7 Days Wildebeest Calving Safari and Kilimanjaro Highland Escape

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Home Safaris 7 Days Wildebeest Calving Safari and Kilimanjaro Highland Escape

Tour Type

Wildlife Safari & A Day Hike

Tour Duration

7 Days 6 Nights

Min. No of Pax

Tour Price

Mid-range $ 4570 Per Person

Luxury $ 5000 Per Person

The Price Includes

Airport pick up and drop off
All accommodation during safari and mountain hike
All meals during safari and breakfast in Moshi
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
All national park and conservation fees
Ngorongoro Crater descent fees
Bottled mineral water during safari
All activities listed except optional ones

The Price Excludes

International flights
Travel insurance
Optional activities such as night game drives and hot air balloons
Tips for guides and lodge staff
Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
Personal shopping and souvenirs

Tour Summary

Tour Map

Tour Overview

The 7 Days Calving Season Safari in the Wilderness and Kilimanjaro Day Hike by Mountains 2 Marshes Tanzania Expeditions is a carefully curated journey that blends extraordinary wildlife experiences with a refreshing mountain adventure, offering travelers a unique combination of Tanzania’s most iconic landscapes. This immersive itinerary is designed for visitors seeking to witness the breathtaking phenomenon of the Great Migration calving season in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu region, while also experiencing an energizing day hike on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro via the historic Marangu Route. From vast wildlife-filled plains to volcanic highlands and the majestic forested foothills of Africa’s highest peak, this tour captures the heart of Tanzania’s natural beauty in a compact yet deeply enriching experience.

Your adventure begins in Arusha, the vibrant safari hub located at the foothills of Mount Meru. Here, lush landscapes, cool mountain breezes, and stunning garden-style lodges create an ideal place to relax before your safari begins. The journey then takes you through the scenic route toward Tarangire National Park, famous for its towering baobab trees and large elephant herds that gather around the Tarangire River. This park offers an intimate and less crowded safari experience, with diverse wildlife visible throughout the year. After exploring Tarangire, you continue to the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu region, a wildlife-rich area known for hosting the calving season of the Great Migration. During the months of December to March, over 8,000 wildebeest calves are born daily, attracting predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas. This concentrated interaction of prey and predators creates some of the most dramatic wildlife sightings in Africa.

The itinerary then leads you to the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home of the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders. Descending into the crater reveals a world of lush plains, soda lakes, acacia forests, and swampy wetlands that harbor nearly every major East African wildlife species, including the rare black rhino, large buffalo herds, and abundant lions. The crater provides one of the highest wildlife densities in the world, making it an exceptional location for photography and nature observation. After your crater exploration, the journey transitions from savannah landscapes to the lush greenery surrounding Mount Kilimanjaro. You will spend the night in Moshi, a charming mountain town located at the base of Kilimanjaro, preparing for your day hike on Africa’s tallest mountain.

Your final day offers a refreshing change of pace as you embark on a full day hike along the Marangu Route, also known as the Coca Cola Route. This scenic trail leads you through dense rainforests, home to towering trees, colorful birds, unique plant species, and playful monkeys. The hike offers a chance to experience the breathtaking natural environment of Kilimanjaro without committing to a full summit expedition. After completing your hike, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure, marking the end of a spectacular journey through some of Tanzania’s most iconic wilderness areas.

This itinerary is designed to appeal to photographers, wildlife lovers, adventure seekers, and travelers longing for authentic encounters with Tanzania’s natural heritage. With carefully selected accommodations, professional guiding, diverse landscapes, and a well-balanced blend of wildlife and adventure, this tour captures the essence of Tanzania’s beauty in an unforgettable seven-day experience.

Day To day

Day 1

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, a Mountains 2 Marshes Tanzania Expeditions representative will warmly welcome you before transferring you to your accommodation at Arusha Planet Lodge, Forest Hills Hotel, or Ritzy Arcadia Cottages. The transfer typically takes between 45 minutes to one hour, depending on traffic conditions and your exact arrival location. Arusha is known as Tanzania’s safari capital, offering spectacular views of Mount Meru, lush gardens, and a peaceful climate ideal for relaxation after your international flight. After check-in, you may spend the rest of your day unwinding at the lodge, enjoying the swimming pool, exploring nearby craft markets, or taking part in optional activities such as a short Arusha city tour or a visit to the Cultural Heritage Centre. Dinner and overnight in Arusha.

Suggested Accommodations

Ritzy Arcadia Cottages
Forest Hill Hotel
Arusha Planet Lodge

Day 2

Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, you will depart for Tarangire National Park, a drive of approximately two hours covering a distance of about 120 km from Arusha. Tarangire is renowned for its giant baobab trees, sweeping savannah landscapes, and Tanzania’s second-largest elephant population. Game drives through the park allow you to observe lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and hundreds of bird species. The Tarangire River, which flows throughout the year, attracts wildlife especially during the dry season, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife photography. Major activities include full-day game drives, elephant viewing at Elephant Springs, birdwatching, and exploring riverine forests. Extra activities near Tarangire include Maasai cultural tours, guided walking safaris, and night game drives offered by select lodges. You will overnight at Tarangire Safari Lodge or Tarangire Sopa Lodge, depending on your accommodation level.

Suggested Accommodations

Serian Tarangire Luxury Camp
Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Tarangire Safari Lodge

Day 3

Tarangire to Ndutu Region

After breakfast, you travel approximately five hours toward the Ndutu region, located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area at the southern edge of Serengeti National Park. The drive is filled with scenic landscapes including volcanic highlands, open plains, and acacia woodlands. Upon arrival, you immediately begin a safari through the calving grounds of the wildebeest migration, where thousands of newborn calves populate the plains during the peak season. This attracts predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, resulting in some of the most dramatic wildlife scenes in Africa. Activities include full-day game drives, predator tracking, and exploring diverse habitats such as marshlands and woodlands. Optional activities include night game drives and nature walks depending on lodge permissions. Overnight at Nyumbu Luxury Camp or the mid-range Nyikani Migration Camp Ndutu.

Suggested Accommodations

Nyikani Migration Camp (Ndutu)
Lake Masek Tented Lodge
Ndutu Safari Lodge

Day 4

Full Day in Ndutu Calving Grounds

Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the Ndutu plains. Distances between wildlife viewing areas are relatively short, enabling extended periods with wildlife and excellent photography opportunities. You will traverse regions around Lake Ndutu and the surrounding grasslands, where animals gather during calving season. The abundance of newborn calves and the presence of predators create ideal conditions for observing natural wildlife behavior. The landscape includes lakes, open plains, and lightly wooded areas that support a high density of animals. Extra activities include birdwatching, sundowner experiences overlooking the plains, and cultural visits to local Maasai communities. Overnight at Lake Ndutu Safari Lodge or Nyikani Migration Camp.

Suggested Accommodations

Nyikani Migration Camp (Ndutu)
Lake Masek Tented Lodge
Ndutu Safari Lodge

Day 5

Ndutu to Ngorongoro Crater Rim

After breakfast, you will drive approximately 2.5 hours to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As you ascend to the crater rim, you will enjoy panoramic views of one of the most dramatic natural landscapes in Africa. After arrival, you may take part in a short nature walk along the rim, offering stunning scenery and the chance to spot forest animals and unique bird species. The rest of the day is for relaxation at your lodge. Optional activities include visiting a Maasai boma, cultural walking tours, or enjoying a scenic sundowner. Overnight at Angata Ngorongoro Camp, Embalakai Ngorongoro, or other mid-range rim lodges.

Suggested Accommodations

Embalakai Ngorongoro Camp
Angata Ngorongoro Camp
Ngorongoro Crater Rim Lodge

Day 6

Ngorongoro Crater to Moshi

After an early breakfast, you descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day game drive. The crater hosts an extraordinary diversity of wildlife including elephants, black rhinos, lions, hippos, flamingos, buffalo, and countless herbivores. The crater floor includes open savannah, Lerai Forest, hippo pools, and lake areas, each offering unique wildlife experiences. After enjoying a picnic lunch inside the crater, you ascend and continue with a scenic drive of approximately 4 hours to Moshi town at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Moshi is known for its relaxed atmosphere, coffee farms, and stunning mountain views. Overnight at Kaliwa Lodge or the mid-range Chanya Lodge.

Suggested Accommodations

Kaliwa Lodge
Chanya Lodge
Weru Weru River Lodge

Day 7

Kilimanjaro Day Hike and Departure

After breakfast, you will drive approximately one hour to Kilimanjaro National Park where your day hike begins via the Marangu Route. This trail takes you through dense tropical rainforests rich in birdlife, blue monkeys, and spectacular vegetation including giant ferns and towering trees. You will hike for about 3 to 5 hours depending on your pace, reaching Mandara Hut at 2,720 meters before enjoying a rest and possibly exploring the Maundi Crater for panoramic views. The experience offers a taste of Kilimanjaro’s natural beauty without requiring a full summit expedition. After descending, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your adventure.

Here, every adventure is designed around you. Instead of fixed schedules, we offer flexible itineraries that can be shaped to fit your interests, pace, and style. Our experienced travel experts will collaborate with you every step of the way, crafting a personalized journey that captures the true essence of Tanzania your way, your story, your unforgettable experience.