7-Day Ndutu Calving Season & Materuni Magic (Dec–Mar)

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arusha to Karatu

Your Tanzanian adventure begins upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), where your professional guide will warmly welcome you.

Enjoy a scenic drive to the charming highlands of Karatu, passing through vibrant towns, rolling hills, and scenic farmlands. Upon arrival, check in to your carefully selected accommodation nestled in the tranquil countryside. The cool highland air, lush gardens, and serene surroundings create the perfect setting for relaxation. Spend the afternoon at leisure—either enjoy the lodge’s amenities or opt for a cultural walk or village visit (optional for an extra cost).

In the early evening, meet your guide for a detailed safari briefing to prepare for the exciting wildlife adventures ahead. Conclude your day with a delicious dinner crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Unwind in comfort and soak in the calm of Karatu as you get ready for your first day on safari.

Main Destination:

Karatu District

Accommodation:

Eileen's Trees Inn

• Mid-range lodge located in Karatu (Town)

+9 Photos

+8 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Karatu to Ndutu Area

Begin your day with an early breakfast as you set off from Karatu toward the breathtaking Southern Serengeti via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy a scenic drive through highlands and sweeping savannas, with chances to pause for remarkable photo moments.

As you reach the vast Ndutu plains, the magic of the calving season unfolds. Thousands of wildebeests and zebras give birth to new life, attracting predators like lions and cheetahs, making this a thrilling time for wildlife viewing. Enjoy immersive game drives, spotting elephants, giraffes, and elusive big cats.

Midday, pause for a peaceful picnic lunch in the heart of the wilderness, surrounded by the raw beauty of the Serengeti. As the sun sets and paints the skies in warm hues, continue your journey through this wildlife haven.

Arrive at your lodge in the evening for a hearty dinner and a night under the stars, reflecting on the extraordinary scenes of nature witnessed throughout the day.

Main Destination:

Ndutu (Southern Serengeti NP)

Accommodation:

Sero Tented Camps

• Mid-range tented camp located inside Serengeti NP

+28 Photos

+27 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Southern Serengeti (Ndutu)

Awaken to the golden light of dawn sweeping across the untouched landscapes of the Southern Serengeti. After breakfast, set out with your expert guide into the heart of Ndutu during the calving season—one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles. Witness thousands of wildebeest and zebra giving birth, while predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas circle nearby, drawn by instinct and survival.

Each encounter is unforgettable, from a lioness stalking her prey to a newborn calf taking its first steps. At midday, pause for a serene picnic in the heart of the wilderness, enjoying fresh local flavors surrounded by the calls of the wild.

The day continues with game drives across the open plains, offering endless photo opportunities and intimate wildlife moments.

As the sun sets, return to your lodge for a delicious dinner and an evening of reflection. Under the African sky, unwind and prepare for the wonders still to come.

Main Destination:

Ndutu (Southern Serengeti NP)

Accommodation:

Sero Tented Camps

• Mid-range tented camp located inside Serengeti NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Ndutu to Ngorongoro highlands

Start your day with the thrill of an early morning game drive in Ndutu, where dawn's light casts a golden glow across the plains. The calving season brings life and tension, with wildebeest herds nurturing their newborns while predators like cheetahs and hyenas linger nearby. Capture unforgettable photos of elephants on the horizon, lions on the move, and playful young animals exploring.

After the drive, say farewell to the Southern Serengeti and journey to the Ngorongoro Highlands. The road unveils stunning views—rolling hills, green valleys, and vast savannahs. Pause along the way to absorb the landscapes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Upon arrival, take in the peace and fresh air of the highlands. Enjoy a flavorful dinner inspired by local ingredients and culture. As night falls, rest in comfort and reflect on your incredible journey so far, while anticipating the next day’s adventure inside the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater.

Main Destination:

Ngorongoro Highlands

Accommodation:

Embalakai Ngorongoro Camp

• Luxury tented camp located on the crater rim of Ngorongoro Crater

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Ngorongoro Conservation Area and a drive back to Arusha

Begin your day with an early breakfast, then descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife. As you enter this natural wonder, watch for lions lounging in the shade, rhinos grazing, and herds of wildebeest and zebras crossing the plains. Flamingos line the crater lakes, while birds of prey circle overhead. Your guide will lead you to prime spots for wildlife viewing in this vibrant ecosystem.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the crater, surrounded by stunning scenery and the sounds of nature. In the afternoon, ascend the crater walls, pausing to admire panoramic views of the caldera. Then begin your journey to Arusha, passing through rolling highlands and scenic landscapes.

Arrive in Arusha by evening for a relaxing dinner and a chance to reflect on the extraordinary experiences of your safari.

Main Destination:

Ngorongoro Crater

Best Time To Visit June to October (Wildlife viewing is best)

High Season Most of the year – July to March (Expect crowds)

Best Weather June to October (Rainfall is little to none)

Wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater

Black RhinoCommon

LionCommon

BuffaloAbundant

ZebraAbundant

WildebeestAbundant

HyenaAbundant

Show more

ElephantCommon

HippoCommon

LeopardOccasional

GiraffeNone

White RhinoNone

CheetahNone

Wild DogNone

Accommodation:

Arusha Planet Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Arusha (City)

+19 Photos

+18 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Arusha to Materuni Waterfalls

Begin your day with a scenic drive to the enchanting Materuni Waterfalls, nestled in the lush foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Pass through vibrant villages and coffee plantations, soaking in the beauty of the countryside. Upon arrival, enjoy the refreshing mist of the cascading falls and hear stories from your guide about the area's significance to the Chagga people.

Then, take part in a hands-on coffee experience—learn how to handpick, roast, and brew beans using traditional methods. Enjoy a fresh cup of aromatic coffee straight from the source. Later, savor a traditional Tanzanian meal, featuring dishes like nyama choma, ugali, and seasonal fruits, all made from locally sourced ingredients. This cultural and culinary immersion offers a unique taste of Tanzania’s heritage.

Conclude your enriching day with a relaxed drive back to your accommodation, carrying memories of nature, culture, and flavor.

Main Destination:

Materuni Waterfalls (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Airport Planet Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located at Arusha Airport

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Departure

After a relaxing breakfast, enjoy your final moments in Tanzania at your own pace. Depending on your departure schedule, you may choose to unwind at the lodge or explore a nearby craft market (optional for an extra cost), perfect for picking up last-minute souvenirs.

For those with later departures, a leisurely lunch can also be arranged (optional for an extra cost). When it’s time, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey, leaving you with cherished memories of your unforgettable Tanzanian adventure.

Main Destination:

Kilimanjaro Airport

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.