Private safari
Cats, Calves & Crater
A premier five-day expedition from Tarangire's elephant country to Ndutu and the crater.
5 days Northern Tanzania Best · Dec – Mar best for calving Private departureFrom $1,934 per person
What this journey holds.
Five days blending adventure, comfort and iconic Tanzanian landscapes: baobab forests, golden savannas, predator-rich plains and crater wildlife, with warm hospitality and scenic lodges each evening.
- Group size
- Private departure, 2–6 guests
- Vehicle
- Custom 4×4 Land Cruiser, pop-up roof
- Guide
- Licensed English-speaking driver-guide
- Pace
- Moderate, with early starts and unhurried sightings
- Fitness
- Easy; no walking required
- Start / end
- Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Arusha (ARK)
Three that we build the days around.
Elephant herds beneath the baobabs of Tarangire
Open, atmospheric Ndutu plains at calving time
The crater floor: lions, hippos and black rhino
A rhythm, not a rigid schedule.
Every day bends around the animals, the light, and how you like to travel. This is our starting shape.
- 01Tarangire · Realm of Giants
Arusha → Tarangire → Mto wa Mbu. Baobabs, riverbanks and golden plains with elephants, zebra, wildebeest, buffalo and lion. Overnight Africa Safari Manyara Escarpment.
- 02Transition to the wilderness
Mto wa Mbu → Ndutu, as the landscape opens into wide plains and true wilderness. Overnight Africa Safari Ngorongoro Ndutu.
- 03Tranquility in Ndutu
A relaxed day among open plains and the rhythm of the bush, with photography, scenery and unhurried game viewing.
- 04Ngorongoro Crater
Ndutu → Crater → Karatu. A volcanic basin rich with lions, buffalo, elephants, hippos and the rare black rhino. Overnight Africa Safari Karatu.
- 05Concluding the expedition
A final highland morning before the drive back to Arusha.
Nothing on the day of the shoot but the shoot itself.
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle and professional guide
- Selected lodges as listed in the itinerary
- All park and conservation area fees
- Full-board dining on safari
- Airport transfers and reservations
Not included
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Optional activities (balloon safari, walking safari, cultural visits)
- Tips for your guide and lodge staff
- Personal items, laundry and telephone charges
Tanzania, month by month.
This journey runs dec – mar best for calving. Here is how the year reads across the northern circuit.
Jan
Calving season in Ndutu
Feb
Peak calving, predator action
Mar
Green season, fewer vehicles
Apr
Long rains, lush and quiet
May
Rains ease, low season value
Jun
Dry season opens, herds move north
Jul
River crossings begin
Aug
Peak crossings, prime game viewing
Sep
Dry, concentrated wildlife
Oct
Excellent predator sightings
Nov
Short rains, dramatic skies
Dec
Herds return south to Ndutu
Frames from recent departures.
Classic
The great northern Tanzania circuit, done properly, without cutting the corners that matter.
Explore this styleThe classical Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Manyara circuit - planned by people who know it in every season. Mid-range or luxury tented lodging, private vehicle, and a guide who trained under our team.
- Private 4×4 Land Cruiser & guide
- Mid-range or luxury tented camps
- All park & conservation fees
- Full board + soft drinks
- Airport meet & greet
Guest voices
“Our guide gave us the two most extraordinary weeks of our lives. Every morning was thought through - the light, the position, the story. We came home with photographs we'll frame for the rest of our lives.”
Anna & Peter Halvorsen · Oslo · Great Migration, 2025
From first note to first game drive.
Four steps, no pressure, and a human on the other end of every message.
01
Tell us your dates
Share travel dates, group size and what you most want to see. We reply within 24 hours.
02
We shape the route
A tailored itinerary with camp options at three price points, and honest advice on season and pacing.
03
Confirm and prepare
A 30% deposit secures camps and park permits. We send packing, camera and health notes.
04
Arrive and travel
Met at the airport, driven by your own guide, supported on the ground for the whole journey.
Before you ask.
- How many people share a vehicle?
- Every departure is private. Your party has the whole 4×4 to itself with a guaranteed window seat and pop-up roof for each guest.
- Can this itinerary be customised?
- Yes. Every route here is a starting shape. We regularly extend nights, swap camps, add Zanzibar or restructure days around photography light.
- What does the price depend on?
- Season, group size and camp category. The quoted rate is a per-person guide for two travellers sharing in mid-season; we confirm exact pricing with your dates.
- What is the payment schedule?
- A 30% deposit confirms the booking, with the balance due 45 days before arrival. Bank transfer and card payments are both accepted.
- Is it suitable for children or older travellers?
- Yes. We adjust drive lengths, road transfers and lodge choices to suit families and to keep travel comfortable at any age.
- What should I pack for photography?
- A long lens (400mm+), a wide zoom, spare cards and batteries. We supply bean bags in every vehicle and can arrange charging in the field.
