Calving Season & Big Five

Safari summary

Experience Tanzania at one of its most spectacular times of year on an unforgettable safari through the heart of the country’s northern wilderness. This carefully designed journey combines the dramatic landscapes of the Serengeti, the extraordinary wildlife concentration of the Ngorongoro Crater, and the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire National Park. Travelling during the calving season offers a unique opportunity to witness one of nature’s most remarkable events, as thousands of wildebeest give birth across the southern Serengeti plains.

Your adventure begins in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s renowned safari destinations. From here, you will travel into the northern safari circuit, where changing landscapes, traditional communities, and spectacular wildlife create an exciting introduction to the country. Throughout the journey, you will travel in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide who will share knowledge about wildlife, conservation, local culture, and the ecosystems you explore.

The safari takes you to Tarangire National Park, a beautiful and diverse wildlife area known for its ancient baobab trees, open grasslands, woodland, and seasonal water sources. Tarangire is particularly famous for its impressive elephant population, and game drives often provide opportunities to watch large herds moving through the landscape. You may also encounter lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, impalas, warthogs, monkeys, and a wide variety of bird species. The park’s distinctive scenery and abundant wildlife make it an excellent beginning to your Tanzanian adventure.

From Tarangire, continue towards Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. The Serengeti is famous for its endless plains and extraordinary concentration of wildlife. During the calving season, the southern Serengeti becomes a particularly important area for the Great Migration. Large herds of wildebeest gather on the nutrient-rich plains, where females give birth to thousands of calves. Watching newborn animals take their first steps is a memorable experience and provides a fascinating insight into the natural cycle of life on the African plains.

The calving season also brings intense predator activity. Young and vulnerable calves attract predators, creating some of the most dramatic wildlife interactions of the year. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and other predators patrol the plains in search of opportunities. While wildlife encounters can never be guaranteed, the abundance of animals during this period creates excellent opportunities for game viewing and photography.

Your Serengeti experience will include extensive game drives across different areas of the park. Your experienced guide will help you locate wildlife while explaining animal behaviour and the delicate relationships within the ecosystem. Beyond the famous Big Five, you may encounter large herds of wildebeest and zebra, graceful giraffes, powerful hippos, colourful birds, and many smaller species that contribute to the richness of the Serengeti.

One of the highlights of the safari is the opportunity to experience the Serengeti not simply as a collection of animals but as a living ecosystem. The movement of the herds, the presence of predators, changing weather conditions, and the vast open landscapes all play a role in creating an ever-changing wilderness experience. Every game drive is different, and the unpredictability of nature is part of the adventure.

The journey continues towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater. Formed by the collapse of a massive volcanic caldera, the crater is one of Tanzania’s most extraordinary natural landmarks. Its enclosed environment supports a remarkable concentration of wildlife, making it one of the best places in northern Tanzania for game viewing.

Descending into the crater, you will explore open grasslands, wetlands, forests, and other habitats while searching for wildlife. The crater is home to lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, and numerous bird species. With patience and a little luck, you may also encounter some of the region’s more elusive wildlife. The dramatic crater walls provide a spectacular backdrop throughout the game drive and create excellent opportunities for photography.

The safari is designed to provide a balanced combination of wildlife viewing, scenic exploration, comfort, and adventure. Accommodation is arranged at carefully selected camps or lodges, allowing you to rest and recharge after each day of exploration. Evenings provide an opportunity to relax, enjoy dinner, and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding wilderness.

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About this tour

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Fine details

Safari highlights

• Bird watching—with professional guide
• Sightseeing | shopping | markets
• Wildlife sanctuaries

What’s included?

• Accommodation
• Airport transfers
• Meals
• Park fees
• Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

• Internal flights
• International flights
• Laundry
• Premium alcoholic beverages
• Spa treatments
• Tips and gratuities
• Visas