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TANZANIA – CALVING SEASON

Wildebeest Dawn – Calving & Island Escape

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Summary of the Trip

Discover Tanzania at a quieter, dramatic time of year. This nine-day adventure takes you to the southern Serengeti and Ndutu for the wildebeest calving season—when thousands of calves are born daily, predators abound, and crowds are few. After the thrill of the bush, unwind with three nights on Zanzibar’s beaches, perfectly timed for Tanzania’s warm summer months. The combination of wildlife spectacle and coastal relaxation offers an exclusive, immersive East African experience.

The Experience

Travel during Tanzania’s calving season (January–March), a period distinct from the famous river crossings of the Great Migration. The southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains come alive with new life and predator drama, but with far fewer tourists and lush green landscapes. After days of exceptional game viewing and photography, opt for slow travel by train to Dar es Salaam before flying to Zanzibar. Enjoy three nights on the island, where warm weather, turquoise waters, and Swahili culture await—making this the perfect pairing of bush adventure and summer beach escape.

HIGHLIGHTS

CALVING SPECTACLE,

PREDATOR ACTION,

BIG FIVE SAFARI,

SWAHILI CULTURE,

ISLAND RELAXATION

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WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • All accommodations & meals as per itinerary
  • All domestic flights and train tickets within Tanzania
  • Private safari vehicle and expert guide
  • All park and conservation fees
  • Game drives and guided activities
  • Airport and station transfers
  • Beach resort stay in Zanzibar

DAY BY DAY

Itinerary is subject to change

Day 1

Arusha – Arrival & Welcome

Arrive in Arusha and settle into your lodge. Unwind after your journey with a swim or a quiet meal, enjoying views of Mount Meru or lush gardens. This peaceful start helps you acclimatize and sets the tone for the adventure ahead as you prepare to explore Tanzania’s wild landscapes and dramatic wildlife spectacles.
Day 2

Ndutu – Calving Season Begins

Fly to Ndutu, where the southern Serengeti’s green plains are alive with wildebeest herds. Head out on your first afternoon game drive, watching for newborn calves and the predators that follow the migration. Settle into your camp and listen to the night sounds of the savannah, surrounded by the energy of new life.
Day 3

Ndutu – Calving & Predator Encounters

Spend the day exploring Ndutu’s plains, witnessing thousands of wildebeest births and dramatic predator-prey interactions. Flexible game drives allow you to follow the action and spot lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. End the day with sundowners in the bush and a hearty dinner under the stars, sharing stories of the day’s unforgettable wildlife moments.
Day 4

Ndutu – Wildlife & Landscapes

Another full day in the heart of the migration. Track herds across the plains, spot zebras and gazelles with their young, and look for leopards in the acacia woodlands. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild, then return to camp for a relaxed evening and stories by the fire, surrounded by the sounds of the savannah.
Day 5

Ngorongoro Crater – Big Five Safari

Drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the crater for a classic Big Five safari. Spot rhinos, elephants, lions, and hippos against the caldera backdrop. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor before ascending to the rim and transferring to Arusha for the night, reflecting on the day’s sightings.
Day 6

Slow Travel to Zanzibar – Train to Dar es Salaam

Board the TAZARA train for a scenic journey to Dar es Salaam. Watch Tanzania’s landscapes unfold, meet locals, and experience the rhythm of slow travel. On arrival in Dar, transfer to the airport for a short evening flight to Zanzibar, where you’ll check in at your beach resort and settle in for island time.
Day 7

Zanzibar – Beach & Culture

Relax on Zanzibar’s beaches or choose from snorkeling, a spice tour, or exploring Stone Town’s winding alleys and markets. Sample fresh seafood, soak up the sun, and enjoy the laid-back rhythm of the island. Consider a sunset dhow cruise for a memorable evening on the water as your beach retreat begins.
Day 8

Zanzibar – Island Leisure

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Swim in the Indian Ocean, try water sports, or simply relax at your resort. Consider a guided visit to a local village or a private Swahili cooking class. Savor your last evening with a beachfront dinner, reflecting on the unique blend of adventure and relaxation this trip offers.
Day 9

Departure from Zanzibar

Spend your final morning on the beach or with a last swim in the ocean. Transfer to Zanzibar airport for your onward flight, departing Tanzania with memories of the calving season’s drama and the tranquility of Zanzibar’s shores—a perfect ending to a journey through wild and serene landscapes.

FAST FACTS

Beyond the Safari Jeep

Guided Walks in Ndutu for Birdwatching and Tracking
Game Drives in the Serengeti
Sunset Dhow Cruise in Zanzibar
Private Swahili Cooking Class
Snorkeling or Diving Excursions

Why we love it

“Calving season means big drama and few crowds – wildlife action at its best, then pure relaxation on Zanzibar’s beaches.” – The Nomad Africa Team
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When to travel

Mid-January to March for the calving season in Ndutu and southern Serengeti, when wildlife is at its most dramatic and landscapes are lush and green. Zanzibar is beautiful year-round, with warm weather and inviting seas.

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SEE WHAT YOU LIKE? BOOK YOUR TRIP TODAY

Book your trip with Nomad today, you will get everything in the itinerary listed above and much more. Our goal is to make your trip dreams come alive.

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