Itinerary
Overview
Capture the Miracle of Life
This 6-day photographic safari offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the Wildebeest Calving Season on the short grass plains of Ndutu, located in the Southern Serengeti. Every year, between January and March, approximately 1.3 million wildebeest, along with 250,000 gazelles and 200,000 zebras, give birth to thousands of calves. This natural spectacle attracts a variety of predators, making it a prime time for photographers to capture the cycle of life in the wild. The small group size ensures that participants will have plenty of time in the field, taking full advantage of the soft morning and evening light for photography.
This 6-Day Wildebeest Calving Photographic Safari offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness one of nature’s most remarkable spectacles—the Wildebeest Calving Season—while honing your wildlife photography skills. With small group sizes, expert guides, and breathtaking landscapes, this safari is designed for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts looking to capture the magic of the Great Migration and predator-prey interactions in the Southern Serengeti.
Highlights & Activities
What's on offer during this trip?
- Witness the Calving Season: See thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles giving birth on the plains, with newborns standing and running within minutes of birth.
- Photographic Focus: Maximize your time in the field to capture wildlife in its natural habitat, including dramatic predator-prey interactions.
- Big Cats & Predators: High chances of seeing lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and other predators taking advantage of the vulnerable newborns.
- Rich Birdlife: The Ndutu region is home to more than 400 species of birds, providing a diverse range of subjects for photography.
- Small Group Experience: With only 12 participants, max 3 people, this safari ensures an intimate and immersive wildlife experience, perfect for dedicated photographers.
Itinerary
Day by day
Day 1: Drive from Arusha to Ndutu
Depart from Arusha in the morning and travel towards Ndutu, stopping at Mto wa Mbu for a village tour and traditional lunch. Continue driving across the Maasai Steppe and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, entering the South Serengeti. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy an afternoon game drive in the scenic Ndutu area before checking into your camp for dinner and overnight.
Days 2-5: Full Days of Game Viewing in Ndutu
Spend the next four days exploring the Ndutu area, where the Great Migration congregates during the calving season. This is the perfect time for photographers to capture wildebeest herds, predators, and birdlife against the stunning backdrop of the short grass plains and acacia woodlands. The Ndutu region offers a unique opportunity to witness predator-prey interactions, as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are highly active during this period. You will have the chance to photograph newborn calves as they learn to stand, run, and evade predators within hours of birth.
Each day, you will head out early in the morning to take advantage of the best light for photography, returning to camp for lunch and a short rest before heading out again in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Early Morning Game Drive – Return to Arusha
Wake up early for a final morning game drive to capture the Big Five and any last-minute wildlife encounters. After breakfast at the camp, check out and enjoy a game drive on your way back to Arusha. Arrive in the late afternoon for drop-off at your hotel or the airport.
What's Included?
- Accommodation: 6 nights in luxury tented camps and lodges.
- Meals: Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the safari.
- Transport: 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing, including airport transfers.
- Professional Guide: Services of an experienced, English-speaking safari guide.
- Park Fees: All national park entrance fees, including the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Game Drives: Daily game drives as per the itinerary.
Drinking Water: Bottled water during game drives. - Maasai Village Visit: A cultural visit to a Maasai village (if time permits on Day 7).
- Internal Flights: Domestic flight from Arusha to Serengeti (if applicable).
- Emergency Evacuation: AMREF Flying Doctors emergency evacuation insurance.
What's Excluded?
- International Flights: Flights to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Visas: Entry visas for Tanzania.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
- Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff.
- Personal Expenses: Items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, additional beverages, and laundry services.
- Optional Activities: Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., hot air balloon safari).
- Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic drinks at lodges and camps unless otherwise stated.
- Covid-19 Related Expenses: Any testing or quarantine costs related to Covid-19 regulations.
