TANZANIA - CIRCLE OF LIFE (CALVING)
ABOUT THIS TRIP
Journey into Tanzania during one of nature’s most extraordinary moments, the Calving Season. On the lush plains of Ndutu, witness thousands of wildebeest taking their first steps as new life fills the Serengeti. The air hums with energy as predators and prey dance in a delicate balance of survival. Beyond Ndutu, explore the iconic landscapes of Tarangire with its ancient baobabs and elephant herds, and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a haven of wildlife in a world of its own. From vast savannahs to volcanic craters, this is Tanzania at its most raw, beautiful, and alive.
BEST TIME TO GO
Within the good weather period of Dec-Mar and Jun-Oct, there are 2 highlights you can look forward to.
The Calving season: from Feb to early Mar. During this short season, migratory animals give birth in the Ndutu region amongst lush greenery. With young animals aplenty, hunts are also consequently more regular.
The Great Migration: from Aug to mid-Oct. During this period, the Serengeti comes alive with one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events. Herds of wildebeest and zebras brave the Mara River, crossing between the Serengeti and Maasai Mara in search of fresh grazing.
AVAILABLE TRIP FORMATS
Private trips: ideal for honeymooners, couples, families, and groups of friends. You get to pick your own dates and enjoy the flexibility to customize parts of the program with our range of optional add-ons. During the trip, you also have greater control over the pace of travel.
Open group trips: ideal for solo travellers, couples, small groups of friends open to meeting other like-minded adventurers. We do our best to open a couple of group trips per destination each year. Available trip dates can be found below.
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
NDUTU
Every year this time, the southern plains of Ndutu come alive with new life as over half a million wildebeest give birth within weeks. Witness the circle of life unfold before your eyes with newborn calves taking their first steps, predators on the prowl, and the Serengeti at its most dramatic.
NGORONGORO CRATER
Once a volcano, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world's largest intact caldera, with a huge variety of wildlife including black rhinos (just ~6,000 left in the wild), lesser flamingos, and African wild dogs. It's often easier to spot wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater as the landscape is almost entirely flat.
CENTRAL SERENGETI
This vast expanse of golden plains is alive with wildlife all year. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas roam in search of prey, while herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles graze under the endless skies. It’s the best place to experience the raw beauty and drama of the African savannah.
TANZANIAN TRIBES
Get a glimpse into the day-to-day lives of authentic local tribes. You'll be taken on a hunt with the Hadza, one of the last hunter-gatherer tribes in Africa, and also meet with the Datoga, a semi-nomadic warrior tribe who specialise in blacksmithing.
THE ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
Day 1
Arrival, Arusha City Tour, Central Market
Day 2
→Arusha National Park, Walking Safari, Game Drive
Day 3
→Tarangire National Park, Game Drive
Day 4
→Ngorongoro Crater, Game Drive, → Ndutu
Day 5
Ndutu, Game Drives
Day 6
Ndutu, Game Drives, → Central Serengeti
Day 7
Central Serengeti, Game Drives
Day 8
Central Serengeti, Game Drives, →Karatu
Day 9
Tribes of Tanzania (Hadzabe and Dataoga), →Moshi
Day 10
Materuni Village, Departure
INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS
Rest and Recharge in Comfort
We know a comfortable stay is a key part of an enjoyable experience. We have handpicked our preferred properties after rounds of on-site inspections. Additionally, with the help of feedback from past Jambo Adventurers we are able to continually ensure we work with quality properties. Beyond a comfortable stay, we love these properties for their warm sense of hospitality that often makes all the difference!
WHY TRAVEL WITH JAMBO?
Handpicked adventures,
crafted with firsthand experience
Every Jambo program is built from the ground up with care and intention. After weeks of research, we travel down ourselves; meeting partners, personally testing experiences, and understanding the finer nuances of local tourism. We blend our deep travel expertise with the invaluable knowledge of our trusted partners to create journeys that are immersive, authentic, and designed for Adventurers like you.
Hosted by trusted partners,
who feel like friends
Great experiences come from great people. We don’t just work with guides and hosts. We build real relationships, sharing meals, stories, and time together long before a Jambo trip ever happens. That’s why when you travel with us, you’re welcomed not just as a guest, but as a friend of Jambo. And thanks to the positive goodwill from past Adventurers, you’ll step into a network of hospitality, trust, and warmth.
Incredible journeys,
without any of the stress
The best travel moments happen when you’re fully present. Whether it’s standing in awe of a vast landscape, sharing a laugh with new friends, or experiencing a culture from the inside out. Jambo takes care of the logistics, research, and planning so you can focus on what really matters: traveling deeply, connecting meaningfully, and exploring with confidence, curiosity, and respect.
READY FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
LOVED BY ADVENTURERS WHO TRAVEL WITH US
The safari was really good! JAMBO delivered more than we were expecting, we got to see so many animals and had an incredible honeymoon experience.
Vivian and Ben
JAMBO doesn't feel like a travel agency, it feels like booking a trip through your cool friend who is there to guide you along the way, and very hands-on. I think access to cool, hard to put together itineraries were the biggest draw for us though. Plus the fact that we can trust the team to arrange a good time!
Carles and Janel
Very tailored to our schedule and needs, good quality friendly service and fast responses. strong execution and local knowledge. Front row view when witnessing the wildebeest river crossing, and lions feeding on carcasses with scavengers waiting at the background for their turn!
Xian Ning
