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A 7 Day Wildebeest Calving Safari in Tanzania is a spectacular experience, centered around the Ndutu region in the southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is the prime location for witnessing the calving season (January to March), when over 8,000 calves are born daily, attracting predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Here’s a suggested itinerary for 7 Day Wildebeest Calving Safari in Tanzania:
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
- Activities: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Transfer to your hotel in Arusha for briefing and relaxation.
- Overnight: Arusha (e.g., Arusha Serena Hotel, Rivertrees Country Inn).
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
- Activities: Drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Enjoy a game drive.
- Wildlife: Elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, and various bird species.
- Overnight: Lodge or camp near Tarangire (e.g., Tarangire Sopa Lodge, Tarangire Safari Lodge).
Day 3: Tarangire to Ndutu Region
- Activities: Head to the Ndutu region in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Afternoon game drive.
- Wildlife: Wildebeest herds, zebras, and their predators.
- Overnight: Lodge or tented camp in Ndutu (e.g., Ndutu Safari Lodge, Lake Masek Tented Camp).
Day 4-5: Ndutu Region (Wildebeest Calving Experience)
- Activities: Full-day game drives in the Ndutu region, focusing on the wildebeest calving spectacle. Witness dramatic predator-prey interactions.
- Wildlife: Wildebeest, zebras, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and vultures.
- Overnight: Lodge or tented camp in Ndutu.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater
- Activities: Drive to Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
- Wildlife: Lions, elephants, black rhinos, flamingos, and hippos.
- Overnight: Lodge on the crater rim (e.g., Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Rhino Lodge).
Day 7: Return to Arusha and Departure
- Activities: Drive back to Arusha with optional shopping or cultural visits. Transfer to the airport for departure.
Inclusions:
- 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
- Professional guide.
- Park fees and conservation fees.
- Full-board accommodation.
- Bottled water and meals during the safari.
Exclusions:
- International flights.
- Visa fees.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for guides and lodge staff.
End of the Safari
Best Time to Visit
- Late January to Early March: Peak calving season.
- Rainfall is moderate, and the landscape is lush and green, enhancing photographic opportunities.
Packing Tips
- Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing.
- Binoculars and a good camera with a zoom lens.
- Waterproof jacket and sturdy boots for the rainy season.
- Insect repellent and sunscreen.
The Wildebeest Calving is an event that involves over two million animals, including approximately 1.3 million wildebeest. During this time more than 8,000 wildebeest calves are born in a single day. This happens between the months of January and March in the regions of South Serengeti, Ndutu Conservation Area, and close to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
What happens during the calving season?
Pregnant wildebeest, zebras, gazelle migrate from the north to the south of the Serengeti to give birth, where there is an abundance of fresh grass. There is truly nothing that can compare to witnessing the calves take off, just minutes after being born.
With the large numbers of animals, arrive the large numbers of predators; to hunt the calves, with an opportunity to sustain their own young ones. The female wildebeests use their experience and past instincts to move to the short grass plains to protect their calves, from predators and increasing their chances of survival. Their survival is vital to the renewal and existence of the Serengeti’s ecosystem. This is a wonderful time to see the babies being born as well as the predators, with their young in action.
Contact Eco Adventure Safaris Tanzania Office for price options, availability and booking this 7 Day Wildebeest Calving Safari in Tanzania.