10-Day Wildebeest Migration Calving Safari -All Inclusive

Travelers dreaming of witnessing one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles—calving season in the Serengeti—may find this 10-Day Wildebeest Migration Calving Safari to be a perfect fit. With its all-inclusive setup, expert guides, and top-tier accommodations, it promises an authentic adventure into Tanzania’s wild heart.

What we love about this tour? First, its focus on the calving season—December through March—means you’re likely to see countless baby wildebeest darting across the plains. Second, the guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making every sighting more meaningful. Third, the lodges and tented camps offer luxurious comfort after long days of game drives.

That said, the cost of roughly $9,700 per person isn’t the cheapest option out there. It’s a premium experience, and travelers should be prepared for the price tag that reflects the quality and inclusiveness.

This safari appeals most to wildlife enthusiasts who appreciate expert-guided tours, value comfortable stays, and want to see the Great Migration’s dramatic calving season in comfort. It’s suited for those seeking a mix of adventure, luxury, and expert storytelling—ideal for travelers who want a hassle-free, deeply immersive wildlife experience.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Highly praised for their knowledge, professionalism, and friendly approach, guides like Juma and Zadock genuinely enhance the experience.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: With all meals, park fees, flights, and accommodations covered, you can relax and focus on the wildlife.
• Unique Timing: Perfectly aligned with the calving season, giving you the chance to witness baby wildebeest and predator interactions.
• Diverse Itinerary: From Tarangire’s elephant migrations to Ngorongoro Crater’s stunning landscapes, this tour covers Tanzania’s top parks.
• Premium Experience: Staying in luxury lodges and tented camps, with optional activities like hot air balloon safaris, offers unmatched value.
• Authentic Encounters: Reviewers consistently highlight how guides not only find the best wildlife but also share fascinating insights, making each sighting memorable.

The Itinerary Break-down: What to Expect Each Day

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Your adventure kicks off at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a Gosheni representative greets you and assists through immigration and passport control. After a warm welcome, you’ll transfer to Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s safari country. Staying in a comfortable hotel, you’ll enjoy your first taste of Tanzanian hospitality and prepare for the days ahead.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, a short safari briefing sets the tone for the day. The drive to Tarangire promises a quiet, authentic experience—famous for its elephants, large herds often scratching riverbeds for underground streams. Expect a full day of game viewing, with a delicious hot lunch served in the park. Reviewers like Jane Ross loved the way their driver “found all the best sightings” and was courteous and knowledgeable.

Day 3: Walking Safari & More Wildlife

The morning begins with an armed walking safari, a rare chance to see wildlife up close on foot. The afternoon continues with game drives, where you might spot dry-country antelope like gerenuk or fringe-eared oryx, which are typical of Tarangire. Ending the day with a night game drive is a fantastic bonus—reviewers noted the “greatest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti.”

Day 4: Lake Manyara & Tree-Climbing Lions

A full day exploring Manyara National Park offers excellent birdwatching, with over 400 species spotted. The highlight? Manyara’s legendary tree-climbing lions and impressive elephants. Guests have praised the park as a “birding paradise” and an ideal introduction to Tanzanian wildlife in a quieter setting.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, you head to the majestic Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wonder with one of the highest densities of wildlife in Africa. You’ll descend into the crater for a game drive, viewing predators, elephants, and perhaps even the elusive black rhinoceros. Lunch is served in the crater, with reviewers emphasizing the “breathtaking” landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Day 6: Serengeti South – Ndutu Area

The focus shifts to the Serengeti’s southern plains, where the calving season is in full swing. Expect a full day of game viewing amid vast grassy plains, where wildebeest and zebras give birth, and predators hunt. The drive back to Ngorongoro in the late evening offers chances to see more wildlife along the way.

Day 7: Tracking the Migration & Calf Sightings

Early morning reveals the start of the calving spectacle—countless newborns across the plains, often under the watchful eyes of predators. Reviewers have shared how guides expertly track herds, making sightings of lion prides and cheetahs that are hunting or resting nearby.

Day 8: Serengeti National Park & Big Cat Sightings

The expansive Serengeti offers some of the best game drives, with chances to see the big cats—lion, cheetah, leopard—and the iconic Great Migration. Traveling through different habitats like woodland and short grass plains, you’ll witness the diverse wildlife that makes Serengeti so legendary.

Day 9: Balloon Safari & Central Serengeti

A hot air balloon ride at dawn is a highlight for many travelers, offering a bird’s-eye view over the plains. After landing, you’ll enjoy a celebratory champagne breakfast before continuing your game drive, likely to see more predators and large herds. A sundowner picnic adds a special touch, and reviewers report that guides like Juma and Zadock excel at finding wildlife and sharing stories.

Day 10: Return Journey & Departure

Your last morning involves a final game drive in Serengeti, followed by a flight back to Arusha. Afterward, you’re transferred to a day room at Arusha Coffee Lodge, giving you time to relax and reflect before heading to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Guides You Can Trust: Reviewers repeatedly mention how guides like Juma, Zadock, and Micheal went above and beyond. Their ability to spot wildlife in challenging terrain and share fascinating insights makes a difference. Several guests commented that guides “instilled confidence” and “taught us a lot,” which turns a standard safari into a memorable learning experience.

Luxury with a Purpose: The accommodations, whether lodges or tented camps, are praised for their comfort and strategic locations. Staying in these well-chosen spots means you’re close to wildlife hotspots and saving time that others might waste in transit. Guests love unwinding with good wine and delicious meals after long game drives—reviews highlight the quality of food and service.

Authentic Wildlife Encounters: Witnessing the calving of wildebeest is a spectacle few get to see. Guests describe the experience as “amazing” and “unforgettable,” with calves frolicking under watchful predators. The timing aligns perfectly with the migration cycle, giving you a real chance to see nature’s drama unfold.

Excellent Value for a Premium Experience: While the tour costs nearly $10,000, reviews suggest it’s money well spent. All park fees, flights, meals, and accommodations are included, removing the hassle of organizing logistics independently. The hot air balloon safari, in particular, is a favorite add-on that many say elevates the trip to a whole new level.

Practical Considerations

The tour lasts approximately 10 days, making it a significant but rewarding commitment. The price reflects the all-inclusive nature—covering everything from internal flights to gourmet meals—so there are no surprises along the way. Travelers should note that most reviews praise the professionalism of the guides and the quality of the vehicles, which are crucial for wildlife spotting and comfort.

The experience is suited for those comfortable with long game drives, as some days involve significant time on the road. The group size is private, meaning you’ll have exclusive access to your guides and accommodations, enhancing the personalized feel.

Final Thoughts: Is This Safari for You?

This safari is ideal if you want to see the Great Migration’s calving season with the comfort of luxury lodges and expert guides. It suits wildlife lovers eager to learn from passionate guides who often spot elusive animals, even in tricky terrain. If you appreciate well-organized, all-inclusive tours that combine adventure with comfort, this experience will meet your expectations.

However, be prepared for the higher price tag, which reflects the quality, inclusiveness, and expert guiding. It’s best for travelers who want a seamless, memorable exploration of Tanzania’s top parks—without sacrificing comfort or authenticity.

If seeing the calving of thousands of wildebeest and witnessing the drama of predator-prey interactions sounds like your perfect adventure, this safari is an excellent choice.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers all park fees, flights during the tour, accommodations, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), a hot air balloon safari, and a professional guide. Pickup from Kilimanjaro airport and transportation are also included.

Can I expect to see the Big Five?
Yes, several reviewers mention successfully spotting all of the Big Five thanks to guides’ expertise. The safari focuses on prime wildlife areas where these animals are abundant.

Is the accommodation luxurious?
Guests describe the lodges and tented camps as comfortable and well-situated for wildlife viewing. The experience balances luxury with authentic safari ambiance.

How long are game drives each day?
Expect full days of game viewing, often with packed hot lunches served in the parks. Some days involve early starts to maximize wildlife sightings.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While not explicitly stated, the tour’s pace and focus on wildlife suggest it’s best suited for older children or teenagers with an interest in nature.

What should I pack?
Light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, binoculars, camera, and some warm layers for early mornings or evenings are recommended.

Summary

This 10-Day Wildebeest Migration Calving Safari offers a carefully curated glimpse into Tanzania’s most dramatic wildlife moments. Its expert guides, luxury accommodations, and inclusive pricing make it a compelling choice for serious wildlife lovers. If you’re after an authentic, comfortable, and expertly guided adventure that showcases the iconic Great Migration, this tour deserves your consideration. It’s an experience designed to leave you with lifelong memories of Africa’s incredible wildlife theater—surely a trip of a lifetime.