6-Day Western Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari (May-July)

A 6-day luxury migration expedition through Tanzania’s untamed wilderness, where the thunderous Great Migration of over 1.5 million gnus (wildebeests) unfolds in breathtaking drama. This exclusive safari, starting and ending in Arusha, blends opulent accommodations, gourmet cuisine, and expert-guided game drives to immerse you in the raw beauty of iconic parks like Tarangire, Ndutu, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. From the calving season’s tender miracles to predator-prey showdowns against golden savannah sunsets, every moment is curated for awe and indulgence. Tailored for discerning travellers with a taste of luxury, this safari promises intimate encounters with Africa’s Big Five, vibrant birdlife, and the eternal rhythm of nature—leaving you transformed by the Serengeti’s soul-stirring symphony.

Ndutu, an important Gnu migration area

Ndutu, straddling the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is the beating heart of the Great Migration’s calving season, earning its status as a premier wildlife destination. Here, vast short-grass plains provide ideal, nutrient-rich grazing for hundreds of thousands of gnus, who congregate from December to March to give birth—over 8,000 calves drop daily in peak season, creating a nursery of life amid relentless predator action. This unfenced expanse fosters a dynamic ecosystem, drawing cheetahs, lions, and hyenas in record numbers, while alkaline lakes like Masek add dramatic backdrops for photography. Unlike the more crowded central Serengeti, Ndutu offers serene, off-the-beaten-path immersion.

Starting Place: Arusha (Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport) – Ending Place: Arusha

Itinerary Overview

2 Night in Arusha

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
Your luxurious 6-day Tanzanian safari to Ndutu begins in Arusha, a lively hub cradled by Mount Meru’s majestic slopes. Arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), you’ll be warmly welcomed by a dedicated safari guide who will escort you to your elegant lodge. Arusha’s vibrant streets and natural beauty set the stage for the adventure ahead, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and anticipation. Spend the evening settling into your plush accommodations, soaking in the serene ambience, and preparing for the extraordinary wildlife journey that awaits you in Tanzania’s iconic parks.
Accommodation: Gran Melia

Gran Melia Arusha – A luxurious retreat with modern amenities, stunning views, and tranquil gardens in the heart of Arusha. Arusha offers a gentle introduction to Tanzania’s charm. Stroll through bustling markets filled with local crafts or visit the Tanzanite Experience to learn about the region’s gemstones. The nearby Arusha National Park, with its scenic Meru views, is perfect for a short excursion to spot colobus monkeys or flamingos. Relax at your lodge’s infinity pool or enjoy a sunset cocktail while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. This day allows you to acclimate and immerse yourself in Arusha’s cultural and natural allure before the safari begins.
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
After a sumptuous breakfast, set off for Tarangire National Park, a haven of dramatic baobab trees and abundant wildlife. Named after the Tarangire River, the park’s lifeblood during the dry season, it attracts vast elephant herds and diverse species. Your first game drive introduces you to Tanzania’s wild heart, with sightings of giraffes, lions, and vibrant birdlife against a backdrop of lush acacia groves. As the day winds down, travel to the Ngorongoro Highlands for a luxurious evening, where comfort and nature blend seamlessly, preparing you for the migration spectacle ahead.
Accommodation: Escarpment Luxury Lodge

Escarpment Luxury Lodge – A sophisticated tented camp offering panoramic views of Lake Manyara and elegant, spacious suites.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

About Tarangire: What to see and do

Tarangire’s game drives reveal elephant families bathing in the Tarangire River, alongside zebras, wildebeests, and elusive leopards. The park’s diverse landscapes, from grassy savannahs to dense woodlands, host over 500 bird species, making it a birder’s paradise. Look out for the majestic baobabs framing your photos and spot rare antelopes like the oryx. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch amidst the wilderness. Tarangire’s raw beauty and abundant wildlife offer an exhilarating start to your luxury safari, immersing you in Tanzania’s untamed splendour.
Day 3-4: Ndutu (Southern Serengeti)
Journey to Ndutu, the epicenter of the Great Migration’s calving season from December to April, located in the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Over two days, witness the awe-inspiring sight of over 500,000 wildebeest calves taking their first steps on the short-grass plains. Game drives reveal a dynamic ecosystem teeming with predators like cheetahs and hyenas, drawn to the newborns. Ndutu’s alkaline Lake Masek and open savannahs create a stunning backdrop for this natural spectacle. Luxuriate in your exclusive camp, where every detail ensures an unforgettable wilderness experience.
Accommodation: Serengeti Under Canvas

Serengeti Under Canvas – A luxurious mobile camp with elegant tents, offering an immersive experience in Ndutu’s wild heart.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

About Ndutu: What to see and do

Ndutu’s game drives showcase the Great Migration’s calving, with vast wildebeest herds and their newborns dotting the plains. Spot predators stalking their prey, elephants grazing near Lake Masek, and vibrant birdlife, including ostriches and secretary birds. The unfenced region, bridging Serengeti and Ngorongoro, offers endless photography opportunities. Optional guided walks (where permitted) reveal the ecosystem’s smaller wonders, like tracks and flora. Ndutu’s raw, untamed beauty and bustling wildlife make it a highlight, delivering an intimate connection to one of nature’s most extraordinary events
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Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater
Today, depart Ndutu for the Ngorongoro Crater, a geological marvel and wildlife sanctuary formed millions of years ago by a collapsed volcano. Descending into the crater, you’ll discover a pristine wilderness of sweeping savannahs, acacia woodlands, and shimmering lakes. Home to dense populations of lions, zebras, and the endangered black rhino, this UNESCO site offers unparalleled game viewing. After a morning drive through the southern Serengeti, explore the crater’s wonders, followed by a luxurious evening in Karatu, where elegant lodges provide the perfect retreat after an exhilarating day.
Accommodation: The Manor at Ngorongoro

The Manor at Ngorongoro – A colonial-style estate in Karatu, offering opulent suites, fine dining, and lush plantation views.

About Ngorongoro: What to see and do

Ngorongoro Crater’s game drives reveal an astonishing array of wildlife, including wildebeests, gazelles, and elusive black rhinos. The crater’s 600-meter walls enclose a vibrant ecosystem with over 25,000 animals and 500 bird species, like flamingos and crowned cranes. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch amidst the dramatic landscape. The crater floor’s mix of grasslands, swamps, and forests ensures constant sightings, from hyenas to hippos. This natural amphitheatre offers a bucket-list experience, blending geological grandeur with some of Africa’s densest wildlife populations.
Day 6: Lake Manyara National Park and Return to Arusha
Your final day of the 6 days Luxury Ndutu migration safari takes you to Lake Manyara National Park, a compact gem renowned for its elephant herds and unique tree-climbing lions. The alkaline lake attracts thousands of flamingos, creating a vibrant pink spectacle against the Rift Valley escarpment. Morning game drives reveal baboon troops, giraffes, and diverse birdlife, making this a fitting finale to your safari. After a delicious picnic lunch, reflect on the migration’s wonders as you drive back to Arusha. Arriving by evening, you’ll leave with memories of Tanzania’s luxurious wilderness etched in your heart forever.
Accommodation: None (return to Arusha)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Lake Manyara: What to see and do

Lake Manyara’s game drives offer sightings of elephants, hippos, and the rare tree-climbing lions lounging in acacias. The lake’s alkaline waters draw flamingos and pelicans, creating a birder’s haven with over 400 species. Spot baboon troops and graceful impalas against the lush forest backdrop. A scenic picnic lunch by the lake enhances the experience. The park’s diverse habitats, from groundwater forests to open plains, ensure constant wildlife encounters. This vibrant park provides a spectacular conclusion to your luxury safari, blending intimacy and grandeur.

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Best time to do this 5 day wildebeest calving safari in Ndutu

Best time for safari

The absolute best time for this 6 day luxury tour in Ndutu is January to March, when calving peaks under clear skies and moderate temperatures (around 25–30°C/77–86°F daytime). This window maximizes newborn sightings and minimizes rain disruptions, though December and April extensions capture early arrivals or post-calving dispersals. Avoid June–October, when herds migrate northward, leaving Ndutu quieter.