Home / Safari Packages / Great Migration Calving Season Safari, Ndutu Plains Updated August 28, 2026
Great Migration Calving Season Safari, Ndutu Plains

Ndutu Plains

Great Migration Calving Season Safari, Ndutu Plains

5 DaysDuration
EasyTrekking Difficulty
2–6Group Size
$3,950From, Per Person

Unlike our broader February safari that also covers Ngorongoro, this itinerary keeps all four nights at Ndutu itself, giving maximum uninterrupted time on the calving grounds during the green season, typically late December through March, when rates are also more favourable than peak dry-season months.

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrive Kilimanjaro, Transfer to Ndutu Plains

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, then a drive directly to the Ndutu Plains, with an afternoon game drive on arrival.
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeNdutu Safari Lodge
LuxuryLake Masek Tented Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2

Full Day Calving Grounds

A full day across the calving grounds, watching newborn calves and the predators drawn to them.
Accommodation

As above

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3

Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek Shorelines

A day exploring the alkaline lake shorelines bordering the plains, reliable for both herds coming to drink and resident birdlife.
Accommodation

As above

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4

Second Full Day, Cheetah and Lion Prides

A further day focused on tracking the area’s resident cheetah and lion prides, well known to local guides.
Accommodation

As above

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5

Departure

A final morning game drive before transferring to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast

Permits & Costs

Ngorongoro Conservation Area fee (covers Ndutu) ~$70 per person per day

Who This Itinerary Suits

Calving-season travellers who’d rather stay put in one exceptional location than spend a day of the trip transferring elsewhere.

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 fees

Tour Excludes

  • International flights
  • Visas
  • Tips & gratuities
  • Travel insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this called the “green season”?The short rains fall from November through December, greening the plains just before calving season, which is why Ndutu’s grass is lush and short at exactly the time the herds need it for nursing calves.
Are rates genuinely lower during this period?Generally yes compared to the July–October peak, since this falls outside the main international travel season despite the wildlife spectacle being just as significant.

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