Predator’s Season: Big Cats Safari in Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Ndutu | 11 Days Tanzania Safari Wildebeest Migration Calving Season & Zanzibar Beach

11 Days Safari + Beach Tour from $3,854.92

Predator’s Season: Big Cats Safari in Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Ndutu | 11 Days Tanzania Safari Wildebeest Migration Calving Season & Zanzibar Beach

Experience one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife events with Tanzania Bucket List on this unforgettable 11-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday. Designed around the Great Wildebeest Migration calving season, this journey takes you deep into Tanzania’s most wildlife-rich ecosystems — Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the legendary Ndutu plains, where thousands of wildebeest give birth, and predators roam in abundance.

 

During the calving season (typically January–March), the southern Serengeti and Ndutu region becomes a dramatic stage of survival, attracting lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas — making it one of the best times for big cat sightings and predator action.

 

After thrilling safari adventures, your journey continues to the exotic island of Zanzibar, where turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and Swahili culture provide the perfect tropical escape.

 

This itinerary combines luxury wildlife experiences, authentic landscapes, and relaxing beach time, creating the ultimate East African safari adventure.

Tour Itinerary

1
DAY
✈️ Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by a Tanzania Bucket List representative and transferred to Arusha — the safari capital of Northern Tanzania.

Depending on your arrival time, relax at your hotel, recover from your journey, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings beneath Mount Meru. A safari briefing will prepare you for the incredible adventure ahead.



📒 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 Meliá Hotel - Arusha

2
DAY
🐾 Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, famous for its giant baobab trees and large elephant herds. During the dry season, the Tarangire River attracts massive concentrations of wildlife, making it one of Tanzania’s hidden safari gems.

Enjoy a full-day game drive spotting:
- Large elephant families
- Lions resting under acacia trees
- Giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest
- Rare species like fringe-eared oryx and gerenuk
- Numerous bird species

Picnic lunch inside the park followed by afternoon wildlife exploration before heading to your lodge.

Accommodation Options

Classic Hotel : Mawemawe Manyara Lodge

Luxury Hotel : Lake Manyara Kilimanjaro Lodge

Premium Hotel : Gibb's Farm

3
DAY
🐾 Lake Manyara National Park

Today you explore the scenic Lake Manyara National Park, a compact yet diverse park located along the Great Rift Valley escarpment.

Highlights include:
- Tree-climbing lions (a rare behavior)
- Flamingos along the soda lake
- Hippos in forest pools
- Troops of playful baboons
- Lush groundwater forests
- The park’s varied habitats — forest, lake shore, and open plains — provide excellent photographic opportunities.

After the game drive, return to your lodge for relaxation and sunset views over the Rift Valley.

Accommodation Options

Classic Hotel : Mawemawe Manyara Lodge

Luxury Hotel : Lake Manyara Kilimanjaro Lodge

Premium Hotel : Gibb's Farm

4
DAY
🐾 Ngorongoro Conservation Area (incl. Crater)

Drive toward the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.

Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for an extraordinary game drive. This natural wildlife sanctuary offers one of Africa’s highest densities of animals.

Wildlife highlights:
- Black rhino sightings
- Lions and hyenas
- Large buffalo herds
- Hippos and elephants
- Exceptional predator activity

Enjoy a picnic lunch near the hippo pool before continuing your journey toward Ndutu.

Accommodation Options

Classic Hotel : Enkutoto Migration Camp

Luxury Hotel : Enkutoto Migration Camp

Premium Hotel : Enkutoto Migration Camp

5
DAY
🐾 Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Ndutu

Today begins your exploration of the Ndutu region, the heart of the Great Migration calving season. Between January and March, thousands of wildebeest calves are born daily, attracting intense predator activity.

Game drive highlights:
- Lion prides hunting on open plains
- Lions and hyenas
- Cheetahs stalking prey
- Leopards resting in acacia trees
- Massive herds of wildebeest and zebras

Flexible off-road driving allowed in Ndutu provides exceptional close wildlife encounters.

Accommodation Options

Classic Hotel : Enkutoto Migration Camp

Luxury Hotel : Enkutoto Migration Camp

Premium Hotel : Enkutoto Migration Camp

6
DAY
🐾 Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Ndutu

Enjoy another full day following the migration herds and predators across the Ndutu plains.

Your guide will track wildlife movements to maximize sightings, offering chances to witness:
- Wildebeest calving moments
- Predator chases
- Hyena interactions
- Dramatic savannah landscapes

Optional sunrise and sunset game drives provide magical photography opportunities.

Accommodation Options

Classic Hotel : Enkutoto Migration Camp

Luxury Hotel : Enkutoto Migration Camp

Premium Hotel : Enkutoto Migration Camp

7
DAY
🏖 Zanzibar

After breakfast, transfer for your flight to Zanzibar Island, where the safari adventure transitions into tropical relaxation.

Upon arrival, transfer to your beachfront resort. Spend the afternoon unwinding by the ocean, enjoying white sandy beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters.

Accommodation Options

Classic Hotel : Nungwi Beach Resort by Turaco, Zanzibar

Luxury Hotel : The Mora

Premium Hotel : Zuri Zanzibar

8
DAY
🏖 Zanzibar

Enjoy a leisurely beach day or optional activities such as:

- Stone Town cultural tour
- Spice plantation tour
- Snorkeling or diving excursions
- Sunset dhow cruise

Relax and experience Zanzibar’s unique blend of African, Arab, and Swahili culture.

Accommodation Options

Classic Hotel : Nungwi Beach Resort by Turaco, Zanzibar

Luxury Hotel : The Mora

Premium Hotel : Zuri Zanzibar

9
DAY
🏖 Zanzibar

Another day at leisure to enjoy island life. Lounge by the beach, explore local villages, or enjoy water sports in the crystal-clear ocean.

Optional experiences:
- Mnemba Atoll snorkeling
- Traditional Swahili cooking experiences
- Beach walks and wellness spa treatments

Accommodation Options

Classic Hotel : Nungwi Beach Resort by Turaco, Zanzibar

Luxury Hotel : The Mora

Premium Hotel : Zuri Zanzibar

10
DAY
🏖 Zanzibar

Your final full day in paradise. Relax and reflect on your safari journey while enjoying Zanzibar’s peaceful atmosphere.

Perfect day for:
- Ocean swimming
- Romantic sunset views
- Resort activities or spa sessions

Accommodation Options

Classic Hotel : Nungwi Beach Resort by Turaco, Zanzibar

Luxury Hotel : The Mora

Premium Hotel : Zuri Zanzibar

11
DAY
✈️ Departure | Zanzibar Airport

After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward flight.

Your unforgettable journey with Tanzania Bucket List comes to an end — filled with incredible wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and relaxing beach memories.

📒 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.

Tour Price

11 Days Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar
Price per person
1 pax
2 pax
3 pax
4 pax
5 pax
6 pax
11 Days Tour
$5,629.92
$4,612.92
$4,273.92
$4,044.42
$3,930.72
$3,854.92
Price per person
1 pax
2 pax
3 pax
4 pax
5 pax
6 pax
11 Days Tour
$5,629.92
$4,612.92
$4,273.92
$4,044.42
$3,930.72
$3,854.92

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.

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.

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