Wildebeest Calving Season Safari
Overview
Where the circle of life unfolds – wild, intense, unforgettable.
Between the months of January and February, the Serengeti comes to life as over a million wildebeest migrate from the north to the south to calve. The calcium-rich grass shoots from the green season attract pregnant wildebeest in search of sustenance for their soon-to-be newborns. With over 8,000 wildebeest being born each day, the calving season ensures incredible wildlife sightings, with predators and their cubs following closely behind. This calving migration safari takes you to two of Tanzania’s most iconic locations. Starting off in Arusha, spend the day exploring the working coffee plantation at Legendary Lodge while taking in views of Mount Meru. Next, venture into the Ngorongoro Crater, where game drives through the mineral-rich caldera offer thrilling predator and prey encounters. Lastly, journey into the legendary Serengeti and stay at Legendary Nyasi Tented Camp, a seasonal mobile camp that follows the wildebeest migration across the plains. Each February, witness the extraordinary sight of half a million calves taking their first steps – while big cats close in on the feast.
Highlights
- Cultural Experiences
- Walking safari
- Wildebeest migration
- Game drives
Destinations
Tanzania
Duration
7 days
Price
From $12 260 per person
When to go
Dec – Mar
Itinerary Overview
Experiences off the beaten track.
Crafted for the bold + discerning.
Day 4-7
Serengeti
The Serengeti is Africa’s ultimate theatre of the wild, where golden plains stretch endlessly and predator-prey encounters unfold in real time. Home to the Great Migration, it offers front-row seats to nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacle.
Day 1
Arusha
Arusha is Tanzania’s safari gateway, nestled at the foot of Mount Meru with sweeping views of Kilimanjaro on clear days. A lively city surrounded by coffee estates and crater lakes, it offers a gentle introduction to the region’s landscapes, culture, and rhythm of life.
Day 2-3
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is a land of ancient drama, where wildlife roams freely within the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. From lion prides to flamingo-filled lakes, the crater floor delivers unmatched game viewing in a setting as spectacular as it is surreal.
Day 4-7
Serengeti
The Serengeti is Africa’s ultimate theatre of the wild, where golden plains stretch endlessly and predator-prey encounters unfold in real time. Home to the Great Migration, it offers front-row seats to nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacle.
Day 1
Arusha
Arusha is Tanzania’s safari gateway, nestled at the foot of Mount Meru with sweeping views of Kilimanjaro on clear days. A lively city surrounded by coffee estates and crater lakes, it offers a gentle introduction to the region’s landscapes, culture, and rhythm of life.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1
Experiences
Explore the working coffee plantations on a coffee farm tour and unwind at the on site spa. In the evening, indulge in gourmet meals paired with a selection of wine or a candlelit dinner at your garden cottage.
Day 1
Arrive
Arusha, Tanzania
Check-in
Legendary Lodge
Your calving season safari starts upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Here you will be welcomed by a Ker & Downey® Africa representative who will transfer you to Legendary Lodge, one of the most prestigious properties in Arusha. A short 1 hour drive from the airport, on the outskirts of Arusha, you will be welcomed to a colonial-style manor house set on a working coffee farm. Legendary Lodge features 12 cottages dotted around the lush gardens, each with a private veranda and views of Mount Meru. The property is the perfect place to start or end your Tanzania safari and the tranquil environment is ideal for rebooting after a long flight. For lunch, enjoy a light picnic before getting active in the afternoon. Depending on your mood you can choose to explore the plantations on a coffee farm tour or take to the many cycling and running trails on the farm.
If you would like to contribute to the local community we highly recommend a visit to the Plaster House, an outreach program that houses children for pre- and post- operative care, or visit the Olasive School. If you are in need of a reboot after your travels, options are to relax by the swimming pool, visit recreation centre gym and sauna, or unwind at the on site spa and choose from a variety revitalising treatments on offer. After a sundowner drink, indulge in a gourmet meal served in the old farmhouse or a candlelit dinner at your garden cottage.
Accommodation
Legendary Lodge
One of the most prestigious properties in Arusha, Legendary Lodge is set on a working coffee farm. The lodge features 12 cottages dotted around the lush gardens, each with a private veranda and views of Mount Meru.
Experiences
Explore the working coffee plantations on a coffee farm tour and unwind at the on site spa. In the evening, indulge in gourmet meals paired with a selection of wine or a candlelit dinner at your garden cottage.
Day 1
Arrive
Arusha, Tanzania
Check-in
Legendary Lodge
Your calving season safari starts upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Here you will be welcomed by a Ker & Downey® Africa representative who will transfer you to Legendary Lodge, one of the most prestigious properties in Arusha. A short 1 hour drive from the airport, on the outskirts of Arusha, you will be welcomed to a colonial-style manor house set on a working coffee farm. Legendary Lodge features 12 cottages dotted around the lush gardens, each with a private veranda and views of Mount Meru. The property is the perfect place to start or end your Tanzania safari and the tranquil environment is ideal for rebooting after a long flight. For lunch, enjoy a light picnic before getting active in the afternoon. Depending on your mood you can choose to explore the plantations on a coffee farm tour or take to the many cycling and running trails on the farm.
If you would like to contribute to the local community we highly recommend a visit to the Plaster House, an outreach program that houses children for pre- and post- operative care, or visit the Olasive School. If you are in need of a reboot after your travels, options are to relax by the swimming pool, visit recreation centre gym and sauna, or unwind at the on site spa and choose from a variety revitalising treatments on offer. After a sundowner drink, indulge in a gourmet meal served in the old farmhouse or a candlelit dinner at your garden cottage.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 2
Experiences
Embark on a game drive through Ngorongoro Crater in search of elephant, buffalo, rhino with predators following in pursuit. Your ranger will stop along the rim for you to enjoy a gin & tonic as the sun sets over the highlands before your 3 course dinner at the main camp.
Day 2
Transfer to
Ngorongoro Crater
Check-in
Entamanu Ngorongoro
Today marks the start of your African adventure. Wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee followed by a full English breakfast at the lodge. After an effortless check-out your driver will meet you at the main lodge for your transfer to Entamanu Ngorongoro, your base for the next 2 nights. Enroute, stop off at Lake Manyara National Park for your first game drive and spot the tree climbing lions and herds of elephants drinking from the shores of the lake. Enjoy a light lunch on the reserve before continuing your journey onwards to Entamanu Ngorongoro. Located in Maasai territory, 4 hours from Arusha, Entamanu Ngorongoro is perched high on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. This sustainably built camp consist of 7 luxury ensuite canvas tents each with private verandas with views of the crater as well as the Serengeti plains.
You’ll arrive just in time for afternoon tea accompanied by a sweet treat before taking off on your second game drive of the day. The camp offers quick access to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most popular sites in Africa to track the Big 5. You will find herds of elephants, buffalo, rhino and wildebeest grazing from the mineral rich caldera and with it, one of the biggest concentrations of predators following. On your way back to camp, your ranger will stop along the rim for you to enjoy a gin & tonic as the sun sets over the highlands before your 3 course dinner at the main camp.
Accommodation
Entamanu Ngorongoro
Located in Maasai territory, Entamanu Ngorongoro is perched high on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. This sustainably built camp consist of 7 luxury ensuite canvas tents each with private verandas with views of the crater as well as the Serengeti plains.
Experiences
Embark on a game drive through Ngorongoro Crater in search of elephant, buffalo, rhino with predators following in pursuit. Your ranger will stop along the rim for you to enjoy a gin & tonic as the sun sets over the highlands before your 3 course dinner at the main camp.
Day 2
Transfer to
Ngorongoro Crater
Check-in
Entamanu Ngorongoro
Today marks the start of your African adventure. Wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee followed by a full English breakfast at the lodge. After an effortless check-out your driver will meet you at the main lodge for your transfer to Entamanu Ngorongoro, your base for the next 2 nights. Enroute, stop off at Lake Manyara National Park for your first game drive and spot the tree climbing lions and herds of elephants drinking from the shores of the lake. Enjoy a light lunch on the reserve before continuing your journey onwards to Entamanu Ngorongoro. Located in Maasai territory, 4 hours from Arusha, Entamanu Ngorongoro is perched high on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. This sustainably built camp consist of 7 luxury ensuite canvas tents each with private verandas with views of the crater as well as the Serengeti plains.
You’ll arrive just in time for afternoon tea accompanied by a sweet treat before taking off on your second game drive of the day. The camp offers quick access to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most popular sites in Africa to track the Big 5. You will find herds of elephants, buffalo, rhino and wildebeest grazing from the mineral rich caldera and with it, one of the biggest concentrations of predators following. On your way back to camp, your ranger will stop along the rim for you to enjoy a gin & tonic as the sun sets over the highlands before your 3 course dinner at the main camp.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 3
Experiences
Discover the surrounding highlands on a crater rim walk with an expert guide and member of the local Maasai community. Learn about medicinal plants, traditions and beliefs of the Maasai, as well as track any wildlife that may have wandered close to the camp.
Day 3
Ngorongoro Crater
Game drive
At dawn, your dedicated ranger will wake you for your morning game drive through the Ngorongoro Crater. An early start is highly recommended to avoid the hordes of visitors making their way to the crater. After a strong cup of coffee, take to the reserve with your guide to explore one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. Your guide will stop enroute for a packed breakfast before returning to the camp. After a light lunch you can choose to continue your wildlife journey or enjoy some downtime at camp. Pull on your walking shoes and learn about the Maasai day to day life on a visit to a nearby village. Make your way back to camp on foot and explore the surrounding highlands on a crater rim walk with an expert guide, along with a member of the local Maasai community. Your guides will lead you through the terrain pointing out
medicinal plants, educating you on the traditions and beliefs of the Maasai, as well as tracking any wildlife that has wondered close to the camp. Return to the main camp to watch the sunset over the crater followed by dinner and a nightcap.
Accommodation
Entamanu Ngorongoro
Located in Maasai territory, Entamanu Ngorongoro is perched high on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. This sustainably built camp consist of 7 luxury ensuite canvas tents each with private verandas with views of the crater as well as the Serengeti plains
Experiences
Discover the surrounding highlands on a crater rim walk with an expert guide and member of the local Maasai community. Learn about medicinal plants, traditions and beliefs of the Maasai, as well as track any wildlife that may have wandered close to the camp.
Day 3
Ngorongoro Crater
Game drive
At dawn, your dedicated ranger will wake you for your morning game drive through the Ngorongoro Crater. An early start is highly recommended to avoid the hordes of visitors making their way to the crater. After a strong cup of coffee, take to the reserve with your guide to explore one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. Your guide will stop enroute for a packed breakfast before returning to the camp. After a light lunch you can choose to continue your wildlife journey or enjoy some downtime at camp. Pull on your walking shoes and learn about the Maasai day to day life on a visit to a nearby village. Make your way back to camp on foot and explore the surrounding highlands on a crater rim walk with an expert guide, along with a member of the local Maasai community. Your guides will lead you through the terrain pointing out
medicinal plants, educating you on the traditions and beliefs of the Maasai, as well as tracking any wildlife that has wondered close to the camp. Return to the main camp to watch the sunset over the crater followed by dinner and a nightcap.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 4
Experiences
Enjoy safari vehicle game drives with your expert guide and traverse the Serengeti in search of the wildebeest and their young. For a more intimate safari, take to the Serengeti with your guide and explore the park on foot or spot wildlife from above on a hot air balloon safari.
Day 4
Transfer to
South Serengeti
Check-in
Check-in Legendary Nyasi Tented Camp
Wake up and enjoy a full cooked breakfast before meeting your driver for your transfer to the Manyara airstrip, where you’ll board a light aircraft flight bound for the Serengeti. Upon arrival, a camp representative will greet you and transfer you to Legendary Nyasi Tented Camp, an authentic mobile camp designed to follow the path of the Great Migration. From December to April, the camp is set in Maswa, on the southern edge of the Serengeti, placing guests in prime position for calving season. As the herds move, the camp relocates to the Western Corridor from May to July, and to the northern Serengeti from July to November – ensuring exceptional wildlife encounters year-round. Legendary Nyasi Tented Camp features 11 en-suite tents split into two separate camps, each with its own private bar and dining area. Guests enjoy a private safari vehicle and dedicated guide, allowing for unlimited game drives tailored to your interests. In the afternoon, choose between a guided bush walk or a game drive in your private vehicle, with opportunities to capture dramatic scenes of the migration. End the day with sundowners on the plains and a bush dinner under the stars.
Accommodation
Legendary Nyasi Tented Camp
Legendary Nyasi Tented Camp is an authentic mobile tented camp, strategically relocated throughout the year to follow the migratory route of the wildebeest. The camp features 11 en-suite tents split between two intimate camps, each with its own private bar and dining area for a personalized and exclusive safari experience.
Experiences
Enjoy safari vehicle game drives with your expert guide and traverse the Serengeti in search of the wildebeest and their young. For a more intimate safari, take to the Serengeti with your guide and explore the park on foot or spot wildlife from above on a hot air balloon safari.
Day 4
Transfer to
South Serengeti
Check-in
Check-in Legendary Nyasi Tented Camp
Wake up and enjoy a full cooked breakfast before meeting your driver for your transfer to the Manyara airstrip, where you’ll board a light aircraft flight bound for the Serengeti. Upon arrival, a camp representative will greet you and transfer you to Legendary Nyasi Tented Camp, an authentic mobile camp designed to follow the path of the Great Migration. From December to April, the camp is set in Maswa, on the southern edge of the Serengeti, placing guests in prime position for calving season. As the herds move, the camp relocates to the Western Corridor from May to July, and to the northern Serengeti from July to November – ensuring exceptional wildlife encounters year-round. Legendary Nyasi Tented Camp features 11 en-suite tents split into two separate camps, each with its own private bar and dining area. Guests enjoy a private safari vehicle and dedicated guide, allowing for unlimited game drives tailored to your interests. In the afternoon, choose between a guided bush walk or a game drive in your private vehicle, with opportunities to capture dramatic scenes of the migration. End the day with sundowners on the plains and a bush dinner under the stars.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 5-6
Experiences
Enjoy safari vehicle game drives with your expert guide and traverse the Serengeti in search of the wildebeest and their young. For a more intimate safari, take to the Serengeti with your guide and explore the park on foot or spot wildlife from above on a hot air balloon safari.
Day 5-6
South Serengeti
Migration safari
Over the next two days, traverse the Serengeti on your migration safari in search of the wildebeest and their newborn calves. With gangly wildebeest calves attracting a number of predators and their cubs, game drives become an adrenaline-fueled experience. Enjoy a breakfast picnic on the reserve, before returning to to the main camp for some well-earned downtime. In the early evening, depart on a night drive through the reserve, stopping off along the way for a sunset drink in the Serengeti followed by dinner at the main camp.
*Don’t miss out, hot air balloon safaris are subject to availability and come at an additional cost
Accommodation
Legendary Serengeti Mobile Camp
Legendary Serengeti Mobile Camp is an authentic mobile tented camp, set up in 3 different locations each year to follow the migratory route of the wildebeest. Legendary Serengeti Mobile Camp features 11 ensuite tents split into two camps, each with its own private bar and dining area.
Experiences
Enjoy safari vehicle game drives with your expert guide and traverse the Serengeti in search of the wildebeest and their young. For a more intimate safari, take to the Serengeti with your guide and explore the park on foot or spot wildlife from above on a hot air balloon safari.
Day 5-6
South Serengeti
Migration safari
Over the next two days, traverse the Serengeti on your migration safari in search of the wildebeest and their newborn calves. With gangly wildebeest calves attracting a number of predators and their cubs, game drives become an adrenaline-fueled experience. Enjoy a breakfast picnic on the reserve, before returning to to the main camp for some well-earned downtime. In the early evening, depart on a night drive through the reserve, stopping off along the way for a sunset drink in the Serengeti followed by dinner at the main camp.
*Don’t miss out, hot air balloon safaris are subject to availability and come at an additional cost
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 7
Day 7
Departure
Transfer to
Ndutu Airstrip
Day seven marks the final day of your wildebeest calving season safari. After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the Ndutu airstrip, approximately 45 minutes from Legendary Nyasi Tented Camp. From here, you’ll board a scheduled flight of about an hour and a half to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey home.
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