The Great Migration Calving Season Safari

Safari (Game Drive) in Ndutu
Ndutu is a real hotspot for wildlife during these rainy months. Wildebeest and their accompanying zebra, often in their tens of thousands, choose Ndutu as part of their Great Migration. It forms an integral part of the annual ritual. And where the herds wander, the predators are never far away, so wildlife viewing here can be dramatic. A fascinating landscape is the setting for our afternoon game drive today. In the distance lie nine dormant volcanoes and one active one. In times gone by, it was the ash that blew in this direction that shaped the soil here. Ndutu itself is located partially in the Serengeti, partially in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As well as resident populations of lion, cheetah and hyena, there are also lesser-spotted wildlife here, so keep your eyes open for aardvark, porcupine and civet cat.

Lake Ndutu, nearby, is shallower and varies greatly according to the seasons, fed by a combination of rainfall, springs and rivers. At this time of the year, Ndutu is one of the best places to see migrating herds who seek out the short, nutritious grass and choose this area to give birth. The richness of the vegetation gives them the best chance of survival, but with predators everywhere, survival is by no means guaranteed.

The distinctive rocky outcrops, or kopjes, will soon become familiar to you: don’t ignore these as the animals certainly don’t. Big cats occasionally use these as spots for sunbathing or lookout posts. At the end of your game-drive, you will be taken to your chosen accommodation for some well-earned relaxation and your evening meal.

The Seronera River weaves its way through this area, providing waters for all species of wildlife. You will also see the distinctive rocky outcrops, the famous kopjes which characterize the Serengeti landscape. Lunch will be an unforgettable experience, enjoyed in the middle of the bush.

After our lunch, we set off again, searching for wildlife in this awe-inspiring park. Serengeti’s wonders evolve subtly as the day progresses. The myriad animals and birds are the ‘stars of the show’ and Nature’s dramas can unfold at any time. Of course, the animals don’t work to a timetable, so we may find lion or leopard, elephant and zebra, cheetah and antelope at any time on our drives. At the end of the afternoon, we return to the camp for dinner and some much-needed rest.

But before that, we have another morning game drive in amazing Serengeti, marveling at its animal inhabitants. Another day of adventure, another day to enjoy the wildlife.

Safari in Central Serengeti National Park
After our morning game drive, perhaps trying to find any animal that has – until now – been elusive enough to evade your eagle-eyed driver-guide, we head south-east towards Ngorongoro. If it has not already struck you with its vastness, Serengeti’s ‘endless plains’ will certainly now make a deep impression on you as we take the long, straight road which passes Simba Kopjes (famous from ‘The Lion King’) to reach Naabi Hill Gate, close to the divide between Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Here you can gather information at the gate’s visitor center, clamber up the hill for superb views back over the plains, or look out for a colorful agama lizard among the rocks.

This is good elephant country, so keep your eyes peeled. By the side of the nearby swampland is what is sometimes called the ‘elephant graveyard’ as the mighty male tuskers at the end of their lives come to chew on the soft, swampland grasses once their teeth have failed them.

The crater has a population of around 120 lions, with well-defined territories; 15,000 wildebeest, 9,000 zebra, 400 hyenas, and around 50 black rhino. Many wildebeest and other herd animals are resident, benefiting from the many sources of year-round waters and are boosted by some migrators in season. Buffalo, Thomson’s gazelle and eland are also present in numbers. Hippos can be found in pools and swampland and highland birdlife is colourful and plentiful around the waters. Flamingos can often be seen in Lake Magadi, which occupies part of the crater floor.

Meal plan
Breakfast is served at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. Lunch will be a nutritious and balanced meal, also provided by the Lodge for you to take out on safari and enjoyed after your morning game-drive, before we return you to the airport for your flight home. As today is your departure day, please note that dinner tonight is not included in the tour.

Departure Instructions
Please note that this The Great Migration Calving Season Safari – 7 Days tour ends at Kilimanjaro International Airport at 17.30 hours. Your departure can only take place today if you have pre-booked a domestic flight which leaves from Kilimanjaro International Airport at 19.40 hours or after, or an international flight which leaves at 21.00 hours or after. Otherwise, you will need to book an extra night’s accommodation (not included in the tour price) and take a flight the following day.

Post Tour Extension
After your exhilarating time on safari, you may want to extend your Tanzanian holiday with time on Zanzibar’s wonderful beaches. Please contact us for details.