Southern Serengeti: The Circle of Life Safari
6-Day Ndutu Calving Season Safari – Southern & Central Serengeti
Overview
Itinerary
After arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met and transferred to Arusha. Depart Arusha in the morning and drive toward the Ndutu region within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The journey passes through the Ngorongoro Highlands before opening into vast short-grass plains. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch followed by an afternoon game drive in Ndutu, a key calving-season area known for high predator activity.
Highlights:
- Pickup from airport or Arusha hotel.
- Lunch included (meal plan starts with lunch).
- Classic calving-season landscapes
- Predator-rich plains
Spend a full day exploring the Ndutu area with morning and afternoon game drives. During the calving season, thousands of wildebeest give birth across the plains, attracting lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and other predators. The open terrain allows excellent visibility and outstanding photography opportunities. Return to camp between game drives for meals and relaxation, enjoying the vast and peaceful surroundings.
Highlights:
- Wildebeest calving season (Jan–Mar)
- High predator concentration
- Excellent photography conditions
After breakfast, depart Ndutu and travel north toward Central Serengeti with a game drive en route. The landscape gradually transitions from short-grass plains to classic Serengeti savannah, dotted with kopjes and river systems. Arrive in the Seronera region, one of the most wildlife-rich areas of the Serengeti, known for its resident big cats, for dinner and overnight.
Highlights:
- Scenic game drive between ecosystems
- Transition from Ndutu to Serengeti plains
- Big cat territory in Central Serengeti
- En-route wildlife sightings
Enjoy a full day of game drives in Central Serengeti, one of Africa’s best areas for predator sightings. The permanent water sources of the Seronera region attract lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and large herds of plains game throughout the year. Spend the day exploring different sections of the park, with time to relax at camp between game drives. Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari: Guests may opt for an early-morning balloon safari over the Serengeti, offering a breathtaking aerial view of wildlife at sunrise, followed by a champagne bush breakfast.
Highlights:
- Full-day Serengeti game drives
- Excellent big cat sightings
- Classic Serengeti landscapes
- Optional hot air balloon safari
Optional Activities:
- Hot Air Balloon Safari — USD 600 / person
After breakfast, depart Serengeti and drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As you ascend into the highlands, enjoy cooler temperatures and scenic views. Upon arrival, take in panoramic vistas from the crater rim overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater. Continue to your lodge near the crater or in Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Highlights:
- Scenic drive out of Serengeti
- Ngorongoro Crater rim views
- Highland landscapes & viewpoints
Early in the morning, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive on the crater floor. This unique ecosystem supports an incredible concentration of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and the endangered black rhino. After the game drive, drive back to Arusha, marking the end of your safari services.
Highlights:
- Ngorongoro Crater game drive
- Big Five opportunities (if lucky including Rhino)
- End of safari services
- Drop off at hotel or JRO airport.
Camps & Lodges
Expected Sightings
The Predators
HighThe endless plains of Tanzania tell a story as old as time. Here, life moves with the rhythm of the land, where great herds shape the horizon and predators wait with patience and precision. Every sunrise brings movement, every silence holds tension, and every moment reflects the raw balance of survival in one of Africa’s last true wildernesses.
Best time: All round the year
The Giants
HighAcross the savannah, nature’s titans move with grace and power. Towering shapes march across open fields and riverbanks, reshaping the land as they go. Their presence defines the rhythm of the wilderness — timeless, majestic, and eternal.
Best time: All round the year
The Nomads
SeasonalEndless herds travel the ancient migration routes, driven by rain and renewal. Their journey across plains and rivers is one of courage and instinct — a breathtaking cycle that sustains life and tells the story of Africa’s eternal migration.
Best time: July to October
The Plainsfolk
HighLife thrives across the golden grasslands. Agile and alert, these grazers embody the pulse of the savannah — harmony in motion, survival in numbers, and grace in every stride beneath the open sky.
Best time: All round the year
The Skyfolk
HighAbove the plains, the skies come alive with motion and song. From silent gliders to swift hunters, they command the air with freedom and purpose. Each flight writes its own story against the endless horizon.
Best time: All round the year
The Waterfolk
MediumWhere rivers flow and lakes shimmer, life gathers in abundance. The waters nurture both calm and chaos — a realm of reflection, movement, and grace that sustains the heart of the wild.
Best time: June to October
What's Included
Essentials
- All Entry Fees — National Park Fees, Conservation & Concession Fees, Transit Fees, and Ngorongoro Crater Service Fees (as per itinerary).
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser — custom safari vehicle with pop-up roof, comfortable seating, and excellent visibility for photography and game viewing.
- English-Speaking Certified Professional Guide — expert wildlife interpretation and personalized attention throughout the safari.
- Accommodation & Meals — stays and dining as per the safari package selected.
- All Transfers — airport transfers, inter-park movements, and lodge-to-lodge transportation as outlined in the itinerary.
- Unlimited Drinking Water — complimentary drinking water throughout the safari journey.
- Safari Accessories — binoculars, onboard drinking water station, and essential safari equipment.
- Free Travel Consultation — expert guidance on planning, documentation, and travel preparation.
- All Government Taxes & Levies — transparent pricing with no hidden charges
Experience
- Safaris & Game Drives — professionally guided game drives across Tanzania’s iconic national parks and wildlife reserves.
- Ngorongoro Crater Experience — full-day crater descent with exceptional wildlife density (where applicable).
- Serengeti Wildlife Experience — opportunities to encounter the Big Five and, seasonally, the Great Wildebeest Migration.
- Private Safari Experience — flexible pacing, personalized routing, and exclusive use of your safari vehicle and guide.
What's Not Included
- International Flights — airfare to and from Tanzania.
- Personal Expenses — laundry, shopping, beverages, and Tanzania eVisa fees.
- Gratuities — suggested USD 10 per adult per day for your guide
- Maasai Cultural Tour — USD 25 per person (optional).
- Guide Tips & Gratuities — recommended USD 10 per adult per day.
Safari Gallery
Guest Reviews
“Firstly, this trip felt surreal, out of a movie. All credit to Marvels of Africa for organising it so well taking into consideration our needs and requirements.”
Renee Ronald
Frequently Asked Questions
Big Five safaris in Kenya can be enjoyed all year round, as lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos are resident in the parks throughout the seasons. However, if your dream is to witness the Great Migration, the best time is between July and September, when millions of wildebeest and zebras cross into the Masai Mara in one of nature's most dramatic spectacles.
Pack light, neutral-colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket for cool mornings/evenings. Don't forget binoculars and a good camera.
On this safari, you’ll experience Kenya’s diverse landscapes and the rich variety of wildlife they support — with rewarding sightings all year round. In Tsavo West: Explore rugged terrain and volcanic landscapes home to large herds of elephants (famous for their red dust coating), buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and diverse antelope species. Predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas also roam here, while hippos and crocodiles thrive at Mzima Springs. In Amboseli: Known as the “Land of Giants,” Amboseli is one of the best places in Africa to see large herds of elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. You can also expect sightings of lions, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, and abundant birdlife, including pelicans and crowned cranes. In Lake Naivasha: The freshwater lake and surrounding forests are rich in birdlife, with over 350 species including fish eagles, kingfishers, and pelicans. Hippos are commonly seen in the waters, while giraffes, waterbuck, and antelope graze along the shores. Nearby Crescent Island also offers excellent walking safaris among zebras and giraffes. In the Masai Mara: The Mara delivers world-class game viewing year-round, with excellent chances of spotting the Big Four — lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo — along with cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of antelopes such as impala, gazelle, topi, hartebeest, eland, and waterbuck. Birdwatchers can enjoy over 400 recorded species, from lilac-breasted rollers to eagles and vultures. While the Great Wildebeest Migration (July–October) is a seasonal highlight, the Mara remains exceptional for wildlife viewing throughout the year.
You can get very close — often just a few meters away — in the safety of your 4x4 safari vehicle. Guides always ensure a respectful and safe distance, so you can enjoy incredible encounters without disturbing the wildlife.
Yes, many lodges and camps are family-friendly, and private vehicles make it easier to travel at your own pace. Safaris can be magical for children, offering unforgettable wildlife moments and cultural experiences.
For questions or booking inquiries:
Call +254 769 024321