Between the months of January and February, the plains of the southern Serengeti, Ndutu area and the northern regions of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania come to life as the mega herds of Wildebeest and zebra migrate to calve. The calcium-rich grass shoots from the green season attract pregnant wildebeest in search of sustenance for their soon-to-be newborns. Our 9 day Wildebeest Calving Season Safari takes you and your family to the heart of the action where you can escape the crowds of Tanzania’s peak season and witness over 8000 calves born each day.
Day 1
Arusha Coffee Lodge, Arusha, Tanzania
Your wildebeest calving season safari starts on arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport where a Jumbari Family Safaris representative will meet, assist and transfer you to Arusha Coffee Lodge. Located on the outskirts of Arusha, Arusha Coffee Lodge lies hidden amongst the sprawling grounds of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantation and boasts views of the rugged peaks of Mount Meru. In the afternoon, you can enjoy guided tours of the working coffee plantation, visit Arusha National Park or explore the city’s top sights such as the Museum of Natural History, the Masai Market and the Arusha Cultural Center.
Nimali Tarangire, Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
Today, you will be transferred to Nimali Tarangire – a family-friendly tented camp located in a private concession bordering Tarangire National Park. Nestled under the shade of acacia trees, the camp features 8 rooms that overlook the camp’s swimming pool and active waterhole beyond. Discover Tarangire National Park on daily game drives, famed for its great elephant herds and scenic baobab avenues.
Your safari experience continues as you transfer to Acacia Farm Lodge in Karatu. Enroute you will visit Lake Manyara National Park where you can spot Tanzania’s tree climbing lions. Acacia Farm Lodge is located high on the spectacular Great Rift’s escarpment area with commanding panoramic views of the amazing Karatu farmlands and the nearby Ngorongoro forest area. During your stay, you will have the opportunity to explore the Ngorongoro Conversation Area home to the vast, volcanic Ngorongoro Crater, Africa’s “big 5” game (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino), as well as large herds of wildebeest and zebra.
Wake up and enjoy a hearty breakfast at the camp before your transfer to Manyara Airstrip in time for your Auric Air flight to the Ndutu region. Upon arrival at Ndutu Airstrip you will be met by your guide for a short game drive to the lodge. Spend your days on daily game drives through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and witness over 1.8 million wildebeest with their young, as well as a high concentration of predators following in hot pursuit.
Day nine marks the end of your Wildebeest Calving Season Safari. Today, you will be transferred to Ndutu Airstrip in time for your flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey home.
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"Safari at Gondwana"
Jumbari Family Safaris arranged our stay at Gondwana and also at Knysna. Everything was wonderful with all arrangements made to perfection. So helpful during the booking process and always very prompt replies. I highly recommend. Zeena was fabulous. So good we arranging for another holiday next year!
Once I narrowed down the South African park I wanted to visit, Jumbari Travel offered the best option. Their communication before, during, and after the Madikwe visit was excellent. Additionally there were no surprise charges. I was most concerned about transportation between Johannesburg and the lodge. There were no issues...travel went smoothly. I highly recommend Jumbari Travel! We were also lucky to see the big 5!
Jumbari were extreme helpful in booking our trip to Chobe National Park in July 2019. I couldn’t have asked for better service in booking and during our stay and would suggest it using their company to anyone.
Time opened up for us on short notice for us to do a safari to Botswana. Jumbari not only came back with the best offer, both for what was in the package and for the cost, but did so very quickly and most professionally, handling ALL the details. We only had to show up. And the safari itself was excellent, lion, leopards, even a pack of wild dogs hunting. We would definitely use Jumbari again -- and will be recommending them to friends.
Lisa was super helpful during this entire process! We were booking quite close in and Lisa gave great suggestions, modifying our itinerary to see more sights. I was especially impressed by holding the rooms prematurely and the quick responses even at late hours. I've never had someone be this proactive; thank you so much!
Jason - USA
"South Africa Adventure"
We have recently returned from our South Africa adventure where we travelled with Jumbari Family Safaris. Right from the outset the planning and communications were excellent and the final delivery was terrific - we thoroughly recommend their service. They advised us on the Kruger lodges and Cape Town / Stellenbosch hotels that would work best for us and our teenage girls (aged 14 and 17) - their recommendations were superb.
Jan - UK
"Fabulous experience for the whole family"
First time we have used Jumbari and we were very impressed with their service. From start to finish the communication was excellent. The holiday itself was unique, the guides were informative at the level suitable for all our family from adults to our children aged 13, 11 and 8. Our twins had a fantastic time and were extremely well catered for by the child minding facilities provided.
Gilbert Davies - SA
"Always quick to respond, organised, helpful and creative"
We travelled with Jumbari recently to South Africa and highly recommend their service. They knew exactly which lodges in the Kruger would work best for my girlfirend, daughter and I, and in Cape Town their hotel recommendation was perfect. Judy was particularly helpful in terms of co-ordinating a babysitter for one of our nights and she also helped make fun plans for our toddler! It was a great ex perience and I'm glad we used a family specialist.
