When does the Festive Wilderness Escape run?
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It's planned for the Christmas weeks of December. There are no fixed departure dates listed yet, so the trip runs on the dates you choose. Late December is a good time for Ndutu, because wildebeest and zebra gather on the plains for the calving season and predators follow them. Our Arusha team can set the start date around your group's holiday.
Why go to Ndutu at Christmas?
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In December Ndutu is green and busy. Wildebeest and zebra come together for the calving season, and lions, cheetahs and hyenas stay close to the herds. You have two full days there, covering woodland, lakes and open plains. Because the route is flexible, you can spend a morning with flamingos at Lake Masek and an afternoon with a lion pride.
Where do we stay?
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The first three nights are at Savannah Ndutu Camp on the plains. The last two are at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, which sits on the rim of the crater, and your room there has a private balcony looking into the caldera. Evenings in Ndutu end with a warm shower, dinner and a festive drink by the fire.
Is there a Christmas dinner on this safari?
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Yes. Christmas-time dinners are part of the trip, both in camp and at the lodge. In Ndutu the evenings finish with dinner and a festive drink by the fire, and your last night at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge ends with a farewell dinner as the sun drops behind the crater rim. Tell us about dietary needs or a special celebration when you book.
What is the Mto wa Mbu cultural walk?
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It's a guided walk through Mto wa Mbu, a farming village on the day-one drive from Arusha through the Great Rift Valley. You meet local artisans, banana farmers and painters. It breaks up the drive to Ndutu and gives everyone a chance to stretch their legs. Expect an easy village walk, not a hike.
What happens on the Ngorongoro Crater day?
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Day five is a full day on the crater floor, about 600 metres below the rim. Nearly every East African species lives in the crater, and we look in particular for black rhino, elephants and lions. Sightings depend on the day, but the crater gives you a good chance. Lunch is a picnic beside the hippo pool, then you return to the lodge for a farewell dinner.
Is this safari suitable for families?
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Yes. It suits families, couples and small groups who'd rather have a festive break in the bush than a long road trip. The first day's drive is broken up by the village walk, there are viewpoint stops on the way to Ngorongoro, and you sleep three nights in one camp in Ndutu. Tell our Arusha team your children's ages so we can plan rooms and pace.
Where does the trip start and finish?
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It starts and ends in Arusha. We leave after breakfast on day one and drive through the Rift Valley to Ndutu. On day six we drive back from the Ngorongoro highlands and reach Arusha in time for lunch or your onward flight. Kilimanjaro International Airport is the usual arrival point, and we can book you a night in Arusha before the safari.
Can we change the dates or lodges?
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Yes. Our Arusha team can move the dates, for example to travel before Christmas or stay into the New Year, or swap a lodge. The route is compact, so adding a night, such as extra time in Ndutu, is easy to fit in. Send us your group size and preferred dates and we'll come back with options and a quote.
How long is the 6-Day Festive Wilderness Escape – Ndutu & Ngorongoro?
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The 6-Day Festive Wilderness Escape – Ndutu & Ngorongoro is 6 days and 5 nights. The day-by-day itinerary on this page shows where you go and stay each day.
Which parks and places does the 6-Day Festive Wilderness Escape – Ndutu & Ngorongoro visit?
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This trip visits Mto wa Mbu, Ndutu Area and Ngorongoro Crater.
How difficult is the 6-Day Festive Wilderness Escape – Ndutu & Ngorongoro?
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It is rated moderate: a reasonable level of general fitness is enough.
What is the group size on the 6-Day Festive Wilderness Escape – Ndutu & Ngorongoro?
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It runs for groups of 2 to 12 travellers.
What is included in the 6-Day Festive Wilderness Escape – Ndutu & Ngorongoro?
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Included: All accommodation as per itinerary, All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), Professional safari guide, All park fees and conservation fees, Game drives as per itinerary, Cultural village walk in Mto wa Mbu, Drinking water during game drives and Emergency evacuation insurance, and more (see the full list on this page).
What is not included in the 6-Day Festive Wilderness Escape – Ndutu & Ngorongoro?
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Not included: International flights, Visa fees, Travel insurance, Personal items and toiletries, Tips for guide and staff, Alcoholic beverages, Optional activities not mentioned and Laundry services.
