The Ndutu Region is an area found around Ngorongoro Conservation Area expanding to the vast southern vast Serengeti plains creating a wildlife corridor between the two conservation areas. Every year from December to February wildebeest migration herds converge around Ndutu region, this is the birthing season and close to 500000 wildebeests are born during these months. Tourists visiting Ndutu region can be sure to spot calves being born and also action of big cats as they hunt down vulnerable and weak calves. Ndutu region derives its name from lake Ndutu found within the region.
Ndutu area covers an area of about 8000 kilometers squared of spectacular landscapes, acacia woodlands, savanna grasslands, lakes and riverine forests.
Wildlife watching
Wildlife watching at Ndutu area is good all year round but the best time for excellent viewing is when the wildebeest migration herds are present. Some of the animals found at Ndutu area include hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, lions, giraffes, elephants, warthogs, buffaloes, serval cats, African wild dogs, caracals, gazelles and elands to mention a few. Hot air balloon safaris can also be done in Ndutu area.
Lake Ndutu
Lake Ndutu attracts large migration herds and resident animals during the dry season and especially in December. When the animals return from Masai Mara game reserve. The Lake Ndutu is a saline lake found in Ndutu region. The shores of the lake were an archaeological excavation site in 1973 leading to the uncovering of Ndutu cranium from over 500000 years ago.
Best time to visit
Ndutu area of Serengeti national park can be visited all year round. For resident wildlife watching but the best time for viewing wildlife migration herds is from December to February. When the young calves feed on newly fresh grown grass from the November rains.
Accommodation around Ndutu region
While booking a safari at Ndutu area, its better to book accommodation within or close to the region. To avoid driving for long distances. Some of the hotels you can sleep in include. Ndutu safari lodge, Ndutu luxury tented camp, Lake Masek tented camp, Olakiria camp, Ndutu under covers. Ndutu safari camp and Mara Ndutu tented camp among the rest.
How to get there
Ndutu area can be reached within 6 hours drive from Arusha town through Ngorongoro conservation area. Alternatively, tourists can fly into Ndutu area through daily chartered flights all over Tanzania. The nearest airstrips to access Ndutu area include Ndutu airstrip, Kusini airstrip and Seronera airstrips.
