Welcome to Tanzania, your home for an unforgettable safari! As soon as you step off your plane at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our friendly safari representative will greet you. You’ll enjoy a comfortable drive to Arusha, the heart of Tanzania’s safari scene. Depending on your arrival time, you may see local markets, people riding bikes, or children playing by the roadside—each a snapshot of Tanzanian life. Our guide will happily stop if something catches your attention, so you can start discovering the region right away. Once you arrive at Arusha Planet Lodge, check in, freshen up with a hot shower, and enjoy a delicious dinner. You’re invited to relax and get a good night’s sleep as you prepare for a magical journey into the wilderness. venture—so get ready for the show of a lifetime.

Your first full day of safari begins with a hearty breakfast. Today you travel to Lake Manyara National Park, a special gem known for its rich birdlife and diverse animal species. Along the way, rural Tanzanian life unfolds through busy markets and colorful villages—perfect for a few interesting photo stops. After a tasty lunch in Mto wa Mbu, a vibrant town near the gate, you’ll head into the park, where the real magic starts. Keep your camera ready for elephants moving through the forest, baboons playing by the roadside, and possibly even the park’s famous tree-climbing lions resting in the shade. The lake shores glow pink with colonies of flamingos, while hippos wallow in the water. As afternoon turns to evening, you head to your cozy lodge in Karatu, where you can sip a drink by the fire and share stories of your first day on safari. Rest well, because tomorrow, you’ll head to the legendary Ndutu plains for the highlight of your trip—the wildebeest calving season.

After breakfast, your journey continues into the heart of Tanzania’s most dramatic wildlife event—the Serengeti’s southern Ndutu plains, famous for the wildebeest calving season. As you ascend the Ngorongoro highlands, enjoy fascinating views and stop to spot animals along the way. Your guide will share insights about the area’s unique plants and animal behavior, making the drive as rewarding as any game drive. By midday, arrive at your welcoming safari camp and enjoy a freshly prepared hot lunch. After a bit of relaxation, set out for an introductory game drive across the wide, open plains. Around you, thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles gather to feast on the green grass, while predators like lions and cheetahs quietly follow. The endless horizon and wildlife-rich plains set the stage for what the calving season is all about—a dramatic, awe-inspiring circle of life. As the sun goes down, head back to camp for a delicious dinner, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness

Today is all about experiencing the world-famous Ndutu calving season firsthand. After breakfast, set off on a full-day game drive across the calving grounds. Throughout February and March, you’ll find yourself in the middle of nature’s greatest nursery—thousands upon thousands of wildebeest giving birth in the short grass plains. Watch as newborn calves find their footing and mothers carefully tend to them, while alert guides keep their eyes out for the big cats and hyenas drawn by this feast of opportunity. Capture unforgettable moments: a birth in the wild, a lioness on the hunt, or a cheetah sprinting through the open land. By midday, relax with a picnic lunch under an acacia tree before continuing your adventure. Visit nearby lakes like Ndutu and Masek, where herds gather to drink and flocks of birds fill the air. As the day ends, return to camp for dinner and relive the day’s most exciting encounters with your fellow travelers. This is truly the heart of the South Serengeti—and the reason why safari enthusiasts call it a must-see!

After an early breakfast, say goodbye to the Ndutu plains and journey to one of Africa’s natural wonders: Ngorongoro Crater. This vast volcanic bowl is home to a stunning variety of wildlife, including Africa’s “Big Five”: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and the rare black rhino. Descend into the crater as morning mist drifts across the grasslands and see hippo pools, flamingo-filled lakes, and herds of grazing animals all within a small area. Your guide will help you search for the crater’s famous residents, and with some luck, you may tick off all five before lunchtime. Enjoy a picnic at a scenic spot by Lake Magadi, a haven for pink flamingos and wallowing hippos. After lunch, explore more of the crater floor before heading back to your lodge in Karatu. Enjoy a well-earned dinner and toast to the day’s sightings—each one a memory to cherish forever.

The time has come to say goodbye—but your adventure isn’t over yet. After breakfast, travel back toward Arusha, watching the landscape change from endless plains to bustling town. Depending on your flight schedule, reflecting on the extraordinary wildlife and unforgettable moments that made your safari special. Our team will make sure you arrive at the airport in good time for your departure. On behalf of everyone at Zepisa African Safari, thank you for choosing us to be part of your African adventure. The Ndutu Calving Season is an experience that stays with you, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Tanzania for more incredible moments in the wild. Safe travels!