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Spotted hyena at sunrise on the southern Serengeti plains
Calving season 2027

See the Great Migration calving season at Ndutu.

January to March 2027: newborn calves, huge herds and the predators that follow them. Camps near the herds fill early.

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Timing

January to March

The herds gather on the southern plains of Ndutu and the Serengeti.

Wildlife

Predator action

Lion, cheetah and hyena follow the calving herds.

Planning

Limited camps

The best-placed camps are few. Early planning gets you closer.

January to March 2027

Around 1.7 million wildebeest, and their calves.

From about January to March the Great Migration gathers on the short-grass plains of Ndutu and the southern Serengeti. Hundreds of thousands of calves are born, and lion, cheetah and hyena follow the herds. It is one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on earth, and the camps closest to the herds are limited.

  • Herds of wildebeest and zebra on open plains
  • Newborn calves and predator action
  • Green landscapes after the short rains
  • Easy to combine with the Ngorongoro Crater
Plan early

Book 6 to 10 months ahead

Calving season is peak season. Message us now to secure camps near Ndutu for January, February or March 2027.

Check availability
Zebra herd walking through golden dust at sunset in the Serengeti
Herds at sunset
Cheetah cub peeking around a tree trunk in the Serengeti
Predators and their young
Spotted hyena carrying a zebra leg at sunrise in the Serengeti
Life and death on the plains
Male lion and lioness at golden hour in the Serengeti
Serengeti lions
Wildebeest crossing the river during the Great Migration
The Great Migration
Suggested itineraries

Trips that fit

All safaris
11 Days Best of Tanzania & Calving SeasonMigration Safari

11 Days Best of Tanzania & Calving Season

Arusha National Park by canoe, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Central Serengeti and two nights at Ndutu for the calving season.

Multiple levels11 daysTarangire National ParkLake Manyara National ParkGreat Migration
11 days / 10 nightsPrice on request
Ndutu Safari MigrationMigration Safari

Ndutu Safari Migration

An eight-day migration safari through Tarangire, Central Serengeti, Ndutu and Ngorongoro.

Luxury8 daysTarangire National ParkCentral SerengetiGreat Migration
8 days / 7 nightsFrom $6,518per person sharing
Reviews

What travellers say

★★★★★ 5.0/5 · 8 verified reviews on SafariBookings
★★★★★

Tony is the Best. 10/10 recommendation plus 5 stars review. He went above and beyond on our trip.

This Past year we visited Tanzania , let me tell you how it went. From the moment our plane touched down, every aspect of our trip was meticulously managed. The airport transfers were seamless, and the selection of hotels and safari lodges provided truly top-tier comfort and amenities. Each accommodation was not only luxurious and well-appointed but also strategically chosen to enhance our overall experience. Tony our guide, consistently went above and beyond to ensure our family felt completely safe, comfortable and well cared for. His extensive knowledge of the wildlife, local culture and terrain was captivating, enriching every game drive and interactions. The entire expedition, from the breathtaking wildlife encounters to the impeccable logistical arrangements, was nothing short of spectacular. We wholeheartedly RECOMMEND Tony and BigfiveTrails to anyone seeking a truly unparalleled and profoundly memorable Tanzanian Safari experience. They deliver excellence in every detail.

NeEma BrostromUnited States · Visited December 2025
★★★★★

A very intelligent, very funny person who loves animals.

The safari experience with Tony is fantastic; he is a highly intelligent and knowledgeable person who loves and respects animals—and he conveys that passion throughout the trip. He is very patient in explaining animal behavior and the surrounding vegetation in great detail, taking the time to point out every little thing. He always keeps a smile on his face, ensuring that everyone in the vehicle is enjoying the safari. His vehicle is comfortable, clean, and equipped with air conditioning. Safaris are great, but with Tony, they are something truly special. We are very grateful to Tony.

ElizabethUruguay · Visited September 2026
★★★★★

An unforgettable Tanzania safari with an incredible guide

Our trip to Tanzania with Big Five Trails was absolutely amazing and exceeded our expectations. The itinerary was very well organized and allowed us to experience some of the most beautiful places in the country, with incredible wildlife sightings and unforgettable landscapes. A huge part of what made the trip so special was our guide, Tony. He was simply incredible: professional, friendly, patient and extremely knowledgeable about the animals, nature and Tanzania. He is also an exceptional tracker — it honestly felt as if he had some kind of direct communication with the animals! He had an incredible ability to spot wildlife from a distance, read tracks and signs, and somehow always seemed to know where the animals were going to appear. Thanks to him, we were able to see an amazing variety of wildlife and enjoy some truly unforgettable encounters. He made every safari drive exciting and interesting, and was always attentive to the group, making us feel comfortable and safe throughout the whole trip. Everything was well coordinated, communication was easy, and the overall experience felt very personal rather than like a standard organized tour. Tanzania was already an incredible destination, but Tony and the team made the experience even better. I would absolutely recommend Big Five Trails to anyone planning a safari in Tanzania, and I would especially recommend asking for Tony as your guide. I would travel with them again without hesitation!

Dolores BAndorra · Visited November 2025
Plan your journey

Reserve your calving season dates

Tell us which month you prefer and how many travellers, and we will check camp availability near Ndutu.

  1. Share dates, travellers and the feeling you want the journey to hold.
  2. We shape an itinerary with routing logic, lodge fit and a calmer sense of luxury.
  3. You receive a clear proposal with prices per person, inclusions and lodge options.
WhatsApp+255 653 110 463
Emailinfo@bigfivetrails.com
Favourite animals
We reply within 24 hours, usually much sooner.
Included with every booking

The BigFiveTrails Promise

Six things you can count on, whichever safari you choose.

Free date changes

Move your dates free of charge up to 60 days before arrival.

No hidden costs

Park fees, taxes, private vehicle, guide and drinking water are in your price.

Met at the airport

Airport pickup and drop-off included on every safari.

Lodges we know

Every lodge and camp hand-picked by our team in Arusha.

24/7 on WhatsApp

Our Arusha team answers you every day of your trip, day or night.

Your own guide

Private vehicle and guide – no strangers, no fixed schedule.

Book with confidence

Clear terms, real people, no surprises.

Rated 5.0 out of 5 on SafariBookings by verified travellers. Planned and run from our base in Arusha.

How booking works

  • 30% deposit to confirm your booking
  • Balance due 60 days before arrival
  • Written confirmation of every lodge and park permit
  • Licensed Tanzanian tour operator based in Arusha

Ways to pay

  • Bank transfer (USD)
  • Visa / Mastercard (card fee may apply)
  • Wise transfer

While you travel

  • Your own private vehicle and guide
  • WhatsApp support from our Arusha team every day of your trip
  • Park fees and taxes included and paid in advance
If you cancelCancellation charge
More than 60 days before arrivalDeposit retained, or moved to new dates within 12 months
59 to 30 days before arrival50% of the total trip price
29 to 15 days before arrival75% of the total trip price
Less than 15 days before arrival100% of the total trip price

Park fees and flights already paid to third parties may be non-refundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation. Full refund policy

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