7-Day Calving Season Highlights & Whale Sharks

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Transfer to Southern Serengeti

After breakfast your guide will meet you at your Arusha accommodation and you will transfer to the Serengeti - a long road transfer through the Great Rift Valley and Ngorongoro Conservancy. Will offer incredible views of Ngorongoro Crater, the great rift valley, Masai Boma and wildlife along the way.
Arrive in the Southern region in the afternoon, spend the rest of the game doing a game drive and exploring the region before retiring to your camp for the evening - located right in the heart of the bush!

Main Destination:

Ndutu (Southern Serengeti NP)

Accommodation:

Kontiki Ndutu Camp

• Mid-range tented camp located inside Ndutu (Southern Serengeti NP)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Game Drive Southern Serengeti

Enjoy a full day exploring and game driving in the Southern region of the Serengeti also referred to as 'Ndutu'. With a mix of vast short grass plains and wooded areas there is much to see here. The plains will be lively with action as millions of wildebeest and zebra arrive here to graze - and with the arrival of herbivores the big cats come out for a feast!
Ndutu is most famous for the Great Migration, specifically the calving season from December to March. This natural phenomenon attracts thousands of wildebeests and zebras, followed by predators, offering spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities.
The area's ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife, including endangered and vulnerable species. It's a haven for big cats like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, and is also home to a rich diversity of birdlife. Ndutu's significance extends to its role in research and education, providing valuable insights into wildlife behaviors and ecosystem dynamics.

Main Destination:

Ndutu (Southern Serengeti NP)

Accommodation:

Kontiki Ndutu Camp

• Mid-range tented camp located inside Ndutu (Southern Serengeti NP)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Game Drive Ngorongoro Crater

After a final morning game drive in the Southern Serengeti you will transfer back towards to Ngorongoro Highlands. Arriving at the Ngorongoro Crater rim around lunch time you will descend to the crater floor for a game drive and to explore the incredible wildlife haven!
Considered a Natural Wonder of the world - the largest intact caldera. The floor spans 264km squared. Once an active volcano that collapsed on itself it is one of the best places in Tanzania to spot the ‘ BIG 5’. The sides of the caldera reach 2,000 feet and the floor of the crater is home to a freshwater lake, saltwater lake and many animals including: water buffalo, lion, rhino and elephants. After your game drive ascend the crater rim and transfer to nearby Karatu for overnight.

Main Destination:

Ngorongoro Crater

Best Time To Visit June to October (Wildlife viewing is best)

High Season Most of the year – July to March (Expect crowds)

Best Weather June to October (Rainfall is little to none)

Wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater

Black RhinoCommon

LionCommon

BuffaloAbundant

ZebraAbundant

WildebeestAbundant

HyenaAbundant

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ElephantCommon

HippoCommon

LeopardOccasional

GiraffeNone

White RhinoNone

CheetahNone

Wild DogNone

Accommodation:

Eileen's Trees Inn

• Mid-range lodge located 1-2hr drive from Ngorongoro Crater

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Transfer to Mafia Island

Enjoy a final morning in Karatu before starting the transfer to Mafia Island. Your driver will transfer you to the airport where you will board your flight towards Dar Es Salaam, once in DAR you will transfer to a smaller plane and transit to Mafia Island - just a 35minute flight from DAR.

Arriving on the island you will be greeted by a team member and transferred to your accommodation for the next few nights. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and settling in.

Main Destination:

Mafia Island (Tanzania Beaches)

Accommodation:

Butiama Beach

• Mid-range lodge located at Mafia Island (Tanzania Beaches)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Whale Shark Snorkeling

After breakfast you will transfer to the nearby marine park to meet your crew and briefing, before setting out on a boat in search of the gentle giant - whale sharks! Once spotted you will be instructed to enter the water and quietly approach the whale sharks - spending time swimming along them and just basking in their immense size.
Please note we practise responsible marine tourism and touching or other interactions with the whale sharks are not allowed.
After the excursion you will return to your accommodation for rest and enjoyment.

Main Destination:

Mafia Island (Tanzania Beaches)

Accommodation:

Butiama Beach

• Mid-range lodge located at Mafia Island (Tanzania Beaches)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mafia Island Activities

Spend this day how you please - participate in whale shark snorkelling again, partake in a dive, visit Chole Island. The decision is yours, having extra free days building into the program for relaxation or additional activities depending on individual needs.

Main Destination:

Mafia Island (Tanzania Beaches)

Accommodation:

Butiama Beach

• Mid-range lodge located at Mafia Island (Tanzania Beaches)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Onward Transfer

Enjoy a final morning on Mafia Island before transferring to the nearby landing strip - depending on onward travel plans arriving back in DAR for late morning or afternoon.

Main Destination:

No major destination visited

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.