeti’s wonders evolve subtly as the day progresses.

After your picnic lunch, you set off again, searching for wildlife in this awe-inspiring park. Serengeti’s wonders evolve subtly as the day progresses. The myriad animals and birds are the ‘stars of the show’ and nature’s dramas can unfold at any time. Of course, the animals don’t work to any schedule, so you may find lion or leopard, elephant, and zebra, cheetah, and antelope at any time on your drives.

Evening you make your way back to your lodge for dinner and overnight rest at Tukaone Tented Lodge or Embalaki Tented Lodge.

Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

The exciting sounds of Africa will rouse you from your sleep. You make the most of the day with a start at 8 a.m., heading oﬀ on your morning game-drive. Later, the adventure will continue when you travel up to Ngorongoro, another African icon.

It’s almost impossible to spend too much time in Serengeti and with more than 1.6 million herbivores: plus thousands of predators: there’s always something new and interesting to see. The changing seasons and natural light simply add to the diversity.

This morning your driver-guide will help you spot some more of the many species at Serengeti, teaching you about their fascinating habits and habitats. After a pleasant picnic lunch, it’s time to drive eastwards to visit another spectacular setting for Tanzania’s wildlife, the famous Ngorongoro Crater.

On arrival, settle in at the lodge while a tasty, hot dinner is prepared for you. Tomorrow, the wonders of the crater await you. Dinner and overnight at Rhino Lodge.

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha/Moshi

Today you descend into Ngorongoro Crater to explore the panoramic, game-rich prairies of this ancient volcanic caldera. Backdropped by crater walls nearly 2,000 feet high, Ngorongoro offers the safari experience of a lifetime in a setting unmatched the world over. Observe profuse and diverse wildlife roaming freely in an authentic “Lost World,” where it’s possible to encounter every member of the Big Five in a single day.

Afternoon, enjoy lunch al fresco in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, short game drive, then you depart the crater, ascend the walls of the crater climbing up to the rim, and begin your long drive back to Moshi/Arusha to your Lodge, overnight at Chanya Lodge or Bru Bru Lodge in Moshi - or in Arusha @ Mount Meru Hotel.

Day 9: Departure

You will be transferred to the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to catch your flight back home. Or you can stay one more night at no extra cost.

Tour information

Please note that there is a short time frame from around February lasting for about 3 weeks for the calving season in Ndutu. The majority of the wildebeest migration can normally be found on the short-grass plains from December to April.

THE BEST TIME TO SEE THE GREAT MIGRATION EACH MONTH

There is no single time of year to see the Great Migration since it is an eternal annual cycle from place to place, year in and year out. However, depending on either the aspect of the Great Migration you want to witness (such as river crossings), or the time of year that you prefer to travel, your safari can be tailored to give you the best chance of seeing what you desire.

THE GREAT MIGRATION SEASONS

You can see the Great Migration at any time of year. It is possible to look at historic migration patterns to predict where the herds will be at a particular time, but ultimately these are wild animals and the annual rainfall they rely on to stimulate grass growth is becoming more unpredictable.

July - October :

Location -Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara
Experience: – River crossing: The river crossing usually starts in July, but the timing all depends on the rains. Although never guaranteed, crossing can regularly be seen at the Mara and Talek Rivers.

December - March:

Location: Northern Ngorongoro Conservation area and Southern Serengeti.
Experience: The calving: an estimated 500,000 calves are born, which can draw a staggering number of predators eager to pray on the vulnerable young.

April

Location: Central Serengeti
Experience: The Trek North: Herds move slowly northward to fresh grazing.

May - June

Location: Western Serengeti:
Experience: The rut: May is the mating season, but still the journey continues. Some herds move west toward the Grumet River, and this is the first point on the route that river crossing can be seen.

November:

Location: Eastern and Central Serengeti:
Experience: The trek south: When the rains begin in November, the herds usually cross back to the Serengeti from the Mara and head back toward the now fertile southern Serengeti. By the beginning of December, Ndutu starts seeing the herds return to calve and the whole process begins again.

Included excursions

Hot Air Balloon Safari
Masai Village
Seven-day, Safari game drive in the parks.
Park fees
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
All accommodations as stated in the itinerary
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)

Guides

Erastus Shirima

Shirima was born in Moshi, in Northern Tanzania. He graduated with a Diploma in Wildlife Management from the College of African Wildlife and became certified as a Wilderness First Aid Responder with CPR training. Shirima has extensive training and is extremely knowledgeable in customer care. With a minimum of 11 years’ experience in the field, he has superior wildlife spotting skills and offer local insights that can't be found in guide books. He has extensive knowledge and experience in wildlife, nature, and the local culture of the area of Tanzania.

Location

Tanzania stands out as the go-to tourist destination in Africa. Located in the eastern region of Africa, the country is renowned for the abundance of wildlife creatures roaming freely on its vast landscape and Tanzanian park reserves. You will be visiting Tarangire National Park which has large population numbers of elephants and baobab trees in Tanzania.

The safari tour have been designed to offer you more time in the Serengeti to witness the wildebeest migration. You will experience the excitement of game viewing in some of the most spectacular national wildlife game parks in Africa.

The areas to be covered are Lake Ndutu area, as well as the Southern and Central areas of Serengeti National Park where the majority of the wildebeest are usually found.

The itinerary also include a visit to the world famous Ngorongoro Crater. Here you will witness an amazing spectacle of African wildlife – inside a self-contained world teeming with animals.

Finally, your African safari tour will also take you to the Tarangire National Park, which features some of the greatest concentration of game in Tanzania – second only to the Ngorongoro Crater – but less crowded and unspoiled – possessing a wild and unkempt beauty.

The Southern Serengeti and Ndutu areas in Tanzania are the best locations for the months of January, February and March to witness thousands of wildebeest spread across the plains grazing on the rich short grass plains. Predator action is at its peak with great sightings of cheetah, lion, hyena and leopard and a very good chance to see adrenaline packed kills.

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is famous for its abundant wildlife and the Great Migration. Children can witness the incredible spectacle of thousands of wildebeest and zebras moving across the plains. Many lodges and camps in the Serengeti are family-friendly.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its high concentration of wildlife. Children can enjoy game drives and the chance to see diverse species within the crater.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is known for its large elephant herds, and its open landscapes are excellent for game viewing. Some lodges in Tarangire provide family-friendly accommodations and activities.

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara offers a variety of ecosystems, including woodlands, grasslands, and a lake. Kids can enjoy birdwatching, see tree-climbing lions, and take part in guided walks.

Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is close to the town of Arusha and offers a range of activities suitable for families. Boat trips on Momella Lakes, walking safaris, and game drives can be enjoyable for children.

+−

Food

There are plenty of culinary adventures to be found on your safari trail as well!

We offer vegan, vegetarian, regular, and gluten-free food as well. For other dietary requirements, simply tell us in advance. We are happy to work out something and happy to keep your tummy happy.

Africa has an incredibly rich and diverse food culture. What kind of culinary experiences you can expect in this part of the world.

Eating on safari: what to expect

You can absolutely expect to find familiar, globally popular foods on your African safari. Safari lodges are used to cater to people from all over the world, and they know what people like to eat.

Breakfast: Start your day well with omelets, cereals, toast, fruits, salads, or continental breakfast.

Lunch: You are most likely going to be enjoying your lunch in the middle of your game drive, in some stunning natural location. This will usually be served picnic-style, and Kilimanjaro Trekking Mate takes these meals very seriously.

Dinner: At dinnertime, you will typically be treated to a full three-course meal, taking advantage of local produce and the culinary talents of the lodge chefs. These menus will usually have a choice of 3 different starters, 3 different mains, and a selection of desserts. Usually, the menu will feature at least 1 meat-based and at least 1 vegetarian option.

Nothing that catches your fancy? Don’t be shy to talk to your waiter - in most cases, the kitchen will be more than happy to create a dish to your liking.

Drinks: Quench your thirst throughout the day with water, coffee, tea, wine, or beer. Filtered water will always be readily available when you travel with Kilimanjaro Trekking Mate. At your lodges, there will be drinks available as well, from sodas, to wine, to cocktails.

Some lodges will offer buffet-style dining, with plenty of snacks and other tasty treats available all day, while others will offer restaurant-style dining with set menus.

In more remote areas, you can expect simpler menus, but this doesn’t mean the chefs will put any less love in what they serve!

You can definitely find familiar foods, but you can also enhance your African experience by venturing into the local cuisine.

Delicious food in ‘the middle of nowhere:

In the more remote corners of game parks, being far away from food markets and grocery stores, the supply of food can be more complicated. Most lodges will work with local communities for the supply of vegetables, dairy, and seasonal products, also supporting the local economy.

Many chefs will serve familiar dishes with influences from local cuisine, with a little creativity, using what is available to feed travelers from all over the world what they want to eat.

Special dietary requirements:

The most important thing to making sure your special dietary requirements are met is: communication.

Make sure to let Kilimanjaro Trekking Mate know about any dietary requirements in advance, before your trip. With a little extra preparation, we will make sure that your needs are met at every stage of your trip.

We will also be able to check with lodges to make sure they can provide the meals you need.

East Africa is very accustomed to plant-based diets. Many of the local meals are purely plant-based anyway.

Hungry for safari?

Honestly, Africa should be more famous for its food. The continent is host to countless destinations for food lovers, with some of the richest cuisines in the world, and every corner has a uniquely delicious gastronomic experience to offer.

The perfect safari meal is a combination of a stunning location around you and beautiful food in front of you.

Come taste the adventure with us!

The following meals are included:

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Drinks

The following drinks are included:

Water

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:

Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Organic
Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
Pescatarian
Hallal
Fruitarian
Lactose Free
Other dietary requirements on request

If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation

Things to do (optional)

There's an option of doing a hot air balloon for additional cost
You may request a visit to the Masai village at extra cost
Mount Meru waterfall and hiking
Chemka hot springs
Visit Maasai market
Visit the Cultural Heritage Center
Walking safari in Arusha National Park
Coffee plantations tour

What's included

All park entrance fees and administrative costs (value-added tax - VAT 18%)
4x4 Land Cruiser transportation including unlimited mileage on safari
Experienced safari guides (employee has eleven years’ experience in the safari industry)
Full board basis on safari (three main meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Mineral water on board safari vehicle
6 nights accommodation as stated in the itinerary (tented lodges and Mid-range safari lodges - room double/twin sharing)
Roundtrip airport transfer / Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
2 nights’ accommodation in Moshi or Arusha, one night before and after the safari (bed and breakfast)
Masai Village

What's not included

International flights (from/to home)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Services not mentioned in the program
Travel insurance and medical repatriation
Items of a personal nature
Beverages and alcohol drinks at the lodges
Tips for safari guide
Hot air balloon safari

How to get there

Recommended Airports

JRO

Kilimanjaro International Airport

29 km

Transfer included

Arusha is the nearest major city to iconic parks of Northern Tanzania like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara, and more.

It is usually best to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is only 50 km from Arusha town and 45 km from Moshi. This is the departure point for the majority of safaris. No matter what time your flight arrives, the ride takes about 55 minutes in light traffic.

Once you’ve booked your flights into Kilimanjaro International Airport, provide Kilimanjaro Trekking Mate with your flight details and they will organize a pick-up from the airport for you. Kilimanjaro Trekking Mate offers a transfer service and pick-up directly from JRO to your arranged hotel. Your Kilimanjaro Trekking Mate guide will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and escort you to tonight’s accommodations in Moshi/Arusha. As local Tanzanians, the guides know the country with unrivaled familiarity, so you’ll be in good hands from the moment you land to the moment you leave.

Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport Airport transfer included: Kilimanjaro International Airport No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.

Cancellation Policy

A reservation requires a deposit of 100% of the total price.
The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.

Language

Currency

Log in

Create your account

Thank you for signing up

Confirm your email address

Reset password

Password reset