5-Day Safari · 4 comfort levels
From
$2,275
per person
Indicative prices per person for 2 adults sharing a private vehicle. Your written quote confirms the final price.
Experience Tanzania's Great Migration at one of its most extraordinary moments, on a private five-day safari through Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Ndutu plains of the Southern Serengeti.
From January to February, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest gather across the short-grass plains of the Southern Serengeti to give birth. Newborn calves take their first steps, and lions, cheetahs and hyenas follow the herds. December and March can also offer excellent migration experiences, although the exact location of the herds changes with rainfall and grazing.
This safari combines the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire, the remarkable wildlife of the Ngorongoro Crater and dedicated time in the Ndutu calving grounds. Rather than spending the whole trip moving from park to park, it gives you time where the migration is normally concentrated at this time of year.
With Trust Tours & Safaris, you are not simply following a fixed itinerary. Our experienced local safari team follows current wildlife conditions and adapts your game drives to where the herds and predators are actually moving, giving you the best possible opportunity for an unforgettable calving-season experience.
We believe a safari should be more than travelling between national parks. It should give you enough time to appreciate the landscapes, observe wildlife at a comfortable pace, take photographs and enjoy the knowledge of your professional guide.
From the first welcome at Kilimanjaro International Airport to your final departure, you are in safe hands with a trusted Tanzanian safari company.
Best months to travel: Dec · Jan · Feb · Mar
The route stays the same at every level. What changes is where you sleep, how you travel and how much is arranged for you.
From $2,275per person
$455–$555 per day · $2,275–$2,775 for 5 days
A comfortable, well-organised safari with excellent wildlife viewing and good value, without paying for extensive luxury services.
From $3,775per person
$755–$1,200 per day · $3,775–$6,000 for 5 days
Upgraded lodges and premium tented camps with stylish interiors, excellent dining and attentive hospitality, while the safari stays focused on wildlife.
From $6,500per person
$1,300–$2,200 per day · $6,500–$11,000 for 5 days
Exceptional camps and lodges with premium suites, refined cuisine and personal service, chosen for location and exclusivity.
From $11,500per person
$2,300–$5,000 per day · $11,500–$25,000 for 5 days
Created for special celebrations and discerning travellers. Inclusions are tailored to the property and flights you choose, because not every camp offers every service.
These are indicative private-safari planning ranges per person, based on 2 adults sharing one private safari vehicle and a room. They are not confirmed quotations.
Your final cost depends on your travel dates, the number of guests, camp availability, flight fares and the exact services you choose. Ndutu camps can fill early in the calving season, so we confirm your price and accommodation in writing before you pay a deposit.
To request a price for one traveller or a group of three to six, select your group size in the booking box and Ombeni will quote you directly.
Your private vehicle and guide are shared only by your own party, so the more of you there are, the less each person pays.
Day 1
Your Tanzanian adventure begins with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by your Trust Tours & Safaris representative. After help with your luggage, you transfer privately to Arusha, the safari capital of northern Tanzania. The drive is about 50 km and takes around an hour, depending on traffic.
Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day is yours. Relax at your hotel, recover from your journey or simply prepare for the days ahead.
In the evening, your safari guide meets you for a detailed briefing on the route, the weather, wildlife expectations, photography opportunities and the next day's departure.
A warm welcome and a comfortable first evening in Arusha.
Day 2
After breakfast, you leave Arusha with your private safari guide and drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its enormous elephant population, ancient baobab trees, seasonal wetlands and diverse wildlife. The safari begins as soon as you enter the park.
Your guide chooses the best areas according to current wildlife conditions, looking for African elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, impala, warthogs, antelope, baboons, monkeys and numerous bird species.
The park's landscape of giant baobabs, open savannah and seasonal rivers has a completely different atmosphere from Ndutu. You enjoy a full-day game drive, with a picnic lunch at an authorised picnic area before continuing to explore.
In the late afternoon, you leave Tarangire and drive to your lodge in the Karatu and Ngorongoro highlands for dinner and the night.
Elephants, baobabs and a full day of Tarangire wildlife.
Day 3
This is where the safari becomes a dedicated migration experience. After an early breakfast, you drive into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the spectacular crater.
The crater floor supports an extraordinary concentration of wildlife. On your morning game drive, your guide will search for lions, buffalo, elephants, hippos, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, hyenas, jackals, flamingos and other waterbirds. Black rhino live here too, although sightings are never guaranteed. You enjoy a picnic lunch in the crater before climbing back out on the western side of the conservation area.
Then comes the important transition. Instead of spending another night around Karatu, you continue to Ndutu and the Southern Serengeti, where the Great Migration normally concentrates during the calving months. The landscape gradually changes from the highlands into vast open plains.
As you approach Ndutu, your game drive begins again. Look for wildebeest herds, zebras, gazelles, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, giraffes, elephants and other plains wildlife. If conditions are right, you may meet the first large migration herds before you reach camp.
From the crater floor into the Great Migration.
Day 4
This is the heart of the entire safari. You wake before sunrise for an early breakfast and leave with your guide while the plains are still cool and the morning light is ideal for photography.
During the calving season, the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains become one of the main gathering areas for the migrating herds. The peak is generally around January and February, although rainfall can shift the timing. Your guide follows the latest wildlife information to find the concentrations of the migration. Depending on conditions, you may see thousands of wildebeest, newborn calves, zebras, Thomson's and Grant's gazelles, lions following the herds, cheetahs hunting on the open plains, hyenas, jackals, secretary birds and ostriches.
The magic of Ndutu is not simply the number of animals. It is the meeting of new life and predators. A newborn calf may be only minutes old, with its mother close by while predators patrol the edges of the herd. This concentration of vulnerable young animals is one reason predator activity can be so intense during the calving period.
You stop for a picnic lunch on the plains, then continue through the afternoon. There is no rigid route. Your guide adapts the day to where the herds are, where predators are active, road conditions, the weather, wildlife reports and your own interests.
The afternoon can bring wildebeest with newborn calves, herds moving across the plains, lion prides, cheetahs and the dramatic landscapes around Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek. You return to camp around sunset.
The main event: a whole day on the calving grounds.
Day 5
Wake early for your final sunrise over the Southern Serengeti. After breakfast, you set out on a last game drive through the Ndutu area. Depending on your flight schedule, this is another chance to look for wildebeest, newborn calves, zebras, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, gazelles, giraffes, elephants and other resident wildlife.
After the game drive, you begin the journey back towards Arusha, with a picnic lunch on the way, and continue to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight.
Your five-day safari ends with memories of the Great Migration, the Ngorongoro Crater and the incredible wildlife of northern Tanzania.
One last sunrise on the plains before the journey home.
Pick your comfort level, then choose a stay for each part of the route. Your choices go with your booking request. Ombeni confirms availability and your final price, and suggests a similar stay if one is full.
Your nights on this trip
Night 1
City hotel
Central Arusha
A modern hotel in the centre of Arusha, an easy first stop after your flight. Air-conditioned rooms and an outdoor pool make it a comfortable place to rest before your safari briefing.
What you can do here
Riverside country inn
Usa River, between Arusha and Kilimanjaro Airport
A small country inn set in mature tropical gardens on the Usa River, about 35 minutes from Kilimanjaro Airport. Shaded paths lead down to the river, which makes it a quiet place to rest after a long flight.
What you can do here
Lodge on a coffee estate
Coffee estate about 7 km from Arusha
Thatched cottages in tropical gardens on a coffee estate outside Arusha, each with a fireplace and private veranda, with views of Mount Meru.
What you can do here
Four-star city hotel
About 2 km from central Arusha
A comfortable hotel close to the centre of Arusha, with a large outdoor pool beside a landscaped garden.
What you can do here
City hotel in gardens
Near the Clock Tower, central Arusha
A historic hotel in the middle of Arusha, close to the Clock Tower, with a swimming pool surrounded by gardens.
What you can do here
Large garden hotel
Foot of Mount Meru, Arusha
A large hotel set in about 15 acres of landscaped gardens at the foot of Mount Meru, a comfortable base before or after your safari.
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Garden lodge
Usa River, near Arusha
A peaceful lodge of rooms, suites and a family cottage spread through gardens at Usa River, between Arusha and the airport.
What you can do here
Quiet country lodge
Near Arusha
A highly rated country lodge near Arusha, with plenty to do for travellers who like to stay active before their safari.
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Airport lodge
Next to Kilimanjaro International Airport
A simple, country-club-style lodge of thatched cottages right by the airport, ideal for a late arrival or an early flight.
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Airport lodge
Near Kilimanjaro International Airport
A newer lodge of cosy bungalows among banana and palm trees, well suited to a short stay around an international flight.
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Elewana lodge on a working coffee estate
Western edge of Arusha
Set among the coffee fields of a large estate on the western edge of Arusha, at the foot of Mount Meru. It is a peaceful first stop after a long flight, with gardens to relax in before your evening safari briefing.
What you can do here
Boutique lodge on a coffee estate
Burka Coffee Estate, outside Arusha
An intimate lodge of garden cottages on a working coffee estate, with the former farmhouse at its heart. Winding paths link the cottages to the main house, giving it the feel of a private country home.
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Luxury city hotel
Kijenge, Arusha
A large luxury hotel in Arusha, with private balconies, several restaurants and landscaped gardens. It suits travellers who like the facilities of a full-service hotel before heading into the bush.
What you can do here
Lakeside hotel and spa
Lake Duluti, about 20 km from Arusha
Formerly the Lake Duluti Serena, this hotel stands among coffee plantations on the shore of Lake Duluti, with stone-built cottages grouped around a flowery village square.
What you can do here
Boutique hotel
Serengeti Road, Arusha
An elegant boutique hotel of 29 rooms and suites, about 2 km from central Arusha, with a garden and an outdoor pool.
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Villas and lodge
Private wildlife estate outside Arusha
A mix of private villas and a small lodge on a private wildlife estate just outside Arusha, a quiet start to your safari.
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Private six-bedroom villa
Golf estate, about 25 minutes from Kilimanjaro Airport
A luxury six-bedroom villa on a championship golf estate. You can book the whole villa or single rooms, which makes it ideal for families and friends.
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Night 2
Garden lodge
Karatu, Ngorongoro Highlands
A relaxed lodge set in about eleven acres of gardens in Karatu, the highland farming town between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater. It is a short drive from the Ngorongoro gate, so it works well before or after a day in the crater.
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Lodge on a working coffee farm
Karatu, Ngorongoro Highlands
A lodge on a coffee farm in the Karatu highlands, close to the Ngorongoro Crater. The farm also grows vegetables and keeps livestock, which gives the place a warm, rural feel after a day in the park.
What you can do here
Lodge on the crater rim
Ngorongoro Crater rim
Built into the rim of the crater, with traditional decor and sweeping views over the crater floor. Sleeping on the rim puts you close to the descent road for your morning game drive.
What you can do here
Large lodge on the crater rim
Eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater
A large lodge on the quieter eastern rim of the crater, with its rooms set around a central swimming pool. Your Ngorongoro stay here comes with views over the crater floor.
What you can do here
Simple lodge near the crater rim
Ngorongoro Crater rim
A simple, good-value lodge in the forest close to the crater rim, with 24 en-suite rooms. It puts you close to the crater for much less than the bigger rim lodges.
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Mid-range tented camp
Ngorongoro Highlands
A mid-range tented camp in the highlands, close to the descent road into the crater, which suits an early start.
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Lodge on a coffee farm
About 20 minutes from Karatu
A lodge on a large coffee farm, about 15 minutes from the Lodoare gate of the conservation area, with a pool and evening campfires.
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Lodge on a working coffee farm
Edge of Karatu town
A lodge on an active coffee farm at the edge of Karatu, with rooms in private cabins, a pool and a spa.
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Mid-range lodge
Karatu
A mid-range lodge of cottages and spacious tents in landscaped gardens, with a pool, a bar and a restaurant.
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Mid-range hilltop lodge
Hilltop near Karatu
A comfortable mid-range lodge on a scenic hilltop near Karatu, with a pool, a lounge and a restaurant.
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Good-value cottage lodge
Eastern edge of Karatu town
Affordable cottage-style rooms at the edge of Karatu, about 30 minutes from both the crater and Lake Manyara.
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Good-value lodge
Karatu
A comfortable and affordable lodge in Karatu, offering a good base for exploring the crater.
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Cottage lodge
Karatu, near the Ngorongoro Crater
A lodge of private cottages at the edge of Karatu, close to the village of Rhotia and about 30 minutes from the Ngorongoro gate. Each cottage has its own veranda, making it a restful stop between Tarangire and the crater.
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Colonial-style manor on a coffee estate
Karatu Highlands
An elegant manor house on a large Arabica coffee estate in the Karatu highlands, just outside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Guests stay in private suites set in cottages around the grounds.
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All-inclusive luxury lodge
Ngorongoro Highlands
An all-inclusive lodge of spacious cottages set in lush gardens, a calm base in the highlands for your crater day.
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Historic working coffee farm
Near Karatu, on the slopes of the Ngorongoro highlands
A working farm with roots going back to 1929, set among gardens and coffee on the forested slopes below the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Guests stay in private cottages, and much of the food comes from the farm.
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Luxury forest lodge
About 15 minutes from Karatu town
A luxury lodge on forested land near Karatu, with secluded cottages that have fireplaces and private decks overlooking the trees.
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Lodge on a working coffee plantation
Karatu
A stylish lodge on a working farm and coffee plantation, with rooms and suites spread through park-like gardens around a large pool.
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Farmhouse-style lodge
Karatu, about 15 minutes from the Lodoare gate
A farmhouse-style lodge of suites on about 40 acres, with views of the Oldeani Mountains and a pool.
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Cottage lodge among coffee plantations
Between Rhotia and Karatu
A lodge of cottages surrounded by coffee plantations and forest, each with a private veranda and a fireplace.
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Colonial-style lodge on a coffee plantation
Karatu highlands
An upper mid-range lodge on a working coffee plantation above Karatu, built in the style of old colonial farms, about 30 minutes from the Lodoare gate.
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Luxury lodge on the crater rim
Ngorongoro Crater rim
A rebuilt lodge on the rim of the crater, reopened in 2023 on the site of one of the first lodges at Ngorongoro.
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Boutique camp of dome tents
Slopes of Olmoti volcano, north of the crater
A small Asilia camp of eight dome-shaped tents, inspired by Maasai homes, on the slopes of Olmoti volcano. Each has a wood-burning stove against the cool highland nights.
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Ultra-luxury lodge on the crater rim
Ngorongoro Crater rim
One of Africa's most celebrated lodges, with opulent suites on the crater rim and breathtaking views over the crater floor. It is closed for a major rebuild and due to reopen in 2027, so we confirm availability for your dates.
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Nights 3 and 4
Mid-range seasonal tented camp
Ndutu, Southern Serengeti ecosystem
A mid-range tented camp on the Ndutu plains, open through the calving season from around December to March. Staying here means you wake up close to the herds, instead of spending the best hours of the morning driving in from the highlands.
What you can do here
Long-established lodge
Lake Ndutu, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
A much-loved lodge of stone-and-thatch cottages overlooking Lake Ndutu, on the edge of the calving plains. Unlike the seasonal camps, it is here all year, with en-suite bathrooms and a private veranda at each cottage.
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Seasonal tented bush camp
Ndutu, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
A seasonal mid-range camp that opens for the calving months, with en-suite tents and solar lighting. It is a straightforward bush camp, right where the herds gather.
What you can do here
Seasonal mobile tented camp
Ndutu, Southern Serengeti ecosystem
A small mobile camp of about ten en-suite safari tents, set up in the south for the migration months and taken down after each season. It keeps the true feel of a bush camp.
What you can do here
Luxury tented lodge
Lake Masek, Ndutu area
Comfortable tented suites overlooking Lake Masek, close to Lake Ndutu and well placed for the calving grounds. It feels more solid than a mobile camp, which is a real comfort in the wet months.
What you can do here
Seasonal luxury tented camp
Ndutu, near the Southern Serengeti border
A seasonal luxury camp, open for the migration months from about December to March. It gives you the feeling of a true bush camp, close to the herds, with the comforts of a well-run tented suite.
What you can do here
Luxury tented lodge
Ndutu, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
A lodge of about twenty spacious tents, each raised on a wooden platform under a thatched roof, in the Ndutu area on the migration's path. Unlike the mobile camps, it has a swimming pool and permanent lodge facilities.
What you can do here
Permanent luxury tented camp
Kopjes of the southern Serengeti
A camp of 12 en-suite tents with raised wooden decks, set among rocky kopjes on the southern plains near the migration route. It is well placed for cheetahs.
What you can do here
High-end mobile camp by Asilia
Ndutu from December to March, the Mara River from June to November
An intimate camp of nine tents that moves between the far north and Ndutu to follow the herds. Stargazing tents give wide views from your bed, so the plains stay with you through the night.
What you can do here
Small high-end mobile camp
Ndutu from December to March, Kogatende from July to October
A small mobile camp of just a few canvas tents that moves through the year with the migration, settling at Ndutu for the calving season and at Kogatende for the river crossings.
What you can do here
High-end mobile tented camp
Moves with the migration
A high-end mobile camp that moves through the year to follow the Great Migration. We confirm its position for your dates, so that it suits your route.
What you can do here
This is not just another five-day Tanzania safari. It is a dedicated Ndutu calving safari, built around the seasonal movement of the Great Migration rather than an attempt to collect as many national parks as possible.
The route runs from Tarangire to Ngorongoro, then on to Ndutu and the Southern Serengeti, and it gives your two most valuable nights to the place where the calving actually happens. The spectacle takes place on the southern plains, not on the Ngorongoro Crater floor, so staying in or next to the Ndutu area matters more than any other choice on this trip.
December to March is the overall Ndutu season, with January and February the prime calving window. Here is what normally happens in each month.
| Month | What to expect |
|---|---|
| December | The migration begins gathering. The herds generally start concentrating in the south as the short rains bring fresh grass. |
| January | Calving begins. More wildebeest arrive and the first births take place. |
| February | Peak calving. Normally the core month, with huge concentrations of wildebeest, newborn calves and strong predator activity. |
| March | Late calving and transition. Newborn and predator sightings can still be excellent, especially early in the month, but the herds may begin moving north and west. |
We believe a migration safari should be more than a list of parks and hotel nights. It should give you time to experience the wilderness.
You may wake to the sound of birds outside your tent, watch thousands of wildebeest spread across the plains, follow a mother with her newborn calf, wait quietly while a cheetah scans the grasslands, or watch the African sun disappear over the Serengeti. Some moments cannot be scheduled.
To receive an accurate quotation, tell us your travel dates, number of travellers, preferred comfort level, room-sharing arrangements and whether you will arrive at JRO, ARK or an Arusha hotel. We can then check suitable accommodation and give you a more precise price.
Still have questions? Ask Ombeni directly on WhatsApp.
Free, no-fluff guides from the people who run the trips.
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Indicative prices per person for 2 adults sharing a private vehicle. Your written quote confirms the final price.
From
$2,275
per person
