5 Days (Ndutu Migration) Tarangire, Ndutu and Ngorongoro Crater Safari in Tanzania
This 5 Days (Ndutu Migration) Tarangire, Ndutu and Ngorongoro Crater Safari in Tanzania covers 1 night near/within Tarangire National Park, 2 nights in the Ndutu Area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and 1 night near/within the Ngorongoro Highlands, with an additional 1 night stay in Arusha City before the safari begins. The safari starts and ends in Arusha and is specially designed for travelers who want to witness the famous Ndutu Migration and the wildebeest calving season while exploring some of Northern Tanzania's most rewarding wildlife destinations. Accompanied by our professional, certified, experienced and passionate safari guides, this safari offers exceptional wildlife encounters and unforgettable memories.
Starting from Arusha City, this safari is one of the best options for visitors traveling between December and March when the Great Wildebeest Migration moves into the Ndutu region. During this period, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest gather on the short grass plains to give birth, attracting large numbers of predators and creating one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife experiences.
Your safari journey begins in Arusha. You will spend the first night in Arusha City before entering the parks. This overnight stay allows you to relax after your arrival, organize your safari equipment, meet your guide, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
On the first day of Safari, your guide will pick you up after breakfast and drive towards Tarangire National Park. This beautiful park is famous for its giant baobab trees, large elephant herds, and diverse wildlife.
During your game drive, you may encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, impalas, ostriches, warthogs, baboons, and numerous bird species. The Tarangire River serves as an important water source and attracts wildlife throughout much of the year. After the game drive, you will proceed to your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.
On the second day of Safari, you will travel towards the Ndutu region located withnear/within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The journey takes you through beautiful landscapes, local villages, and scenic highlands before reaching the vast Ndutu plains.
Upon arrival, you will begin your first game drive in the Ndutu area. Depending on the season, you may witness thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles spread across the plains. Predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas are commonly seen following the migration herds.
On the third day of Safari, you will enjoy a full day exploring the Ndutu region and searching for migration activity. This is one of the best wildlife areas in East Africa during the calving season when thousands of wildebeest calves are born every day.
The abundance of newborn animals attracts predators, creating excellent opportunities to observe natural wildlife behavior. Your guide will follow wildlife movements throughout the day to maximize your safari experience.
After another exciting day in Ndutu, you will return to your accommodation for dinner and your second overnight stay in the migration area.
On the fourth day of Safari, you will enjoy a morning game drive in Ndutu before departing towards the Ngorongoro Highlands.
Along the way, wildlife viewing continues as you travel through different habitats of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Later, you will arrive at your lodge in the highlands where you will enjoy dinner, beautiful scenery, and overnight accommodation.
On the fifth day of Safari, you will descend into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive. This remarkable natural wonder supports one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa.
During your game drive, you may encounter lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas, gazelles, and if fortunate, the endangered black rhino. The crater floor combines forests, lakes, swamps, and open grasslands, creating an ideal habitat for wildlife throughout the year.
After the Ngorongoro Crater game drive, you will begin your journey back to Arusha. Depending on your travel arrangements, you can be dropped at your hotel, Arusha Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, or another designated location.
Throughout this safari, you will travel in a comfortable 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof. This allows excellent visibility for wildlife viewing, photography, and enjoying the spectacular landscapes of northern Tanzania.
This 5 Days (Ndutu Migration) Tarangire, Ndutu and Ngorongoro Crater Safari in Tanzania is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, migration lovers, couples, families, solo travelers, and anyone wishing to experience the incredible wildebeest calving season and predator action of the Ndutu region.
5 Days Tanzania Safari at a Glance
- Safari Name: 5 Days (Ndutu Migration) Tarangire, Ndutu and Ngorongoro Crater Safari in Tanzania
- Starting Point: Arusha City
- Ending Point: Arusha City
- Accommodation Before Safari: Optional overnight stay in Arusha
- Night 1: Lodge / Tented Camp near/within Tarangire National Park
- Night 2: Lodge / Tented Camp in Ndutu Area
- Night 3: Lodge / Tented Camp in Ndutu Area
- Night 4: Lodge / Tented Camp near/within Ngorongoro Highlands
- Main Attractions: Tarangire National Park, Ndutu Migration Area, Ngorongoro Crater
- Wildlife: Wildebeest, zebras, lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hyenas, hippos, rhinos if lucky, and more
- Best For: Migration enthusiasts, photographers, wildlife lovers, couples, families, solo travelers, and safari adventurers
Important Travel Information
| Location | Distance & Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Arusha to Tarangire National Park | Approximately 120 km | About 2 to 3 hours drive |
| Tarangire National Park to Ndutu Area | Approximately 260 km | About 5 to 6 hours drive including scenic stops |
| Ndutu Migration Game Drives | Full-day wildlife exploration following migration herds and predator activity |
| Ndutu Area to Ngorongoro Highlands | Approximately 90 km | About 2 to 3 hours drive |
| Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha | Approximately 190 km | About 4 to 5 hours drive |
| Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha | Approximately 50 km | About 1 hour drive |
| Arusha Airport to Arusha City | Approximately 8 km | About 15 minutes drive |
Places You Will Visit on This 5 Days Tanzania Safari
Arusha City – Gateway to Northern Tanzania Safari
Arusha City serves as the starting point for most northern Tanzania safaris and provides easy access to Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti National Park, and other famous destinations.
Most travelers spend a night in Arusha before beginning their safari, allowing time to relax and prepare for the wildlife adventure ahead.
Tarangire National Park – Land of Elephants and Baobab Trees
Tarangire National Park is famous for its large elephant population, ancient baobab trees, and beautiful river valley landscapes. The park offers excellent wildlife viewing and is one of Northern Tanzania's most underrated safari destinations.
Visitors commonly encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest, impalas, ostriches, and numerous bird species throughout the park.
Tarangire provides a perfect introduction to Tanzania's wildlife before continuing towards the migration areas.
Ndutu Area – Home of the Wildebeest Calving Season
The Ndutu region is located withnear/within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and forms an important part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem. Between December and March, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest migrate to the area to give birth on the nutrient-rich short grass plains.
This period attracts large numbers of predators including lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas, making Ndutu one of the most exciting wildlife destinations in Africa during the migration season.
The combination of migration herds, newborn calves, predators, and open landscapes creates outstanding safari and photography opportunities.
Ngorongoro Highlands – Scenic Views and Cool Climate
The Ngorongoro Highlands are known for their green hills, forests, Maasai villages, and beautiful panoramic views. The area provides a peaceful overnight stop before descending into the crater.
Its cool climate and scenic landscapes offer a refreshing contrast to the open plains of Ndutu.
Ngorongoro Crater – Africa’s Wildlife Paradise
Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera and one of Africa's most remarkable wildlife destinations. The crater floor supports a dense concentration of animals throughout the year.
Visitors may encounter lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas, gazelles, and the endangered black rhino within a relatively compact area.
Its spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife make Ngorongoro Crater one of the highlights of any Tanzania safari.
Why Choose This 5 Days Ndutu Migration Safari?
- Excellent opportunity to witness the Ndutu Migration and calving season.
- Visit Tarangire National Park, famous for elephants and baobab trees.
- Spend two nights in the heart of the migration area.
- Enjoy exceptional predator viewing opportunities.
- Explore the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater.
- Ideal for wildlife photography and migration enthusiasts.
- Professional English-speaking safari guide.
- Comfortable 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof.
- Suitable for couples, families, solo travelers, and groups.
- Experience one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife events.
Best Time for This 5 Days Tanzania Safari
This 5 Days (Ndutu Migration) Tarangire, Ndutu and Ngorongoro Crater Safari in Tanzania is best experienced between December and March when the Great Wildebeest Migration occupies the Ndutu plains and the calving season takes place.
During these months, visitors have the opportunity to witness thousands of newborn wildebeest, large migration herds, and increased predator activity. This period is considered one of the most exciting wildlife seasons in the Serengeti ecosystem and offers exceptional safari experiences.
Short Itinerary
- Day 1 -Arusha to Tarangire. Game drives at Tarangire
- Day 2 - Transfer to Ndutu, Ngorongoro. Afternoon game drives in Ndutu
- Day 3 - Ndutu - full day game drives
- Day 4 - Morning game drives in Ndutu and transfer to Ngorongoro/Karatu
- Day 5 - Ngorongoro Crater Tour (5 hours) and transfer to Arusha
Ensuite Accommodation Packages
Below are packages with a few popular ensuite options for your private tour, starting on Nov 13, 2023, in a group of two adults. Ensuite hotels are tented camps/lodges that can be inside/around national parks. You will have a private room with attached bathroom. Meals are provided by hotels.
Option E1 : $1,769 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1-2 : Stay at Omega View Hotel, Karatu
- Day 2-4 : Stay at Africa Safari South Serengeti - Comfort, Ndutu
- Day 4-5 : Stay at Omega View Hotel, Karatu
Option E2 : $1,997 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1-2 : Stay at Eileen's Trees Inn - Standard, Karatu
- Day 2-4 : Stay at Canopy Migration Camp Ndutu, Ndutu
- Day 4-5 : Stay at Rhino Lodge, Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro
Option E3 : $2,485 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1-2 : Stay at Karatu Simba Lodge, Karatu
- Day 2-4 : Stay at Nyikani Migration Camp, Ndutu, Ndutu
- Day 4-5 : Stay at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro
Option E4 : $2,780 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1-2 : Stay at Ngorongoro Farm House - Suite, Karatu
- Day 2-4 : Stay at Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge, Ndutu
- Day 4-5 : Stay at Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp, Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro
Option E5 : $3,449 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1-2 : Stay at Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge, Karatu
- Day 2-4 : Stay at Lemala Ndutu, Ndutu
- Day 4-5 : Stay at Melia Ngorongoro Lodge, Ngorongoro - Premier Room with Forest Views, Ngorongoro
Option E6 : $5,841 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1-2 : Stay at The Manor at Ngorongoro, Karatu
- Day 2-3 : Stay at Olakira Migration Camp, Ndutu, Ndutu
- Day 4-5 : Stay at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Ngorongoro - Suite, Ngorongoro
TRIP ITINERARY
Day
1
Arusha to Tarangire
Pick up at 7:30 AM from your hotel in Arusha and depart for Tarangire National Park with a picnic lunch for a full day game drive. Tanzania’s third largest National park is known for its majestic baobab trees that dot the landscape, dwarfing the animals that feed beneath them. The Tarangire River is the centerpiece of this park which is famous for some of the largest herds of elephants in Africa. Here you may see lion, leopard, cheetah, lesser kudu, buffalo, Oryx, eland, giraffe and zebra. Post the game drive, you will head back to your camp/lodge where a delicious dinner awaits you.
Day
2
Transfer to Ndutu
We start around 7:00 AM and head towards the Ndutu region. The drive to Ndutu is about 4 hours from Tarangire or about 2.5 hours from Karatu. Once you reach Ndutu you will begin game drives with a convenient stop for your picnic lunch. Sweeping grasslands cover the region which gradually fade into the Serengeti. Ndutu forms a part of the route for the annual migration of more than 2 million wildebeests and thousands of zebra, antelope and gazelle through the Serengeti eco system. During game drives between December and April, you will be able to see the great migration in this region. Between Mid Jan and Feb, calving happens here and it attracts hordes of predators prying on vulnerable young wildebeest. Crested with Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek, these waterholes offer plenty of wildlife game during the dry season. The Ndutu is also the home ground for 6 species of big cats – leopard, lion, cheetah, caracal, serval and wildcat. The action-packed game drive will end late in the evening by around 6PM. You will now head towards your choice of accommodation, where a freshly prepared dinner awaits you. Ensure you get some good rest and recharge yourself for another eventful day.
Day
3
Full Day game drives at Ndutu
Today, we have full day to explore Ndutu. You can either have a relaxed breakfast and depart with packed lunch boxes for a full day game drive around 8:00 AM and return to the lodge late afternoon around 5:30 PM. Or you can depart after breakfast at 6:20 AM on an early morning game drive. Later return to accommodation around 10:30 AM to relax for a bit and after a hot lunch at the accommodation, depart at 3:00 PM for afternoon game drives and return by 6:00 PM. Ensure you get some good rest and recharge yourself for another eventful day.
Day
4
Ndutu to Ngorongoro/Karatu
Today you get another chance to view the beautiful wildlife spectacle at Ndutu. We start early in the day and after breakfast, depart for game drives around 6:20 AM with packed lunch. We continue with game drives till around 3:00 PM in the afternoon and then proceed towards our selected accommodation near/within Ngorongoro or Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Day
5
Ngorongoro Crater Tour (5 Hours) to Arusha
On the last day of your safari, you will have an early start. Finishing up with a quick breakfast you will head to Ngorongoro crater. The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest inactive, intact and unfilled volcanic caldera. It has a massive floor of about 260 sq kms with a depth of over 2000 feet. The 5-hour game drive on the crater floor will show you a lot of animal action. Keeping the camera ready is definitely recommended. The African elephant, buffalo, Black rhino, Hippos, Hyenas, Cheetahs and Lions are found in plenty. Post the picnic lunch at the beautiful Hippo pool, you will begin a steep ascend to the top exit of the crater. This is the last leg of your safari, with a 4hr drive left to Arusha. You will be dropped off to your preferred location in Arusha by 5:00 PM in the evening. With an incredible experience and loads of memories to cherish, this is the time you bid goodbye to your team.
Stay Locations
- Day 1 - Karatu
- Day 2 - Ndutu
- Day 3 - Ndutu
- Day 4 - Karatu or Ngorongoro
Pre & Post Tour Hotels
Arusha is the base for safari tours in North Tanzania. If you need accommodation in Arusha before/after your safari tour you can check some popular hotel prices on bed and breakfast basis below.
Single Room
- - Crest Safari Lodge - USD 47
- - Kutoka Lodge - USD 64
- - Karama lodge - USD 113
- - The African Tulip - USD 149
- - Four Points by Sheraton, Arusha - Traditional queen room - USD 205
- - Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge - Plantation room - USD 375
Double Sharing room
- - Crest Safari Lodge - USD 29
- - Kutoka Lodge - USD 49
- - Karama lodge - USD 76
- - The African Tulip - USD 112
- - Four Points by Sheraton, Arusha - Traditional queen room - USD 120
- - Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge - Plantation room - USD 240
Triple Sharing Room
- - Crest Safari Lodge - USD 29
- - Kutoka Lodge - USD 40
- - Karama lodge - USD 73
- - The African Tulip - USD 93
- - Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge - Plantation room - USD 180
Add-on tours in Serengeti
- Hot Air Balloon Ride: USD 540 per person
- Rhino Tracking: USD 110 per person
- Short Walking Tour (upto 4 hours): USD 45 per person
- Long Walking Tour (upto 6 hours): USD 60 per person
Add-on tours in Ndutu
- Hot Air Balloon Ride: USD 540 per person
- Short Walking Tour (upto 4 hours): USD 45 per person
- Long Walking Tour (upto 6 hours): USD 60 per person
Add-on tours near/within Ngorongoro
- Masai Village Tour: USD 25 per person
- Olduvai Gorge museum visit: USD 35 per person
- Ngorongoro Crater Rim Hike: USD 35 per person
Add-on tours in Tarangire
- Hot Air Balloon Ride: USD 540 per person
- Short Walking Tour (upto 4 hours): USD 45 per person
- Long Walking Tour (upto 6 hours): USD 60 per person
- Night Game Drives (for clients staying inside): USD 100-200 per person depending on lodge
Add-on tours in Karatu
- Coffee Plantation Tour: USD 20 per person
- Iraq Village Tour: USD 25 per person
- Endoro Falls & Elephant Caves visit: USD 35 per person
Transfers
This tour starts from Arusha. Kilimanjaro airport is the nearest international airport and Arusha airport is the nearest domestic airport.
Airport Pickup/Drop
Pickup or drop off at Arusha airport on the day of safari: No extra charge Pickup or drop off at Kilimanjaro airport on the day of safari: USD 30 per vehicle
Airport to Hotel transfers
Transfer from Arusha airport to Arusha hotel or vice versa: USD 25 per vehicle Transfer from Kilimanjaro airport to Arusha hotel or vice versa: USD 50 per vehicle
InterCity transfers
Transfer from Moshi to Arusha or vice versa: USD 100 per vehicle Transfer from Nairobi to Arusha or vice versa: USD 275 per vehicle
Flights
We do not book International Flights.
We can book local flights based on availability. Below are indicative additional costs for local flights.
Intercity Flights
- From Zanzibar to Arusha: From USD 100 per person (Morning flight)
- From Dar es salaam to Arusha: From USD 90 per person (Morning flight)
- From Arusha to Zanzibar: From USD 170 per person (Late Afternoon flight)
- From Arusha to Dar es salaam: From USD 110 per person (Late Afternoon flight)
This tour starts & ends at Arusha with road transfers between all locations. Central Serengeti is the farthest location you will be visiting in this tour and it is 7 hours from Arusha, each way. You can check about driving and flying to Serengeti here. To save drive time, you can directly fly into Central Serengeti where your safari vehicle with guide will be waiting to directly start the safari and cover other parks over the next few days making your way to Arusha by road on the last day. We will reroute the itinerary such that you cover all the parks included in the original itinerary with the same choice of accommodations & same number of nights as included in the original itinerary. This is called a Fly-in Safari
We can also reroute the itinerary such that you start with driving from Arusha on day 1 and cover other parks before you drive to Serengeti. We end the safari tour at Central Serengeti on the last day from where you can fly out to Ausha (or other cities). We will reroute the itinerary such that you cover all the parks included in the original itinerary with the same choice of accommodations & same number of nights as included in the original itinerary. This is called a Fly-out Safari.
Fly into Serengeti
- From Arusha to Central Serengeti: From USD 310 per person
- From Zanzibar to Central Serengeti: From USD 370 per person
- From Dar es Salaam to Central Serengeti: From USD 370 per person
Fly out of Serengeti
- From Central Serengeti to Arusha: From USD 200 per person
- From Central Serengeti to Zanzibar: From USD 420 per person
- From Central Serengeti to Dar es salaam: From USD 420 per person
Note 1: Rates mentioned above are indicative and subject to change based on airlines and party(group) size
Note 2: In the Fly into Serengeti rates mentioned above, in addition to airfare, above rates also include cost to send the safari landcruiser with guide a day in advance to Serengeti, in time for your arrival & additional park fees that results due to rerouting of itinerary.
Note 3: Flights into Serengeti land at around 10:30 AM and game drives can start soon after landing while flights out of Serengeti depart around 11:00 AM and game drives can be done till about 45 min before flight departure.
Meals
- Day 1 - Lunch & Dinner
- Day 2 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Day 3 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Day 4 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Day 5 - Breakfast & Lunch
Drive Times
- Day 1 -Arusha to Tarangire takes about 2.5 to 3 hours (106 km)
- Day 2 -Tarangire to Ndutu takes about 3 to 4 hours (221 km)
- Day 4 - Ndutu to NCA takes about 2.5 to 3 hours
- Day 5 - NCA to Arusha takes about 4 to 4.5 hours (154 km)
Note: These are estimated drive times. Because of the traffic, location of the accommodations, and several other factors, actual drive times may vary. Driving distances are approximate and do not account for exact places.
Safari Tour Inclusions & Exclusions
Below is a clear breakdown of what is included and excluded in your Tanzania safari package. This helps you understand exactly what to expect before your journey to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and other parks.
