8 Day Serengeti Safari During the Calvin Season

A Complete Guide to the 8-Day Serengeti Safari During the Calvin Season

Travelers dreaming of seeing the iconic wildlife of Tanzania often find themselves overwhelmed by choices. If you’re after a tour that balances unforgettable sights, expert guiding, and great value, the 8-Day Serengeti Safari During the Calvin Season from ALMASI AFRICA might just be what you need. While we haven’t personally been on this exact trip, the detailed itinerary and stellar reviews reveal a well-rounded adventure that promises more than just a quick glimpse of the wildlife.

What we love about this safari: its diverse routes through Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire, the emphasis on expert guides with multilingual skills, and its reputation for stunning scenery and authentic wildlife encounters.
A potential consideration: the price, while competitive, might be on the higher side for budget travelers, but it’s clear this includes many essentials for a quality safari.
This tour suits those who want a comprehensive experience packed into a week, especially if you’re keen to see wildebeest herds, the Big Five, and iconic landscapes with knowledgeable guides.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Multilingual guides ensure you understand the wildlife and ecosystems deeply.
• Authentic Game Viewing: Multiple national parks with varied landscapes offer diverse animals and scenery.
• All-Inclusive Value: Most fees, taxes, and meals are included, minimizing surprises.
• Balanced Adventure: Combines morning and evening game drives for prime wildlife sightings.
• Comfort & Convenience: Private transportation and carefully selected lodges enhance the experience.
• Limited Reviews, High Satisfaction: One review highlights the guides’ expertise and attention to detail.

An In-Depth Look at the 8-Day Serengeti Safari

Starting Point in Arusha

The journey kicks off in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s northern parks. The tour begins early, with a pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport, making for a smooth start. The first night is spent in Arusha, giving travelers a chance to settle in and prepare for the adventure ahead. While the tour doesn’t include specific activities in Arusha itself, this location offers a relaxing launchpad, and the included free transfer means no fuss upon arrival.

Day 2: Transition to Serengeti

The drive from Arusha to Serengeti National Park is approximately 8 hours. You’ll travel to the Seronera region, famous for its thriving wildlife populations. The journey itself is scenic, with views of Tanzanian countryside and possibly some wildlife along the way—an important reminder that the trip is about the journey as much as the destination.

Upon arrival, you’ll check into a lodge where you can unwind and soak in the peaceful vibe of the Serengeti. The Seronera area is well-known for its high concentration of animals, making it a prime starting point for game drives. The early evening offers a chance to relax after a long drive and perhaps enjoy the sunset views that the plains are famous for.

Day 3: Full Day in Serengeti

A full day of game drives in the Seronera region is likely to be the highlight for wildlife enthusiasts. Expect to see lions lounging, elephants grazing, and wildebeest migrating across the plains. The guides’ expertise shines here—they’ll be on the lookout for elusive animals like cheetahs or rare bird species, and they often know where the action is happening on that day.

The tour emphasizes the importance of timing, with morning and evening drives offering different lighting and animal behaviors. As one reviewer noted, the guides’ knowledge of wildlife and ecosystems added a lot of value, making the experience educational and engaging. The sunset game drive is a perfect way to end the day, with the plains bathed in golden light.

Day 4-5: Ngorongoro and the Wildebeest Herds

Moving northwest, the safari visits the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, particularly the Ndutu plains. These days are dedicated to tracking wildebeest herds as they prepare their famous crossing of the Mara River—a thrilling event if timed right. The drive to Ngorongoro is scenic, passing through diverse landscapes that hint at the rich biodiversity you’ll encounter.

Spending three nights here allows for full-day game drives, where you’ll see large herds and possibly predator activity. One review mentions that the guides showed impressive expertise in wildlife spotting, which truly enhances the experience. You’re likely to encounter the “big five” and other iconic African species, all while enjoying scenic views of the crater and plains.

Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive

On the sixth day, you’ll ascend into the Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “Garden of Eden” for its lush landscape and abundant wildlife. The crater’s unique caldera ecosystem offers sightings of black rhinos, flamingos, and perhaps a rare predator or two. The evening game drive in the crater is a highlight, especially with the possibility of witnessing a sunset overlooking the plains.

Days 7-8: Tarangire National Park

Finally, the safari moves to Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobab trees and vast herds of elephants. The landscape here is different from Serengeti’s open plains—more varied and lush, with dense patches of bush and riverine forests.

On the last day, a morning game drive offers the chance to spot predators like lions and cheetahs in action, along with other wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and over 550 bird species. After lunch, you’ll be transferred back to Arusha, with an arrival time suitable for catching your departing flight or continuing your Tanzanian adventure.

The Practical Side: Transportation, Accommodation, and Value

This safari uses private transport, ensuring your group travels comfortably between parks with a guide who speaks multiple languages (English, Spanish, French, German). The flexibility of a private tour means the itinerary can be tailored slightly to your interests, although the structured route covers Tanzania’s highlights.

Accommodation details are not specified, but the included lodges are typically well-chosen for their comfort and views. The tour’s price of $2,850 per person covers most essentials, including all fees, taxes, and meals—meaning fewer hidden costs. The offer of optional dinners, lunches, and breakfasts gives you some flexibility, depending on your preferences.

Reviews note the guides’ expertise as a major plus—particularly their ability to spot wildlife and share insights. One reviewer mentioned that Almasi Africa’s guides demonstrated “expertise in wildlife and the ecosystem,” elevating the experience both educationally and visually.

What’s Included and What’s Not

While most fees, taxes, and meals are included, you’ll need to budget for international flights and travel insurance separately. The tour’s focus on a balanced schedule with morning and evening game drives maximizes wildlife viewing. The private nature of the tour makes it more intimate and flexible, suited for travelers who value personalized service.

Potential Drawbacks

The main consideration might be the cost, which could seem steep for some budgets. However, when you factor in the inclusions—transport, guides, most meals, and park fees—the value is evident. Also, the tour starts early each day (6:00 am), so be prepared for some long days and early mornings.

Who Is This Safari Best Suited For?

This safari is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive Tanzanian experience in a relatively short period. It’s ideal if you’re eager to see the Big Five, wildebeest migrations, and iconic landscapes with experienced guides who can enrich your understanding of the environment. Nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and those craving a more personalized, private tour will find this option appealing.

While not the cheapest option, the tour’s focus on quality, flexibility, and authentic wildlife encounters makes it a worthwhile investment for serious safari enthusiasts. It’s especially well-suited for those who appreciate detailed planning, diverse locations, and expert guiding.

Final Thoughts

In essence, the 8-Day Serengeti Safari During the Calvin Season offers a well-rounded, authentic look at Tanzania’s most famous parks. The combination of Serengeti plains, Ngorongoro’s crater ecosystem, and Tarangire’s ancient landscape ensures a diverse and rewarding experience. With knowledgeable guides, scenic landscapes, and a good balance of game drives and relaxation, this tour provides excellent value for those seeking a memorable adventure.

Travelers will likely leave with not only stunning photographs but also a deeper understanding of Tanzania’s ecosystems and wildlife. The tour strikes a good balance between structured sightseeing and personalized discovery, making it a dependable choice for anyone wanting to see the best of Tanzania in just over a week.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, as the tour is designed to be accessible and comfortable. However, long drives and early mornings are part of the experience, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a bit of adventure.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Spanish, French, and German, making the tour accessible for a diverse range of travelers.

Are meals included?
Most meals are included, with optional dinners, lunches, and breakfasts available if desired. This helps keep the experience hassle-free.

What’s the price per person?
The cost is $2,850, which covers fees, taxes, private transport, guides, and most meals, providing good value considering the inclusions.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, there’s some flexibility to tailor the schedule, especially if booked directly with the provider.

What is the best time to take this safari?
The tour is labeled as during the “Calvin Season,” which likely refers to a specific wildlife migration period. Confirm with the provider for the exact timing to maximize wildlife viewing.

What should I pack for this safari?
Pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, binoculars, sun protection, a hat, and camera gear. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended for game drives.

This safari provides a wonderful opportunity to see Tanzania’s most famous parks with a knowledgeable team, all while enjoying the comfort of private transport and well-chosen lodges. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a first-time safari-goer, this trip offers both stunning scenery and meaningful encounters that you’ll cherish long after the journey ends.