10-Day Ndutu Calving Safari & Zanzibar Escape
"A 10-day private Tanzania safari timed for the December–March calving season, finishing with three nights on the beaches of Nungwi, Zanzibar."
Planned in Arusha · Private safari · No obligation
A considered arc across northern Tanzania.
Celebrate Chinese New Year with a journey through the heart of Tanzania — spectacular wildlife country followed by a tropical beach escape on the Indian Ocean.
This 10-day itinerary is designed for travel between December and March, when the southern Serengeti ecosystem around the Ndutu Plains becomes one of the most remarkable wildlife regions in Africa. Vast herds of wildebeest gather for the annual calving season, drawing predators and creating exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
From Arusha you travel into Tarangire's elephant and baobab country, spend two nights on the Ndutu Plains, continue into the legendary Serengeti, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, pause for coffee culture in Karatu and fly to Zanzibar for three nights at Nungwi. Wildlife is wild and no sighting can be guaranteed.
The moments that make this journey.
Two nights on the Ndutu Plains during the December–March calving season
Tarangire's elephant herds and ancient baobab country
The legendary Serengeti — endless plains and exceptional wildlife density
A full crater-floor game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater
A coffee experience in the highlands of Karatu before flying to the coast
Three nights on the beaches of Nungwi, northern Zanzibar
Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and a dedicated English-speaking guide-driver
The route.
A day-by-day rhythm across Tanzania — unhurried, with the pace shaped around your interests.
The itinerary.
A starting point — each day can be adjusted, extended or reshaped around you.
You are welcomed at Kilimanjaro International Airport by your Wildlux representative and transferred to your lodge in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, there is space to rest and recover in peaceful surroundings. Arusha is the gateway to Tanzania's northern safari circuit and the natural starting point for the days ahead.
Overnight at Under the Shade Safari Lodge, Arusha, on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Optional: Serval Wildlife visit, USD 150 per person including lunch.
In your journey
- Meet and greet at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Airport transfer from JRO to Arusha
- Private safari in a 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Professional, experienced English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- All applicable Tanzania national park entry fees for the safari programme
- Ngorongoro Crater service and conservation fees as applicable
- Game drives as specified, including the full-day Ndutu game drive and the Ngorongoro Crater game drive
- Coffee experience in Karatu
- Transfer from Ngorongoro/Karatu to Arusha Airport
- Domestic flight from Arusha Airport to Zanzibar
- Airport transfer from Zanzibar Airport to Nungwi
- Nungwi accommodation on a half-board basis
- Departure transfer from Nungwi to Zanzibar International Airport
- Safari planning and tour coordination
- Government taxes and safari-related fees included in the quotation
Please plan for
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Zanzibar infrastructure tax charged by the property, where applicable
- Zanzibar inbound travel insurance, mandatory for visitors entering Zanzibar via the designated insurance system
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel and personal medical insurance
- Optional activities and excursions not listed under inclusions
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Soft drinks and personal beverages unless specified
- Laundry services
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities for guide, hotel staff and service providers
- Costs arising from itinerary changes requested after confirmation
- Additional accommodation or meals resulting from delays, flight changes or circumstances beyond our control
- Any services not specifically listed under inclusions
Add-ons & extensions.
Optional experiences to layer onto the itinerary — chosen with your planner.
Serval Wildlife Visit
An Arusha-area wildlife sanctuary visit for guests arriving early — USD 150 per person, including lunch.
Tarangire Night Game Drive
Experience the park after dark in search of nocturnal wildlife — USD 180 per person, subject to park operation.
Ndutu Balloon Safari
A sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the Ndutu plains followed by a bush breakfast — USD 599 per person. Subject to weather and advance booking.
Learn more →Additional Zanzibar Nights
Extend your time on the coast with additional nights at Nungwi or elsewhere on the island.
Learn more →Prices & seasons
Based on six travellers sharing.
Prices are per person sharing and depend on the number of travellers. Rates for 3 or 5 travellers are available on request. Operated as a private journey. Best travel period: December to March.
Per-person rates by season and party size
| Season | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people | 7+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
December – March Dec 1, 2026 – Mar 31, 2027 | $4,510 | Request Quote | $3,868 | Request Quote | $3,683 | Request Quote |
- 2 people
- $4,510
- 3 people
- Request Quote
- 4 people
- $3,868
- 5 people
- Request Quote
- 6 people
- $3,683
- 7+
- Request Quote
Rates are per person in USD unless stated otherwise. Solo rates are total per traveller. Groups of 7 or more are quoted on request. Rates and statutory park or government fees may be subject to change where applicable.
Every Wildlux journey is shaped around you.
Change the pace, swap the accommodation style, adjust the destinations — or add a beach, gorilla or mountain extension. Your Wildlux specialist will design the journey around your dates, party and travel style.
Good questions, straight answers.
December to March. This is when the southern Serengeti and Ndutu Plains host the wildebeest calving season, and it also coincides with Chinese New Year.
More journeys to explore.
Locally rooted, quietly obsessed.
Wildlux is based in Arusha, at the foot of Mount Meru. Every journey is shaped with firsthand knowledge of the parks, camps and guides — because we live and travel here ourselves.
Your African adventure starts here.
Tell us what you're dreaming of. We'll help shape a private journey around your dates, interests and travel style.