Wildebeest Calving Season in Tanzania Safari, January to March
A true miracle of nature can be experienced from January to March every year when many of the savanna’s most beautiful creatures give birth to the next generation. This life-affirming adventure takes you to the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Crater where you can see the circle of life in all its splendor.
Rates vary due to seasons and availability - request a quote for precise, favorable pricing and tailored travel planning.
Customize Your Trip
Best Price Guarantee
Flight Booking Assistance
Multilingual Guides
Certified Travelife Partner
HIGHLIGHTS
Witness the majestic Great Migration across the Serengeti
Observe a miracle of life – the wildebeest calving season
Dramatic wildlife encounters with predators hunting in the wild
Enjoy comfortable accommodations in the wilderness
Explore unique ecosystems and wildlife at Lake Manyara
Visit the Ngorongoro Crater and its plethora of African wildlife
Wildebeest Migration Experience
This safari is all about experiencing the wildebeest calving season when the massive herds of wildebeest arrive at the southernmost point of their migration in February and March. It is breathtaking to see the herds on the vast open plains of the southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains, as over 8 000 calves are born daily. The Calving Season Safari offers travel in custom 4×4 safari vehicles with open tops for optimal game viewing. This is a small group seat-in-vehicle safari with a maximum of 6 travelers per vehicle, all with window seats. The 8-day adventure includes not only thrilling wildlife experiences but also encompasses meals, accommodation, and park entry fees.
Exploring Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro
To make it even better, the safari adventure extends beyond witnessing the wildebeest calving season and migration. It also includes visits to Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Crater. At Lake Manyara you will enjoy sightings of thousands of flamingos and its famous unique tree-climbing lions. The journey continues to the world heritage of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and The Ngorongoro Crater, a volcanic caldera with large concentrations of animals and wildlife, where you will be fed with exceptional game viewing opportunities. This part fulfills your safari experience of Tanzania’s diverse landscapes
We recommend that you book the incredible Balloon safari add-on with this trip.
Please also check out our other safari options, like the popular Big Five Luxury Safari and our Classic Tanzania and Kenya combo safari.
| Day 1 |
MOSHI | SPRINGLANDS HOTELArrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, Tanzania. After clearing customs, look for your driver. They will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name. Your driver will transport you to Springlands Hotel on the outskirts of Moshi. Overnight Springlands Hotel (with breakfast) or Similar |
| Day 2 |
LAKE MANYARA | HIGHVIEW HOTELDrive to Lake Manyara National Park in the morning. Set against the steep escarpment of the Rift Valley, you’ll find Lake Manyara National Park with its evergreen groundwater forest and various ecosystems, including acacia woodland, grassy plains, a swampy fan delta, and – of course – the expansive lake. This diversity attracts a wide variety of mammal, bird, and wildlife species. Manyara is also home to rare tree-climbing lions. The park offers excellent game viewing with buffalo, impala, giraffe, bushbuck, waterbuck, hippos, and many elephants roaming near the lake. You can also be on the lookout for blue monkeys, velvet monkeys, and the very active olive baboon. Overnight Highview Hotel (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or Similar |
| Day 3 |
SERENGETI | WILDCAMPHead out after breakfast for the drive to Serengeti National Park. The word “Serengeti” is derived from the Maasai language, meaning “endless plain.” En route to the Serengeti, you can visit a Masaai Village, a perfect place to explore the Maasai culture and even participate in some tribal activities. Why not choose to visit Olduvai Gorge, known as the Cradle of Humanity; the Museum is a testament to the long journey that humanity has made from its humble roots in East Africa to its current state as the dominant species on earth. Overnight at one of our Wild Camps* (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) * Ikoma Wild Camp, Serengeti Wild Camp or Serengeti Wildebeest Camp |
| Day 4 |
SERENGETI | WILDCAMPRelax for a full day in the Serengeti, unequaled for its beauty and home to the Great Wildebeest Migration. The huge herds of plains game, such as wildebeest, zebra, and antelope, dominate the park, while the attendant predators, such as lion and cheetah, are to be found amongst the many kopjes scattered across the plain. Its landscape varies from open grass plains in the south, savanna with scattered acacia trees in the center, hilly, wooded grassland in the north, to extensive woodland and black clay plains to the west. Overnight at one of our Wild Camps* (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) * Ikoma Wild Camp, Serengeti Wild Camp or Serengeti Wildebeest Camp |
| Day 5 |
NGORONGORO | NGORONGORO WILDCAMPEnjoy a morning game drive in the Serengeti before your transfer to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, part of the southern Serengeti ecosystem. Most wildebeest migration can normally be found on the short-grass plains from December to April. The area is usually heavily populated with elephants, birds, and resident game. Check-in at the lodge with an afternoon game drive. Overnight Ngorongoro Wild Camp (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) |
| Day 6 |
NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA | NGORONGORO WILDCAMPEnjoy a full-day game drive in the Ndutu area. Explore the range of different habitats that include swamps, woodland, soda lakes, and the world-famous Serengeti short grass plains. See great herds of wildebeest and zebra roam. This time of year allows you to witness calves running minutes after birth. This is also the time of year with the best predator action! The marshes and lakes support various bird life and the resident lion prides. Cheetahs are abundant in the plains, and the wooded ridges are always worth a look. Overnight Ngorongoro Wild Camp (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or Similar |
| Day 7 |
NGORONGORO CRATER | SPRINGLANDS HOTELThis morning, you descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for game driving and exploration. The crater is 600m deep, 16km across, and 265 sq km in area. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and game viewing in what has been described as the world’s eighth wonder. Many of Tanzania’s last remaining black rhinos can be seen grazing on the open grassland of the crater floor, surrounded by some of the 20,000 large animals that occupy the crater, including lion, cheetah, eland, zebra, and gazelle. Flamingos, among other bird species, can often be seen feeding at Makat Soda Lake. Afternoon drive to Moshi for your overnight stay at Springlands Hotel. Overnight Springlands Hotel (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or Similar |
| Day 8 |
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT | DEPARTUREEnjoy a morning at leisure before your transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your flight home. If your flight departs during the evening, why not check out our “Add on” day trip activities – speak to us to arrange this. |
A Spectacular Display of Nature’s Cycle
During the wildebeest calving season, thousands of wildebeest give birth to their young in a short period, a truly remarkable and unforgettable experience to witness. The newborn calves are often up and walking within minutes of birth and will soon run alongside their mothers in search of food. The calving season in the Serengeti is also a time when predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are on the prowl for vulnerable prey. This makes for an exciting and sometimes dramatic wildlife viewing experience as predators chase after wildebeest in search of a meal. The wildebeest calving coincides with the start of the rainy season, which means that there is plenty of food and water available for the wildebeest. The abundance of resources attracts other wildlife to the area, such as zebras and gazelles, making excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. You get to experience a larger cycle of life in the Serengeti, which includes the annual migration of the wildebeest and other grazers across the plains. This cycle of birth, life, and death is a fundamental part of the ecosystem and a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all life.
- This is extra special because of the wildebeest calving season in the Serengeti is between January and March, making it a fleeting moment. We have planned the travel plan so that you get to see the calving in the Serengeti and in the Ngorongoro Conservation area.
- The accommodation and wild camps are comfortable and well located for you to experience the savanna and wildlife
- Our safari guides are educated in conservation, and they know the ins and outs of the park. This will enrich your safari experience.
A Journey Through Diverse Landscapes and Wildlife
You also get to visit the Lake Manyara National Park, which is known for its stunning scenery, combining forest, savannah, and glistening lake. Visitors can also see the dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpment that runs through the park. Ngorongoro Crater is a massive caldera (collapsed volcano) that is over 2,000 feet deep and spans 100 square miles. The views from the rim are breathtaking, and visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of the crater and surrounding landscapes. The crater is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, hyenas, wildebeest, zebras, hippos, and more. The crater is also home to many rare and endangered species, such as the black rhino.
Tanzania activities
28°C
23°C
15°C
What documents do I need to travel to Tanzania?
A visa is required when traveling to Tanzania. Currently, this can be obtained online, on arrival at airports and border crossings, and is valid for 90 days. A valid passport is mandatory. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Tanzania.
Do lodges and camps have mosquito nets?
We carefully select the accommodation on safari so that you are comfortable and relaxed and can experience a one-of-a-kind atmosphere during your safari. All rooms/tents during your safari are fitted with mosquito nets or are insect-proofed to protect you against bites. You are also advised to use insect repellent to further protect yourself, especially outdoors in the evenings.
Is Tanzania safe to travel to?
Tanzania is generally considered a safe destination for safari-goers. Visitors should follow the safety guidelines provided and take necessary precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night or leaving valuables unattended.
When does the wildebeest migration take place?
The wildebeest migration takes place in Tanzania typically between the months of November to August, although the timing can vary slightly depending on the weather patterns each year. The migration is a continuous movement of around 1.5 million wildebeest and large numbers of zebras and gazelles across the Serengeti plains in Tanzania in search of fresh grazing land and water. In November and December, the herds of wildebeest can be found in the northern Serengeti near the Kenyan border, where they start calving. As the rains stop and the dry season sets in, the herds begin to move south in search of water and fresh grazing. By April and May, the herds are usually in the central Serengeti. By June, the wildebeest and other herbivores gather at the Grumeti River, where they must cross to continue their journey south. By July, the herds are usually in the eastern Serengeti; by August, they move into the northern region of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Is it safe to drink water in Tanzania?
Drinking tap water in Tanzania is generally unsafe, as it may contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can cause illnesses such as typhoid, cholera, and hepatitis A. Drinking only bottled or filtered water is important to avoid getting sick. You can buy bottled water at most shops, hotels, and restaurants in Tanzania. When traveling in Tanzania, it’s also important to avoid drinking water from sources such as lakes, rivers, and streams, which may also contain harmful bacteria and parasites. Instead, use bottled or filtered water to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth after brushing. Additionally, avoiding ice in drinks and peeling fruits and vegetables before eating them is a good idea to reduce the risk of ingesting contaminated water.
What are the best national parks to visit in Tanzania for a safari?
Tanzania is home to many national parks, but the most popular ones for safaris are Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on a Tanzania safari?
Tanzania is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, buffalo, leopards, cheetahs, and many species of birds.
What is the best time of year to go on a Tanzania safari?
The best time to go on a Tanzania safari depends on your preferences. The dry season from June to October is the best time for game viewing, but it can be crowded and more expensive. The wet season from November to May offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices, but some parks may be closed due to flooding.
What kind of transportation will be used during my safari?
Our safaris are in 4×4 vehicles, which are ideal for navigating the rugged terrain of the national parks. Some safaris may also include flights to remote areas or walking safaris.
What should I wear on my safari?
It’s important to dress in layers and pack versatile, easy-to-wash, and dry clothing. Don’t forget also to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small backpack to carry your essentials while on safari. Choose comfortable, practical, and appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. Lightweight, breathable clothing such as cotton or linen shirts, pants, and shorts. Long-sleeved shirts and pants can also help protect you from the sun, insects, and thorny bushes. Neutral-colored clothing such as khaki, beige, or olive green. Avoid bright colors or patterns, as they can scare off wildlife or attract insects. Closed-toe shoes such as sneakers or hiking boots for walking safaris or nature walks. Sandals or flip-flops can be worn around camp but may not provide enough protection for outdoor activities. A hat or cap to protect your head and face from the sun. Sunglasses protect your eyes from the bright sunlight. A light jacket or sweater for cooler mornings and evenings. Swimwear if you plan to visit a lodge or camp with a swimming pool. A rain jacket or poncho if you’re traveling during the rainy season.
What is the tipping etiquette for safari guides and mountain crews on trips like this?
Tipping is highly appreciated at the end of safari/mountain climb. The size of tips will vary depending on the length and complexity of the trip, the number of staff on the trip and the number of clients on the trip. Generally, groups like to meet together before the end of the trek to discuss how much they would like to tip each staff member based on their individual trek experience. You should prepare an envelope after your trek for your tip money at the Hotel. You can use US dollars, Euros, TZ Shillings or a combination of these. Please ask the Safari/Climbing coordinator at the Hotel for advice.
RECOMMENDED TIP:
Mountain Climbs: $25-50 USD per Day per Climber to be shared between guides, chefs and porters.
Safaris: Driver/Guide: $35-50 USD per Day per Car. If it is a camping safari there will be a tip for the cook $10 USD per Day.
THESE ARE JUST GUIDELINES AND TIPS CAN BE GIVEN TO SAFARI STAFF/MOUNTAIN CREW ACCORDING TO SERVICES PROVIDED.
Accommodation
Springlands Hotel
Springlands Hotel in Moshi, 29 km from Kilimanjaro, offers accommodation with amenities like an outdoor pool, complimentary parking, a bar, 24-hour reception, and free WiFi. Continental or à la carte breakfast is served at the hotel.
Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a seating area, satellite TV, a kitchenette, dining area, and private bathroom with all essentials, including a kettle. Enjoy a hiking around Moshi, with a mini-supermarket just 3 km away.
Upgrade to Chanya Lodge or Gran Melia Hotel or Tarangire Simba Lodge or Winter Tented Lodge or Tarangire Kuro Treetop Lodge.
Highview Hotel
The hotel offers dining in its restaurant or in the serene garden, with a mix of local and international dishes served à la carte or buffet style. Packed lunches are available for day trips. In the lounge, relax with a drink, enjoy board games, internet access, or cultural shows. The gardens provide shaded seating and house an organic vegetable and fruit garden.
Guests can enjoy hiking around Moshi, with a mini-supermarket just 3 km away.
Upgrade to Highview Coffee Lodge or Endoro Lodge or Hhando Coffee Lodge or Tarangire Simba Lodge or Winter Tented Lodge or Tarangire Kuro Treetop Lodge.
Ikoma Wild Camp
This camp Is situated in the middle of Serengeti Ecosystem, between Grumeti and the Ikorongo Game reserve, and features a blend of 10 huts/Boma and 15 spacious, well-furnished tents with ensuite bathrooms.
Along with stunning views, the camp offers modern amenities like internet access, bar activities, sundowner cocktails, bush meals at private sites and the multi-cuisine restaurant provides a memorable dining experience alongside the impressive wildlife.
Upgrade to Serengeti Safari Lodge or Ole Serai Luxury Camp, Moru Kopjes or Kenzan Tented Luxury Camp.
Serengeti Wild/Wildebeest Camp
The Serengeti Wild Camp features 20 spacious, self-contained tents, offers a close-to-nature experience including hearing distant elephant trumpeting at night.
Nearby, the Serengeti Wildebeest Camps – an extra area with 10 similar tents, providing comfortable wildlife encounters in the heart of Serengeti National Park.
Both camps offer modern amenities like internet, bars, a multi-cuisine restaurant and special dining experiences, including bush meals.
Upgrade to Serengeti Safari Lodge or Ole Serai Luxury Camp, Moru Kopjes or Kenzan Tented Luxury Camp.
Ngorongroro Wild Camp
Ngorongoro Wild Camp, situated south of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offers 20 luxury tents and 6 cottages near Karatu Town.
The camp features ample amenities including a dining area, bar, internet access, sundowner cocktails, private bush meals, a fireplace, Maasai barbecue, and a multi-cuisine restaurant for an unforgettable wilderness experience.
Upgrade to Ngorongoro Safari Lodge or Endoro Lodge or Ngorongoro Serena Lodge or Ngorongoro O’ldeani Mountain Lodge.
Accommodation Upgrades
Chanya Lodge
Chanya Lodge is licated at the foothills of the majestiv Mount Kilimanjaro, juat outaide Moshi in Tanzania. A convenitently drive from the airport it’s perfect for trekkers, tourists, families and business visitors.
The residence offers 32 en-suite rooms, a large pool, a diverse cuisine restaurant and beautiful grassy gardens.
Endoro Lodge
Luxury accommodations with elegant chalet-themed rooms with fireplaces and immersion tubs, a swimming pool, a well-stocked bar and conference facilites with a P.A system for over 40 people.
Welcome to privacy, tranquility and elegance.
Gran Melia Hotel, Arusha
This magnificent hotel Is located between the majestic Serengeti and Kilimanjaro National Parks, unveiling the natural beauty of Tanzania’s wilderness.
Enjoy an oasis of five-star luxury and comfort with unbeatable facilities, exclusive suites, international cuisine, spa, an infinity pool and a gym – it’s the ideal retreat for an exciting safari adventure or a luxurious business meeting.
Highview Coffee Lodge
This 8 cottage lodge comes with beautiful views over local hills and farmland, and is a gateway to Tanzania’s Northern circuit and local cultures, including Mbulu, Iraqw, Bushmen and Maasai tribes.
The lodge features 12 rooms, a pool, internet, a lounge with a bar and a fireplace, local and continental dinig, gardens, spa services and a gift shop.
Serengeti Safari Lodge
Located in the Seronera Tana Spring Area of Serengeti National Park, Serengeti Safari Lodge offers 15 luxury self-contained tents with private facilites.
Enjoy a luxurious experience with amenities as a swimming pool, spa services, a restaurant with local and continental dishes, a bar with a fireplace, internet access and a gift shop.
Ngorongoro Safari Lodge
In the southern Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this lodge offers 10 luxury tents with a large dining area and a reception.
Known for its abundant wildlife including “The Big Five” and significant archeological sites, you can enjoy unique birdlife, game drives, cultural displays, wildlife talks and a view of the extraordinary wildebeest and zebra migration.
Ole Serai Luxury Camp, Moru Kopjes
Ideally located in the Central Seronera region of Serengeti National Park, near Moru Kopjes and Lake Magadi, this luxury camp is surrounded by hills and close to the Mbalageti/Seronera River and its diverse array of wildlife and a nearby hippo pool.
It features 20 well-appointed luxury tents, all en-suite with modern amenities, providing guests with panoramic views of nature and wildlife from the comfort of their beds or verandas.
Ngorongoro O’ldeani Mountain Lodge
Located on top of a scenic hill, this 5-star colonial lodge offers breathtaking views of Oldeani Mountain and the Ngorongoro Crater rim, as well as 360 degree views all the way to Lake Eyasi and Lake Manyara.
The property is set among green gardens and local vegetation with over 130 bird species, and offers 50 deluxe rooms and a signature Livingstone Suite, as well as luxurious amenities including a spa, bouthique and a rim flow pool.
Kenzan Tented Luxury Camp
Located in Seronera, central Serengeti, this camp provides a peaceful stay in a wildlife-rich area. With essential amenities as luggage storage,and dining services including bush meals and a breakfast buffet. Activities as safaris and balloon rides can be provided.
Rooms feature comforts such as free Wi-Fi, safari showers, and mosquito nets, catering to both luxury and convenience.
Tarangire Simba Lodge
Near Tarangire National Park’s Sangaiwe Gate, this lodge offers 24 spacious canvas tents with private verandas, en-suite bathrooms, and outdoor showers, overlooking Lake Burunge.
Enjoy wildlife like lions, zebras, giraffes, and elephants right from your room or the viewing platform. The eco-friendly lodge runs on solar power and collaborates with local rangers to protect the area’s wildlife.
Hhando Coffee Lodge
This property is situated on 15 acres of coffee farm in the volcanic highlands of Tanzania, and borders the Ngorongoro Crater conservation area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers 10 beautifully crafted cottages and 3 spacious family bungalows, each featuring a cozy fireplace, a bedroom, bathroom, and a private verandah.
Enjoy fresh forest air and stunning views over the farmland, visit the coffee farm, and experience the wild beauty of the landscape right from your room.
Winter Tented Lodge
Located at Mbuyu wa Mjerumani on the slopes of Mount Mbesi kopje, this is the perfect gateway to Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park. It features 10 permanent tents, including 2 family rooms, each built on a raised steel deck with en-suite bathrooms and private terraces offering views of Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley.
Named in honor of the first bishop of the Mbulu Diocese, Winters Lodge is a sister property to Hhando Coffee Lodge in Karatu, both owned by the Catholic Diocese of Mbulu.
Tarangire Kuro Treetop Lodge
Luxury tents perched along the Baobab tree line, each tent designed with luxury beddings, en-suite bathroom with an indoor and outdoor shower and a private veranda with the perfect vantage point.
Strategically located on a towering Kopje hill it offers a breathtaking view of the Tarangire River and the path to the Silale swamp in the west—famous for attracting diverse wildlife all year round, thanks to its perennial water sources.
Included in the price:
- Full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner) accommodation while on safari
- Bed and breakfast accommodation in Moshi
- Bush lunch in the Serengeti
- Transfers to and from the airport
- All game drives viewing in a custom built 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser
- All park and entrance fees
- Transportation with 4×4 vehicles with viewing roofs
- A professional English-speaking driver/guide during the safari
- Bottled water in the safari vehicles
- Ngorongoro Crater car supplement fee
- Current Government taxes and levies
- 24-Hour support during the safari from our office in Moshi
Price does not cover:
- Domestic or International flights
- Balloon excursion in Tanzania
- Entry visa to Tanzania
- Travel and health insurance
- Gratuities to your guide, hotel staff, and porters – Find guidelines in the FAQ
- Meals, drinks, and excursions not described in the itinerary
- Any other items of a personal nature, laundry, telephone, and postage
- Masaai village tour & Olduvai Gorge tour
Rest assured, we’re here to assist with anything not covered in the price.
Your convenience is our priority.
Request A Free Quote!
- Best price guarantee
- Without any obligation to book
- Your request will be sent directly to the operator