Nine Day Calving Season and Beach Holiday
Your nine day calving season and beach holiday safari will take you to Lake Manyara National Park, the southern Serengeti to observe the Ndutu calving region, and the beautiful Ngorongoro Conservation Area. With luck, you might even witness the first steps of this massive herd’s northward march.
As you observe the calving season, you will witness the initial steps of one of nature’s most challenging and fascinating journeys. The calving season marks the beginning of the annual migration, during which millions of animals undertake the arduous trek from the southern Serengeti to the distant Maasai Mara.
Day 1 – Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, you will depart Arusha for the trip to Lake Manyara National Park. The journey takes about two hours, with a stop in the market town of Mto Wa Mbu along the way. This vibrant agricultural and fresh produce market is a cultural melting pot and a paradise for souvenir hunters.
After passing through the town market, you will enter Lake Manyara National Park. The park is a photographer’s dream, offering some of the best game-watching opportunities in the world. Expect to see many of Africa’s most well-known creatures, with the special treat of tree-climbing lions. These confident predators rest under acacia branches, almost posing to be photographed.
Lake Manyara is also a bird-watcher’s paradise, with a diverse array of birds throughout the park. You’ll be astounded by the sight of large flamingo flocks, circling birds of prey, and the beautifully colored lilac-breasted roller, even if you’re not an experienced bird watcher.
Afterward, you will retire at Karatu Forest Tented Camp for dinner and a good night’s rest.
Day 2 – Lake Manyara National Park – Serengeti National Park (Ndutu Region)
You’ll have an early breakfast as you have a full day of exploration and excitement ahead! The day begins with a picturesque drive to the Ndutu Region in the Serengeti/Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The mist-shrouded rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area offer a chance to spot Cape buffalo, baboons, elephants, and leopards in the dense undergrowth.
The journey to Ndutu takes around an hour and a half, and you have the option to break up the ride with one or both of the following activities:
Visit the Oldupai Gorge Museum, also known as the Cradle of Mankind, to learn about some of the oldest traces of human habitation ever discovered and take in the breathtaking vistas of the gorge landscape.
Visit a famous Maasai Boma, where you can observe (and participate in) a traditional Maasai dance, tour an authentic Maasai village, and even shop for souvenirs at the local market.
Both activities come at an additional cost, and you can discuss including them in your itinerary with your safari specialist.
After a delightful picnic lunch, it’s time to explore the Ndutu Region, experiencing Africa’s renowned savannah scenery and being amazed by the sheer number of animals grazing the green plains. You’ll have the chance to witness the massive herds of wildebeest moving through the area.
Dinner and overnight stay will be in the heart of the Ndutu Region at Mara Ndutu Tented Camp.
Day 3 – Ndutu Region
You’ll wake up before dawn for a sunrise game drive in the region. Witness the savannah come alive as carnivores such as cheetahs and lions hunt while it’s still cool.
After the sunrise game drive, you’ll return to your lodge for breakfast before continuing to explore Ndutu. A day-long game drive in the region will take you past the shores of Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek, where tens of thousands of newborn wildebeest are taking their first steps.
You’ll spend the night at Mara Ndutu Tented Camp in the Ndutu Region after a day of exploring.
Day 4 – Ndutu Region – Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Arusha
After breakfast, you’ll depart for Ngorongoro Crater, often considered the World’s Eighth Wonder. When you first see the wide, verdant caldera from the panoramic viewpoint, you’ll understand why it holds such a high reputation.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to over 120 mammal species, including the famed Big Five, making it one of the world’s most sought-after safari destinations. You’ll have the opportunity to observe and photograph some of Africa’s most iconic faces from the comfort of your open-top safari vehicle. The crater is teeming with predators, such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas, as well as a large population of wildebeest, zebras, antelope, Cape buffalo, and other animals. It is undeniably one of Africa’s top safari locations.
After an exciting day, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at the famous hippo pool in the park before returning to Arusha for the night at Arusha Coffee Lodge.
Day 5 – To the Spice Island
A member of the Worth of Africa staff will pick you up and transfer you to Arusha Airport for your flight to Zanzibar. The flight takes around an hour, providing you with an aerial perspective of Tanzania.
Upon arrival in Zanzibar, our driver will meet you and take you to your accommodation in Stone Town.
Stone Town is known for its beautiful beaches and the ancient, captivating Stone Town itself. Once a spice and slave port, Stone Town proudly displays its history through its ancient coral buildings, colonial architecture, and remnants of its past as a major slave port. You will overnight at Mizingani Seafront Hotel.
Day 6 to 9 – Tropical Palms & Azure Waters
From this point on, you can simply relax! Explore the wonderful island of Zanzibar or unwind on the beach. There are plenty of water sports to enjoy, including snorkelling, scuba diving, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and more!
Take a dip in the azure waters and let your worries fade away beneath the palm trees. You will overnight at Asante Sana Beach Cottages.
Day 10 – All Good Things Come to an End
Today is the final day of your journey. You will be picked up from your resort and driven to Zanzibar Airport in plenty of time for your international flight. If you wish to extend your beach vacation, just let us know, and we will be happy to arrange a special trip for you.