Calving Season and Zanzibar Safari - Join the Group 2024
Short Overview
Share the fun & cost! Guaranteed departures & small groups!
DEPARTURES INFO
Join one of our groups on one of the dates:
25th of February
Other dates on request
Maximum group size: 12 pax
Guaranteed departure from 2 pax
Embark on an unforgettable group tour, seamlessly combining the best of both Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Experience thrilling wildlife encounters in Tanzania's national parks, including the iconic Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, through exhilarating game drives. Then, unwind on the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar, where you can relax, indulge, and explore the cultural treasures of Stone Town.
This thoughtfully crafted itinerary promises an enriching adventure, immersing you in the natural wonders and vibrant cultures of both destinations.
About Calving Season (December to March)
Life begins for a huge number of animals in the Ndutu region that straddles the southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. In the space of a few short weeks, the calving season sees half a million young wildebeest brought into the world - with an average of 8,000 wildebeest born each day.
It is here that the vast herd begins to take shape, and it is here that the predators begin their yearlong assault upon the herd. With so many young and weak calves stumbling around, it becomes easy for the lions, leopards, and cheetahs to pick off a tasty morsel.
Your Journey Mapped Out
Ready to set out? Your adventure awaits!
- DAY 1 - ARUSHA
- DAY 2 - ARUSHA - LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
- DAY 3 - LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK - NDUTU REGION
- DAY 4 - NDUTU REGION - CENTRAL SERENGETI
- DAY 5 - CENTRAL SERENGETI - NGORONGORO CRATER - ARUSHA
- DAY 6 - ARUSHA - ZANZIBAR - STONE TOWN
- DAY 7 - STONE TOWN - ZANZIBAR COAST (Spice Tour)
- DAY 8 - KENDWA
- DAY 9 - KENDWA
- DAY 10 - END OF ITINERARY
DAY 1 - ARUSHA
You will be met at the airport with a signboard with your name written on it. You will be whisked away to your hotel to recover from your flight and enjoy your first taste of African hospitality. After a good night's rest you will be ready for the start of your safari tomorrow!
The drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha takes approximately 1,5 hours.
DAY 2 - ARUSHA - LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
We leave early in the morning from Arusha, as we've got a big day of exploration and adventure ahead of us!
You'll depart from your lodge after breakfast for the drive to Lake Manyara National Park. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour.
The park is truly a photographer's playground and offers some of the best game viewing in the world. You can expect to see many of Africa's most well-known animals, with the tree-climbing lions a particular treat. These proud predators lounge in acacia trees practically begging to be photographed.
Bird-watchers will find Lake Manyara is an absolute delight, with a huge variety of birds on display in the park. Even the novice can expect to be amazed by large flamingo flocks, circling birds of prey, and the brightly colored lilac breasted roller.
You'll then return to your chosen accommodation for dinner and a good night's rest.
DAY 3 - LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK - NDUTU REGION
We'll begin the day with the scenic drive towards the Ndutu Area. Along the way, we'll pass the beautiful escarpment of the Rift Valley and enjoy a view on Lake Manyara. After a 3-hour drive we'll arrive at the gate of Ngorognoro to check in. After formalities we'll drive through the mist-shrouded rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where you might be lucky enough to glimpse cape buffalo, baboons, or even elephants and leopards in the dense undergrowth.
From the gate, It's a nearly two-hour drive to the Ndutu Plains.
After a delicious lunch at one of the picnic areas, it’s time to explore the plains itself. Witness Africa’s iconic savannah landscape and be amazed by the sheer number of animals that roam these grassy plains.
Dinner and overnight in the heart of the Central Serengeti, in a medium Lodge.
DAY 4 - NDUTU REGION - CENTRAL SERENGETI
Game drive in Central Serengeti or Ndutu depending on the migration.
You'll be up before dawn so that we can enjoy a sunrise game drive. As far as the eye can see, thousands upon thousands of animals graze on the lush grass.
You'll enjoy a day long game drive through the region where tens of thousands of young wildebeest take their first steps. Your guide will determine the best route to take today so you have the best possible chance of witnessing the Wildebeest Migration.
After your day long exploration of Ndutu or Central Serengeti, you'll stay overnight in the region.
DAY 5 - CENTRAL SERENGETI - NGORONGORO CRATER - ARUSHA
After breakfast, you'll depart for Ngorongoro Crater considered by some to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. When you get your first glimpse of this vast, verdant caldera from the panoramic viewpoint, you'll soon understand why it has earned such a lofty reputation.
Home to over 120 species of mammal including the fabled Big Five, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the most sought after safari destinations in the world. It's a particularly good place to see the endangered black rhinoceros enjoying a lonely meal out on the grass plains, as well as a place to see large numbers of hippopotamus enjoying the cool water.
From the comfort of your open-top vehicle, you'll be able to observe and photograph some of Africa's most recognizable faces. The crater is home to a large number of predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas, as well as a large population of wildebeest, zebras, antelope, cape buffalo, and more. It is truly one of Africa's premier safari destinations.
After the thrills and excitement of the day, you will have a picnic lunch by the park's famous hippo pool. Thereafter, you will drive back to Arusha.
DAY 6 - ARUSHA - ZANZIBAR - STONE TOWN
Today is already the last day on the mainland! After breakfast, you will set out for the airstrip. Board your flight and watch the Serengeti below - while you make your way to the famous Spice Island.
Upon arrival in Zanzibar, a driver will whisk you away to your Stone Town accommodation. You will meet your guide and set off for a walking tour of Stone Town. You are free to enjoy your meals where you like and can spend the afternoon shopping or relaxing as you like.
DAY 7 - STONE TOWN - ZANZIBAR COAST (Spice Tour)
Once is Zanzibar, one of our representatives will be waiting for you to transfer you to your resort in Kendwa Beach.
After breakfast, you will head to the beach! On the way you will visit one of the famous Zanzibari Spice Farms. You will enjoy a walking tour in a spice farm (shamba). You will be smelling and tasting spices, herbs and tropical fruits such as clove, lemongrass, nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla, coconuts, papaya, chili, black pepper, jackfruit, cardamom, cassava and oranges. The tour finishes with a stop at a spice stall selling fresh packaged spices (cash only).
Spice tour stop along the way. If you like to be on the craterfloor first thing in the morning - ask your safari expert about the options for an upgrade to overnight in inside the NCA area.
DAY 8 - KENDWA
You can choose to relax in your resort or participate in one of the many activities the island has to offer. Beautiful, relatively tourist-free Kendwa lies on the northwest coast of Unguja, a spectacular tropical island just off the coast of Tanzania.
Powder-fine white-sand beaches are lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters, which contain an extraordinary underwater wonderland perfect for scuba diving. Other activities on offer include parasailing, banana boating, and jet skiing. The beach here is also famous for its exciting Full Moon Party. The tidal patterns here also allow for swimming at any time of the day or night. A unique and wonderful experience provided here is the chance to learn how to build traditional dhows. Village tours are also on offer.
DAY 9 - KENDWA
You can choose to relax in your resort or participate in one of the many activities the island has to offer. Sunset Kendwa is located on Zanzibar’s most beautiful beach, boasting powdery white sand, azure waters and a thriving coral reef. The beachside sunset restaurant has a diverse menu offering delicious meals all made with the freshest ingredients ranging from Swahili specialities to western favorites. Other amenities offered include internet access, a bar and a lounge.
DAY 10 - END OF ITINERARY
You will be picked up at your resort and taken to Zanzibar airport in time for your international flight. With a whole bunch of unforgettable memories you can start your journey back!