Overview
On this 6-day safari, the great migrating herds of wildebeests and zebras are situated at Lake Ndutu which is found in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a part of Serengeti eco-system and our main target is from Dec to April. From January, it is the best time to witness the calving as they spread out across the short-grass plains and predators are just around waiting for their opportunities to make a hunt. You will experience both Tarangire, South Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara.
Highlights
- Ndutu area
- Migration Safari
- Serengeti National Park
- Scenic Views
- Ngorongoro Crater
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a Raventure Safaris representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your accommodation in Arusha. Spend the day relaxing and preparing for the exciting adventures ahead. Arusha Planet Lodge, nestled in the heart of the city, offers stunning views of the surrounding Tanzanian landscape, providing a perfect introduction to your safari journey.
Main Destination: Arusha (City)
Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge – Mid-range lodge in Arusha
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast included (Lunch & Dinner not included; Drinks not included
After breakfast, your personal Raventure Safaris guide will pick you up for a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, traveling across gently rolling Maasai plains dotted with acacia trees. Along the way, admire local Maasai communities herding cattle, riding bicycles, and moving along donkey carts.
Tarangire is renowned for its large elephant herds and abundant wildlife. From the comfort of your safari vehicle, you may spot zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffe, and possibly lions or leopards resting in the trees. After an afternoon of exciting game drives, you’ll check into your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
Accommodation: Eileen’s Trees Inn – Mid-range lodge 1–2 hours from Tarangire NP
Meals & Drinks: All meals included (Drinks not included)
After breakfast, travel to the Lake Ndutu region in the southern Serengeti, part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The 3-hour drive takes you through the breathtaking Rift Valley landscapes. Lake Ndutu, a seasonal alkaline lake, attracts diverse wildlife, including the migratory herds of wildebeest and zebra from December to April.
Enjoy an afternoon game drive exploring the short-grass plains and other habitats before settling into your tented camp for dinner and overnight.
Main Destination: Ndutu (Southern Serengeti NP)
Accommodation: Ndutu Heritage Camp – Mid-range tented camp inside Ndutu
Meals & Drinks: All meals included (Drinks not included)
Spend a full day exploring the southern Serengeti’s varied habitats—swamps, woodlands, soda lakes, and open plains. Witness the awe-inspiring wildebeest migration and, if traveling in January, the birthing season where hundreds of thousands of calves take their first steps in the wild. Return to your camp for dinner and overnight after a day filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Ndutu Heritage Camp – Mid-range tented camp inside Ndutu
Meals & Drinks: All meals included (Drinks not included)
After breakfast, depart for Ngorongoro Crater, with an en-route game drive through the Serengeti. Marvel at the possibility of seeing the Big Five across the vast plains before descending into this UNESCO World Heritage Site, formed by a collapsed volcano. The crater floor hosts over 25,000 animals, offering some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa.
After an afternoon game drive, transfer to your lodge in Karatu for dinner and overnight stay.
Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: Endoro Lodge – Mid-range lodge 1–2 hours from the crater
Meals & Drinks: All meals included (Drinks not included)
Your final safari day begins with a morning visit to Lake Manyara National Park, known for its flamingos, diverse birdlife, and tree-climbing lions. Explore varied landscapes from grassy plains to dense woodlands dotted with iconic baobabs while spotting giraffes, elephants, zebras, and other wildlife. After lunch, return to Arusha, concluding your safari with memories of East Africa’s breathtaking wildlife and landscapes.
Main Destination: Lake Manyara National Park
Accommodation: None (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast and lunch included (Dinner and other drinks not included)
Includes/Excludes
What’s Included
- Airport transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Accommodation as listed (Arusha Planet Lodge, Eileen’s Trees Inn, Ndutu Heritage Camp, Endoro Lodge)
- All meals as indicated per day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner where specified)
- Professional English-speaking Raventure Safaris safari guide/driver
- Safari game drives in a private, open-roof 4x4 safari vehicle
- Park entrance fees for Tarangire, Serengeti (Ndutu), Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Parks
- Mineral water during game drives
- Government taxes and service charges
What’s Excluded
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees for Tanzania
- Drinks and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities not included in the program (hot air balloon rides, cultural tours, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, or lodge staff
- Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, and internet
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time varies by park:
- Tarangire NP: July – November (elephants congregate at the river)
- Serengeti (Ndutu): December – April for the wildebeest migration; January for calving season
- Ngorongoro Crater: June – October for optimal wildlife viewing
- Lake Manyara NP: June – October for easier spotting of animals and birds
You may see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) along with giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, cheetahs, hyenas, flamingos, and hundreds of other bird species depending on the park and season.
Mid-range lodges and tented camps are included:
- Arusha Planet Lodge (Arusha)
- Eileen’s Trees Inn (Near Tarangire NP)
- Ndutu Heritage Camp (Southern Serengeti)
- Endoro Lodge (Karatu, near Ngorongoro Crater)
Accommodations are comfortable with private bathrooms and full board in safari lodges/camps.
Yes, the safari is moderate in activity level, mostly involving game drives with minimal walking. Families and older travelers are welcome.
This safari can be private for your group or offered in small group options, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience.