Predator’s Season - Big Cats Safari in Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Ndutu | Wildebeest Migration Calving Season

6 Days Safari from $2,222.28

Price from

$2,222.28

Book Now

Predator’s Season - Big Cats Safari in Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Ndutu | Wildebeest Migration Calving Season

Experience the drama of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife season with Tanzania Bucket List on this 6-day Big Cats Safari during the legendary wildebeest migration calving season. This itinerary is perfectly timed for January and March, when thousands of wildebeest give birth in the Ndutu plains of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, attracting powerful predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards.

 

Your journey covers three of northern Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations: Tarangire National Park, the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Conservation Area (including the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater), and the predator hotspot of Ndutu. Expect incredible Big Five encounters, dramatic predator action, breathtaking landscapes, and handpicked accommodations ranging from classic comfort to premium luxury.

 

This safari blends thrilling game drives, migration calving action, and scenic beauty—making it one of the most exciting wildlife experiences in Tanzania.

Safari Itinerary

1
DAY
✈️ Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a Tanzania Bucket List representative will greet you and transfer you to Arusha, the gateway to northern Tanzania’s safari circuit.

Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at your hotel, enjoy the garden surroundings, or prepare for your adventure briefing with our safari team.

📒 PLEASE NOTE: Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.

Accommodation Options

Classic Hotel : The African Tulip Arusha

Luxury Hotel : Four Point by Sheraton

Premium Hotel : Gran Melia Hotel -Arusha

2
DAY
🐾 Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. During predator season, lions are frequently seen stalking prey near the Tarangire River, while leopards rest in acacia trees.

Enjoy a full-day game drive with picnic lunch inside the park before heading to your lodge near Lake Manyara for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Options

Classic Hotel : Mawemawe Manyara Lodge

Luxury Hotel : Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge

Premium Hotel : Gibb's Farm

3
DAY
🐾 Ngorongoro Conservation Area (incl. Crater)

Today you enter the breathtaking Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as Africa’s “Garden of Eden.”

The crater is one of the best places in Tanzania to spot the endangered black rhino, along with lions, elephants, buffalo, hyenas, and flamingos around Lake Magadi.

After a thrilling crater game drive and picnic lunch, continue towards Ndutu for the migration calving season experience.

Accommodation Options

Classic Hotel : Enkutoto Migration Camp

Luxury Hotel : Enkutoto Migration Camp

Premium Hotel : Enkutoto Migration Camp

4
DAY
🐾 Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Ndutu

Today is fully dedicated to exploring the Ndutu plains within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the heart of the wildebeest migration calving season (January–March). This is peak predator season, when thousands of wildebeest give birth, attracting intense big cat activity.

With off-road driving permitted in Ndutu, your expert guide from Tanzania Bucket List can position the vehicle for exceptional wildlife encounters and photography opportunities.

Accommodation Options

Classic Hotel : Enkutoto Migration Camp

Luxury Hotel : Enkutoto Migration Camp

Premium Hotel : Enkutoto Migration Camp

5
DAY
🐾 Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Ndutu

Enjoy another full day in Ndutu, maximizing your chances of witnessing dramatic predator-prey interactions. Early morning and late afternoon game drives offer the best light for photography and active wildlife sightings.

Optional experiences (seasonal and on request)
- Hot air balloon safari over the plains
- Sundowner experience in the bush
- Extended photography-focused game drives

After breakfast and a final game drive (depending on flight schedule), return to Arusha for your overnight stay.

Accommodation Options

Classic Hotel : The African Tulip Arusha

Luxury Hotel : Four Point by Sheraton

Premium Hotel : Gran Melia Hotel -Arusha

6
DAY
✈️ Arusha - Departure

After breakfast at your hotel in Arusha, enjoy a relaxed morning depending on your flight schedule. You may choose to unwind at the hotel, explore Arusha town, or visit a local cultural market for last-minute souvenirs.

At the appropriate time, your Tanzania Bucket List driver will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your international departure flight.


📒 PLEASE NOTE: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out before your evening flight, you have the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee. Let your manager know in advance if you need a late check-out.

Safari Tour Price

Big Cats Safari
Price per person
1 pax
2 pax
3 pax
4 pax
5 pax
6 pax
6 days safari
$3,557.28
$2,780.28
$2,521.28
$2,361.78
$2,278.08
$2,222.28
Price per person
1 pax
2 pax
3 pax
4 pax
5 pax
6 pax
6 days safari
$3,557.28
$2,780.28
$2,521.28
$2,361.78
$2,278.08
$2,222.28

Safari Cost Includes

Transfers

All transfers described on the program.

Accommodation & Meals

1. Hotels and lodges are described in the program.

2. Meals described on the program.

3. Bottled water, soft drinks, hot coffee and tea while in the jeep on safari.

Guiding & Game-Driving

1. Certified and experienced English-speaking safari guide.

2. Comfortable Land Cruiser 4x4s with pop-up roof, fridge, Wi-Fi, and power outlets.

3. National park fees for the entire tour (park entry fees and concession fees).

4. Free Wi-Fi. Signal will be available in only 60-75% of the travelled territories due to lack of cell coverage in the wilderness areas.

5. 24/7 phone support service.

6. Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors.

7. Binoculars (1 pc per SUV).

8. Medical kit.

Safari Cost Excludes

1. Air tickets;

2. Visa fee;

3. Travel insurance;

4. Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).

Please Note:

 

1. By default our tours include shared accommodation in twin/double rooms, unless requested and agreed otherwise. Single supplement is available upon request. Please refer to the program to see your accommodation arrangement.

2. Moshi and Arusha-based accommodations usually include breakfast only, unless requested and agreed otherwise. Please refer to the program to see your meal plans on each night.

3. Most safari lodges usually do not include tea, coffee, soft and alcoholic drinks not to have you overpay for beverages you don’t need. You will be able to order and pay for drinks at the hotels’ restaurants.

4. Tented lodges are the most common type of accommodation in savannah. Many of them work on solar energy. This sometimes means bucket showers, limited wi-fi and no hair dryers, all in an effort to reduce environmental impact. We encourage you to do some basic research on the accommodations in your program to ensure the safari matches your travel style.

Other Safari Tours
9 Days Safari
Complete
Northern Tanzania Safari
Form $3,621.64 per person
Explore Trip
7 Days Safari
Serengeti Great Migration, Ngorongoro
Form $3,567.40 per person
Explore Trip
5 Days Safari
Ngorongoro, Empakaai and Crater Floor
Form $2,224.76 per person
Explore Trip
agent
Planning a Trip to Tanzania?

We are always here to help.

I Prefer