14-Day Kenya & Tanzania Wildebeest Calving Safari (Jan–March)
The 14-Day Kenya & Tanzania Wildebeest Calving Safari (Jan–March) is designed for travelers who want to witness one of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife spectacles, the Great Migration calving season in the southern Serengeti ecosystem.
Every year between January and March, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest gather in the nutrient-rich plains of Ndutu to give birth, attracting predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas in thrilling wildlife encounters.
Your safari begins in Nairobi and first explores Amboseli National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds and iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
From there the journey crosses into Tanzania to visit the lush forests of Lake Manyara before descending into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, often called Africa’s “Garden of Eden” due to its extraordinary wildlife density.
The highlight of the safari unfolds in Ndutu and the Southern Serengeti, where the wildebeest migration gathers for calving season.
With predators constantly on the hunt and newborn calves taking their first steps, the plains become one of the most exciting wildlife theaters on Earth.
The adventure continues across the vast Serengeti before returning to Kenya for unforgettable Big 5 game drives in the legendary Masai Mara.
This itinerary is paced carefully to allow long game drives, scenic landscapes, and comfortable travel distances while staying in handpicked safari lodges and camps that place you close to the wildlife action.
Who This Safari Is Ideal For
This safari is especially ideal for:
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Travelers wanting to witness the Great Migration calving season
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Wildlife photographers seeking dramatic predator-prey encounters
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Couples or honeymooners wanting a once-in-a-lifetime African safari
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Safari lovers interested in exploring both Kenya and Tanzania
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Travelers looking for a privately guided East African safari
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Guests wanting a well-paced safari with diverse ecosystems
Why This Safari Is Best
This safari works exceptionally well because:
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Seasonal timing: Focused on the prime calving months in Ndutu (Jan–March).
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Strategic wildlife flow: Amboseli → Ngorongoro → Ndutu → Serengeti → Masai Mara follows the natural wildlife corridors.
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Balanced pacing: Multiple nights in key parks allow deeper wildlife exploration.
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Iconic landscapes: From Kilimanjaro views to Serengeti plains and the Ngorongoro Crater.
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Private 4x4 safari Landcruiser: Pop-up roof for optimal photography and wildlife viewing.
Tour Highlights
Witness thousands of wildebeest calves born daily in Ndutu
Big 5 safari game drives in Masai Mara and Ngorongoro Crater
Spectacular Mount Kilimanjaro views in Amboseli
Explore the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater
Experience the endless plains of the Serengeti ecosystem
Opportunity to see lions, cheetahs and hyenas hunting during calving season
Scenic cross-border safari through Kenya and Tanzania
Tour Map
Tour Features
Luxury tour
This luxury tour uses lodges and tented camps.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will be shared with others.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Not for solo travelers
Solo travelers cannot book this private tour.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Suitable for all ages
This tour is suitable for children of all ages.
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Day 1
Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
Your safari begins with an early morning pickup in Nairobi followed by a scenic drive south toward Amboseli National Park near the Kenya–Tanzania border.
The drive passes through rural Maasai lands and open savannah before arriving in time for lunch at your lodge with magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
In the afternoon, enjoy your first game drive in Amboseli, famous for its large elephant herds and clear views of Africa’s highest mountain.
The park’s wetlands attract a wide variety of wildlife including buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and lions.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Nairobi → Amboseli (Approx. 240 km / 4–5 hours) – pop-up roof safari Landcruiser
Accommodation
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Day 2
Full Day in Amboseli National Park
Spend a full day exploring Amboseli’s diverse ecosystems with morning and afternoon game drives.
Early morning offers the best chance to photograph elephants walking across the plains with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.
Between game drives you relax at your lodge enjoying views of the park.
Afternoon drives explore the marshlands where hippos and water birds gather.
Amboseli’s open landscapes make wildlife viewing particularly rewarding.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Game drives within park – pop-up roof safari Landcruiser
Accommodation
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Day 3
Amboseli to Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast you depart Amboseli and travel across the border into Tanzania, heading toward Lake Manyara National Park. The drive passes through scenic highlands and local villages before descending into the Great Rift Valley.
Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, known for its lush groundwater forest, tree-climbing lions, and large flocks of flamingos along the lake shoreline.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Amboseli → Lake Manyara (Approx. 260 km / 5–6 hours) – pop-up roof safari Landcruiser
Accommodation
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Day 4
Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast you drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, ascending through scenic highlands.
Upon arrival, descend into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular game drive on the crater floor.
The crater hosts one of Africa’s highest wildlife concentrations including lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalo, and hippos.
Picnic lunch is enjoyed beside a hippo pool before continuing your exploration of this remarkable natural amphitheater.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Lake Manyara → Ngorongoro (Approx. 80 km / 2 hours) – pop-up roof safari Landcruiser
Accommodation
Ngorongoro Lion's Paw Camp
Day 5
Ngorongoro Crater Exploration
Today you enjoy another extended safari experience within the Ngorongoro ecosystem.
Early morning game viewing offers the chance to spot predators returning from night hunts.
You spend the day exploring various habitats including grasslands, forests, and wetlands, each hosting different wildlife species before returning to your lodge in the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Game drives within conservation area – pop-up roof safari Landcruiser
Accommodation
Ngorongoro Lion's Paw Camp
Day 6
Ngorongoro to Ndutu (Southern Serengeti)
After breakfast, travel toward the Ndutu region of the southern Serengeti ecosystem.
This is the heart of the Great Migration calving season, where vast herds gather to give birth.
Afternoon game drives begin immediately as you search for migrating wildebeest, predators, and newborn calves across the open plains.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Ngorongoro → Ndutu (Approx. 160 km / 4 hours) – pop-up roof safari Landcruiser
Accommodation
Ndutu Wilderness Camp
Day 7
Full Day in Ndutu (Calving Season)
Spend the entire day exploring the Ndutu plains where thousands of wildebeest calves are born daily.
This attracts predators including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, creating dramatic wildlife interactions.
Your guide positions the vehicle strategically to witness predator activity while respecting wildlife behavior.
This is one of the best wildlife photography opportunities in Africa.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Game drives within Ndutu – pop-up roof safari Landcruiser
Accommodation
Ndutu Wilderness Camp
Day 8
Ndutu to Central Serengeti
Today you travel deeper into Serengeti National Park toward the central Serengeti region.
The journey itself is a safari with frequent wildlife sightings along the way.
Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy a game drive across the endless plains where lions, leopards, elephants, and giraffes roam freely.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Ndutu → Serengeti (Approx. 120 km / 3–4 hours) – pop-up roof safari Landcruiser
Accommodation
Enkirari Wilderness Camp
Day 9
Serengeti National Park
A full day exploring Serengeti National Park allows you to experience one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world.
Morning and afternoon game drives reveal large herds of herbivores and active predator territories.
The Serengeti’s open plains provide excellent visibility, making wildlife encounters particularly memorable.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Game drives within park –pop-up roof safari Landcruiser
Accommodation
Enkirari Wilderness Camp
Day 10
Serengeti National Park
Another exciting day in Serengeti continues the search for the Big 5 and migration herds.
Your guide selects the best game drive routes depending on wildlife movements.
Return to camp in the evening for dinner under the African sky.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Game drives within park – pop-up roof safari Landcruiser
Accommodation
Enkirari Wilderness Camp
Day 11
Serengeti to Masai Mara
Today you travel north toward Kenya crossing the border into the Masai Mara ecosystem.
The journey follows the migration route used by wildebeest and zebras during their annual movements.
Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy a short introductory game drive in the Masai Mara.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Serengeti → Masai Mara (Approx. 260 km / 6–7 hours) – pop-up roof safari Landcruiser
Accommodation
Mara Intrepids Camp
Day 12
Masai Mara National Reserve
Today you explore the wildlife-rich Masai Mara with extensive game drives across its rolling plains.
The reserve hosts large populations of lions, cheetahs, elephants, and buffalo.
You may also visit the Mara River where crocodiles and hippos live.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Game drives within reserve – pop-up roof safari Landcruiser
Accommodation
Mara Intrepids Camp
Day 13
Masai Mara Safari Experience
Another full day in the Masai Mara allows deeper exploration of the reserve’s wildlife territories.
Early morning game drives provide excellent chances to witness predator hunts.
Optional activities such as a hot air balloon safari or Maasai village visit can be arranged.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Game drives within reserve – pop-up roof safari Landcruiser
Accommodation
Mara Intrepids Camp
Day 14
Masai Mara to Nairobi
After breakfast you depart Masai Mara and travel back to Nairobi through the scenic Great Rift Valley. Along the way you may stop at viewpoints overlooking the valley.
Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon where your unforgettable Kenya & Tanzania safari adventure concludes.
Meals: Breakfast
Transport: Masai Mara → Nairobi (Approx. 270 km / 5–6 hours) – pop-up roof safari Landcruiser
Accommodation
No Accommodation (end of the tour)
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Important to know
The prices below are per person (based on two adults travelling together) and please note that the prices are approximate for 2026.
Please contact us for accurate costings for the time of year you are considering for your holiday.
There are multiple season changes across the year and numerous room categories that can change the price of any trip.
Prices include all internal flights, transfers, reserve fees, accommodation, and meals as specified in the day-to-day itinerary.
Prices exclude international flights, tipping, visa, and any meals not included.
Rates Per Person
| Month/Season | Solo - 1 Room | 2 People - 1 Room |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026 | n/a* | $8,736 |
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Included
Excluded
Meal Plan
Interested in this Tour?