For roughly three weeks each February, the wildebeest herds gather on the short-grass plains around Ndutu and give birth in enormous numbers — on peak days, an estimated 8,000 calves are born in a 24-hour period, drawing every predator in the area. This itinerary is timed specifically for that window.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, then a drive up to the Ngorongoro Highlands.
Arrive Kilimanjaro, Transfer to Ngorongoro Highlands
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeNgorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
LuxuryNgorongoro Crater Lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2
A drive to the Ndutu Plains, arriving in time for an afternoon game drive among the gathering herds.
Transfer to Ndutu Plains
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeNdutu Safari Lodge
LuxuryLake Masek Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
A full day across the calving grounds, with newborn calves finding their feet within minutes of birth under the watch of circling predators.
Full Day Calving Grounds
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
A further day focused on the area’s dense predator population, drawn by the abundance of calves — cheetah are especially active hunters on these open plains.
Predator Tracking, Ndutu Plains
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
A drive back to the crater rim, with a full descent onto the crater floor.
Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation
As Day 1
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
A transfer to Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight.
Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Permits & Costs
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area fee | ~$70 per person per day |
| Ngorongoro crater descent | ~$295 per vehicle |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers specifically chasing February’s calving season, one of the most predictable and dramatic wildlife spectacles on the migration calendar.Tour Includes
- All ground transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Conservation area fee & crater descent
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Visas
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance