Serengeti Photo Tour: Capture the Wildebeest Calving Season in Tanzania

Your adventure begins with your arrival in Arusha, the vibrant heart of Tanzania’s safari circuit. Arusha, nestled beneath the towering Mount Meru, offers a perfect introduction to the African wilderness that awaits. After landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha.

Settle into your accommodation and take time to relax after your journey. If time permits, explore the town, perhaps visiting the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre or enjoying the tranquil landscapes of a nearby coffee plantation. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at your hotel, savoring local Tanzanian cuisine and resting up for the exciting days ahead.

After an early breakfast, you'll be transferred to Arusha Airport for a short domestic flight to the Ndutu region, located in the southern Serengeti. This scenic flight offers stunning aerial views of the vast Tanzanian landscapes and gives you a taste of the adventure that awaits.

Upon landing in Ndutu, you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to your tented camp or lodge, ideally located to provide immediate access to the wildebeest herds during calving season. After settling in and enjoying lunch, you'll embark on your first game drive in the Ndutu area. The region is a mix of woodlands and grasslands, teeming with wildlife at this time of year. Keep your camera ready as you witness the beginning of the calving season, with wildebeests giving birth and predators like lions and cheetahs on the prowl.

You'll dive deep into the vibrant wildlife of the Ndutu region for the next few days. The day begins with an early breakfast, followed by a morning game drive as the first light bathes the landscape in a golden glow, perfect for capturing the stunning scenery on camera.

As you explore, you'll encounter a rich variety of wildlife. The Ndutu area is bustling with activity, especially during the calving season of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. The sight of newborns taking their first steps is captivating, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to photograph these tender moments.

Mid-morning, the dynamics shift as predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas become more active. Witnessing the delicate balance of life and death as these predators stalk their prey is a powerful reminder of the raw beauty of the Serengeti. Your guide will lead you to prime spots for viewing and capturing these dramatic interactions.

After a mid-morning break back at your lodge, where you can relax and review your photos over a leisurely brunch, the afternoon brings another game drive. As the light softens, the Ndutu landscape becomes even more picturesque, with herds of animals moving across the plains and other wildlife, like giraffes and elephants, adding to the scene.

The day ends with a peaceful sundowner, where you can enjoy a drink while watching the sun set over the Serengeti. Returning to your camp for dinner, you'll have time to reflect on the day's incredible experiences, surrounded by the sounds of the African night.

After a final morning game drive in Ndutu, you'll say goodbye to the Serengeti and take a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park. Known for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, Tarangire offers a different, yet equally captivating, safari experience.

Upon arrival, check into your lodge and head out for an afternoon game drive. Tarangire is less crowded than other parks, giving it a more secluded and tranquil atmosphere. The park’s varied landscapes, from swamps to woodlands, are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including giraffes, buffalo, and an impressive array of bird species. The elephants here are particularly photogenic, often seen bathing in the Tarangire River or walking in large, majestic herds.

As the sun sets, return to your lodge for a relaxing evening, where you can enjoy the sounds of the bush as you dine, and reflect on the day’s experiences.

After breakfast at your lodge in Tarangire, you'll enjoy a final morning game drive before making your way back to Arusha. The drive offers a chance to spot any wildlife you may have missed, and to soak in the last moments of the African wilderness.

Upon arrival in Arusha, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon at your leisure. You might explore the town, visit local markets for souvenirs, or simply relax and unwind at your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful dinner, savoring your last night in Tanzania.

On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to visit the Maasai Market, stroll through one of Arusha’s beautiful gardens, or relax before your departure.

Later, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home, bringing your incredible Tanzanian adventure to a close. As you depart, you’ll carry with you the memories of the Serengeti’s calving season, the majestic landscapes, and the unforgettable wildlife encounters that have made this journey one of a lifetime.