11-Day Luxury Calving Season Safari & Zanzibar Escape

The Journey at a Glance

• Arrive in Arusha and stay at Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge.
• Travel through the scenic landscapes to the Ngorongoro Highlands.
• Enjoy a full-day safari inside the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater.
• Journey to the southern Serengeti and the Ndutu plains.
• Spend three nights at Masek Tented Lodge.
• Explore the wildebeest calving grounds across Ndutu.
• Look out for newborn calves, large herds and predators.
• Fly from the Ndutu / Serengeti region to Zanzibar.
• Enjoy four nights at Park Hyatt Zanzibar.
• Discover Zanzibar's beaches, ocean and cultural heritage.
• Depart from Zanzibar International Airport.

Why This Journey Feels Different

• The calving season: experience the remarkable period when thousands of wildebeest calves are born across the southern Serengeti plains.
• Three nights in Ndutu: enjoy extended time exploring the calving grounds and surrounding wildlife habitats.
• Ngorongoro Crater: discover one of Africa's most extraordinary wildlife destinations on a full-day safari.
• Exceptional wildlife: look for lions, cheetahs, hyenas and other predators following the migrating herds.
• Luxury accommodation: stay at carefully selected properties, including Lemala Osonjoi Lodge and Masek Tented Lodge.
• Zanzibar escape: finish your adventure with four nights at Park Hyatt Zanzibar.

Designed for travellers seeking a special wildlife experience and an elegant island finale, this journey brings together Tanzania's iconic safari landscapes, distinctive luxury accommodation and the natural beauty of Zanzibar.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha

Welcome to Tanzania. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from African Landscape Adventures and transferred to Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge. Set among lush coffee plantations, the lodge provides a peaceful and elegant introduction to Tanzania. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy the tranquil surroundings after your international journey. Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Your safari guide will also introduce you to the journey ahead and provide a briefing about the wildlife experiences awaiting you.

Accommodation: Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge
Meals: Dinner, subject to arrival time and confirmed meal plan

Day 02

Arusha to Ngorongoro Highlands

After breakfast, depart Arusha and travel towards the magnificent Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The journey takes you through changing landscapes, traditional villages and the beautiful highlands of northern Tanzania. As you approach the Ngorongoro region, enjoy the impressive scenery and cool mountain atmosphere. Arrive at Lemala Osonjoi Lodge and settle into your accommodation. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, preparing for tomorrow's crater exploration.

Accommodation: Lemala Osonjoi Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 03

Full-Day Ngorongoro Crater Safari

After an early breakfast, descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day wildlife safari. Enclosed by towering crater walls, this extraordinary ecosystem supports a remarkable concentration of wildlife. Explore its grasslands, wetlands and forested areas in search of elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and predators such as lions and hyenas. With luck, you may also encounter the endangered black rhinoceros. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated location within the crater before continuing your game drive. Later, return to Lemala Osonjoi Lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening in the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Accommodation: Lemala Osonjoi Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner

Day 04

Ngorongoro to Southern Serengeti / Ndutu

After breakfast, leave the Ngorongoro Highlands and journey towards the southern Serengeti and Ndutu region. As you approach the open plains, the scenery changes into vast grasslands that become an important gathering area for the Great Migration during the calving season. Arrive at Masek Tented Lodge and settle into your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an afternoon game drive in the surrounding Ndutu area, where large herds of wildebeest and zebras gather during this special season.

Accommodation: Masek Tented Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 05

Ndutu – Witness the Great Wildebeest Calving Season

Spend a full day exploring the Ndutu plains, one of the most remarkable wildlife destinations during the Great Migration calving season. Vast herds of wildebeest gather on the nutrient-rich short-grass plains, where newborn calves take their first steps into the wild. Your experienced safari guide will help you discover the extraordinary wildlife activity unfolding across the landscape. Watch for mothers caring for their young, herds moving across the grasslands and predators such as lions, cheetahs and hyenas that follow the migration. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your exploration before returning to camp in the evening.

Accommodation: Masek Tented Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner

Day 06

Ndutu – Another Day on the Calving Grounds

Enjoy another full day of game drives across the Ndutu plains and the surrounding southern Serengeti ecosystem. With more time in this remarkable region, you can explore different areas around Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek in search of wildlife activity. The calving season offers wonderful opportunities to observe the behaviour of wildebeest families, newborn calves and the predators that depend on the migrating herds. Your guide will adapt the day's exploration according to wildlife movements and recent sightings. Return to Masek Tented Lodge in the evening after another rewarding day in the wilderness.

Accommodation: Masek Tented Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner

Day 07

Ndutu to Zanzibar – Fly to the Island

After breakfast, transfer to the designated airstrip for your scheduled flight to Zanzibar. Leave the remarkable landscapes of the Serengeti ecosystem behind and enjoy the transition towards the tropical Indian Ocean. Upon arrival in Zanzibar, you will be met by your transfer driver and taken to Park Hyatt Zanzibar. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy the island's relaxed atmosphere. Depending on your arrival time, spend the remainder of the day unwinding at the hotel or enjoying the beautiful coastal surroundings.

Accommodation: Park Hyatt Zanzibar
Meals: Breakfast and meals according to the confirmed hotel meal plan

Flight arrangements: The departure airstrip, flight schedule, baggage allowance and any required connections will be confirmed according to the available domestic flight arrangements.

Day 08

Zanzibar – Beach Relaxation & Island Leisure

Wake up to the gentle rhythm of island life and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Park Hyatt Zanzibar. Today is yours to relax and appreciate the beautiful surroundings of Zanzibar. Spend time by the beach or swimming pool, enjoy the warm Indian Ocean waters, or simply unwind in the peaceful atmosphere of your luxury accommodation. After several days of wildlife exploration, this is the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy the island at your own pace.

Accommodation: Park Hyatt Zanzibar
Meals: According to the confirmed hotel meal plan

Day 09

Zanzibar – Discover the Island at Your Own Pace

Enjoy another beautiful day in Zanzibar. You may choose to spend the day relaxing at the hotel, exploring the island's coastline or enjoying an optional ocean excursion. Zanzibar offers a wonderful selection of experiences, from traditional dhow sailing and snorkelling to visits to nearby beaches and local villages. Alternatively, enjoy a peaceful day at the hotel and make the most of its facilities. The day is designed to offer flexibility, allowing you to enjoy the island according to your interests.

Accommodation: Park Hyatt Zanzibar
Meals: According to the confirmed hotel meal plan

Day 10

Stone Town Cultural Experience & Island Leisure

After breakfast, discover the historic heart of Zanzibar with an optional guided visit to Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through narrow streets lined with intricately carved doors, historic buildings and traditional Swahili architecture. Discover the island's layered history, shaped by African, Arab, Indian and European influences, and visit local markets where spices, textiles, crafts and souvenirs reflect Zanzibar's rich cultural traditions. Later, return to your hotel and enjoy your final evening on the island.

Accommodation: Park Hyatt Zanzibar
Meals: According to the confirmed hotel meal plan
Stone Town guided visits and any additional excursions are subject to the confirmed quotation.

Day 11

Departure from Zanzibar

Enjoy your final breakfast at Park Hyatt Zanzibar before checking out of your accommodation. At the appropriate time, your driver will transfer you to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for your onward flight. As your Tanzanian adventure comes to an end, take home wonderful memories of the Ngorongoro Crater, the extraordinary wildebeest calving season in Ndutu and the beautiful island of Zanzibar. African Landscape Adventures thanks you for travelling with us and wishes you a pleasant journey home.

Accommodation: Not included after check-out
Meals: Breakfast, according to the confirmed hotel meal plan

Journey Highlights

• Arrival and overnight stay at Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge
• Two nights at Lemala Osonjoi Lodge in the Ngorongoro Highlands
• Full-day Ngorongoro Crater safari
• Three nights at Masek Tented Lodge in Ndutu
• Explore the southern Serengeti during the calving season
• Observe wildebeest herds and newborn calves
• Look for lions, cheetahs, hyenas and other predators
• Domestic flight from the safari region to Zanzibar
• Four nights at Park Hyatt Zanzibar
• Relaxation on Zanzibar's beautiful beaches
• Optional Stone Town cultural experience
• A combination of wildlife, culture and beach relaxation

Safari & Zanzibar Package Price

Price per person: Request a Quote

Final pricing depends on the travel dates, accommodation availability, domestic flight arrangements and number of travellers.

Best Time to Experience the Calving Season

The southern Serengeti and Ndutu region are particularly rewarding between December and March, when the Great Migration herds gather on the nutrient-rich short-grass plains. January and February are especially well known for the calving season, when large numbers of wildebeest give birth within a relatively short period. This creates extraordinary opportunities to observe newborn calves, maternal behaviour and the predators that follow the migrating herds. The exact timing and location of the herds depend on seasonal rainfall and grazing conditions, so wildlife movements can vary from year to year.

Important Information

• Wildlife sightings and the exact timing of the calving season cannot be guaranteed.
• The itinerary may change due to weather, road conditions, wildlife movements, park regulations or flight schedules.
• The Ndutu region's wildlife movements depend on rainfall and grazing conditions.
• The domestic flight from the safari region to Zanzibar is subject to the available flight schedule and confirmed booking.
• The departure airstrip, baggage allowance and flight times will be confirmed before travel.
• Optional Zanzibar excursions depend on sea conditions, operator availability and local guidance.
• Stone Town visits and additional excursions are subject to the confirmed package arrangements.
• Guests should confirm passport, visa, travel insurance and applicable entry requirements before departure.
• Accommodation, room categories, flights, transfers and meal arrangements will be confirmed in the booking documents.

Booking & Payment Terms

A 30% deposit is required to confirm the booking, with the remaining balance payable according to the payment schedule stated in the final quotation or invoice. All accommodation and flight arrangements are subject to availability until confirmed in writing. Cancellation and refund conditions will be provided with the booking confirmation.