4 Day Fly In Ndutu Plains For The Migration's New Beginnings

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4 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: German and 4 more

What makes this 4-day Ndutu Calving Season safari truly unique is its focus on one of the most intimate and dramatic events in the Great Migration—the calving season. Taking place between late December and March, this short yet powerful journey offers front-row access to the birth of thousands of wildebeest on the open Ndutu Plains. This rare moment draws in predators, creating intense wildlife encounters and emotional scenes of survival and new life. Unlike general safaris, this experience is seasonal, focused, and highly immersive, placing you at the center of nature’s raw beauty.
This tour is ideal for wildlife photographers, nature lovers, and adventurous travelers seeking something beyond the typical safari. It's also perfect for those with limited time who still want a high-impact, unforgettable wildlife experience that captures the very essence of the wild.

What's Included

Private transportation
Entrance fee
Lunch (Optional[4])
Lunch
Dinner (Optional[3])
Dinner
Air-conditioned vehicle
Breakfast (Optional[3])
Breakfast
Airport/Departure Tax
Fuel surcharge

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

It is our responsibility to pick up all travelers, when you arrive at a designated meeting point or at the airport, please make your way to the arrival hall and wait there, you are in the safe hands. Our driver will be there waiting for you holding a sign with your name(s ) on it for easy identification, meet and greet then have a transfer to your next safari point.

Itinerary

Duration: 4 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Fly to Lake Ndutu Airstrip from Arusha or Zanzibar.

    1 stop
  • 1
    Ndutu Lake

    Your journey into the circle of life begins with a scenic flight over the stunning Tanzanian landscape. As you descend towards the Lake Ndutu Airstrip, peer out your window to see the vast, open plains of the Southern Serengeti, often dotted with thousands of wildebeest. Upon landing, your private guide and luxury 4x4 vehicle will be ready to welcome you. Your safari starts immediately with a game drive en route to your lodge. The air is filled with a sense of anticipation. You'll quickly notice the immense herds and the constant, low grunts of wildebeest. This is the famous calving grounds. You will arrive at the exquisite Lake Masek Tented Lodge, an eco-luxury haven nestled on the shores of Lake Masek. Check into your elegant tented suite, designed to offer breathtaking views and complete privacy. After a refreshing welcome drink and lunch, you can relax on your deck, where the wildlife spectacle often continues right before your eyes.

    6 hours • Admission ticket included
    • Day 2

    Full Day Game Drive exploring Ndutu Plains.

    1 stop
  • 2
    Ndutu Lake

    After an early breakfast, depart with a packed lunch for a full immersion into the Ndutu area. This region is unique as it lies partly within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and partly within the Serengeti National Park, allowing for off-road driving, a crucial advantage for getting up close to the action. Today is about witnessing the miracle of birth. Hundreds of wildebeest calves are born daily, taking their first wobbly steps within minutes. However, this abundance of vulnerable young attracts the attention of predators. Your expert guide will work to show you the full circle, the beauty of new life alongside the raw reality of the hunt. Look for cheetahs on the open plains, lions stalking the herds, and hyenas scavenging on the periphery. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade of an acacia tree, surrounded by the sounds of the migration. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon, your mind filled with the day's powerful images.

    6 hours • Admission ticket included
    • Day 3

    Full Day Game Drive-Witness the Wildebeest Calving.

    1 stop
  • 3
    Ndutu Lake

    Your second full day allows you to explore deeper into the Southern Serengeti and other corners of the Ndutu ecosystem. Your guide will use their knowledge and radio contacts to locate the day's most compelling events. You may focus on tracking a specific predator, such as a famous cheetah mother teaching her cubs to hunt, or spend time with a massive herd, observing the social dynamics and the constant birthing. The photographic opportunities are endless—from intimate portraits of newborns to dramatic wide-angle shots of the seemingly infinite herds stretching to the horizon. Another day of adventure calls for another scenic bush lunch. As you drive back towards Lake Masek, the soft golden light of the late afternoon illuminates the landscape, creating a magical atmosphere. This is your final evening in the wilderness; savor a special farewell dinner prepared by the lodge's talented chefs.

    5 hours • Admission ticket included
    • Day 4

    Morning Game Drive and departure to Arusha or Zanzibar.

    1 stop
  • 4
    Ndutu Lake

    Partake in one last delicious breakfast at the lodge, keeping an eye out for wildlife coming to the lake to drink. Then, embark on a final morning game drive. This is your last opportunity to witness the calving spectacle, capture that perfect photograph, or simply breathe in the fresh air of the African plains. You will then be transferred to the Lake Ndutu Airstrip, where you will bid a heartfelt farewell to your guide. Board your light aircraft for the flight back to Arusha or the beaches of Zanzibar, reflecting on a profound journey that showcased both the gentle beauty and fierce drama of nature's circle of life.

    3 hours • Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Herbivore African Expeditions

Tags

Multi-day Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
4WD Tours
Safaris
Adventure Tours
Involves Animals
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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