Ndutu Safari Lodge
A heritage safari destination located in the Southern Serengeti, in the heart of the wildebeest migration cycle. Millions are born and predated during Dec-March when the migrating herd arrives.
Over fifty seven years of safari heritage abound at Ndutu Safari Lodge. For many photographers, filmmakers, scholars, safari visitors, it has always been the favorite base since of its exceptional location. The lodge is located in the Southern Serengeti ecosystem within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It hosts numerous resident predators and is visited annually between mid-December and March by the wildebeest migration.
Location of Ndutu Safari Lodge
Ndutu Safari lodge is located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCAA) of Tanzania which is between the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National park on the short grass plains. 2-3 hours driving distance from Seronera or Ngorongoro.
Rooms in Ndutu Safari Lodge
Each of the 34 stone and thatch Lake-front cottages in the lodge features an en suite bathroom and a private terrace. Additionally there is a stand-alone cottage with two separate bedrooms, a large living room, dining area and two private bathrooms with hot shower, sink and flushing toilet.
All of the houses have their own private verandas with views of the native trees and bushes that grow right outside the door. This way, you’ll never be far from the many birds and mammals that live in the Ndutu area.
Wildlife seen at Ndutu Safari Lodge
All year round predator viewing is best suited in the Ndutu area. Among the several resident predators it boasts are big prides of lions, leopards, lots of cheetahs, and many spotted hyenas. When thousands of plains animals cover Ndutu, the annual wildebeest and zebra migration marks the high season there. For the population of resident predators, this intern becomes a feast. Being here is fantastic since March is almost the month the wildebeest are calving, hence predators are actively hunting the fresh born wildebeest. One of the best places to see the amazing speed and show of cheetah seeking their target.
The Ndutu area is a well renowned destination for birds and birders alike. The diverse habitat made up of short grass plains, shallow soda lakes (feeding ground of greater and lesser flamingos alike) fresh water marshes and acacia woodland results in a vast array of species exceeding well over 300
Food and Dining in Ndutu Safari Lodge
All of the Lodge’s meals are served in the main area with sitting, dining, and a bar. This is the heart of the lodge and has a view of Lake Ndutu in the distance across the plains. For lunch, there is a large menu with three courses full of tempting dishes, and each night there is a hearty four-course dinner. One of the best ways to start the night is with a drink from our main bar.
An important part of life at Ndutu is the campfire in the evening. Over the past few decades, this is where wildlife photographers, trackers, safari guides, filmmakers, and natural history experts have come together at the end of a day’s exploring. Sit back and enjoy a drink or two by the daily campfire while the sun goes down over the plains. Share some tasty snacks before dinner and take in the quiet as night falls before going inside for your four-course dinner, which will give you more time to talk and relax.
Packed breakfast and lunch are also arranged so that you can enjoy more time in the safari.
Activities in Ndutu Safari Lodge
- Guided game drives
- Picnics, bush meals & sundowners
- Acacia Spa & Gym
- Visit the prehistoric site of Olduvai Gorge and the tomb of Hugo van Lawick, the famous Dutch filmmaker
Ndutu Safari Lodge, More Information
- Complimentary Wi-Fi at dining/lobby area
- Indoor shower
- Mosquito net over bed
- Drinking water supplied
- Private verandah
- Library
Water Supply – Ndutu has always had trouble with supply of water. The water for the bathrooms comes from wells that are sealed off and close to the lake, which is about 2 km from the camp. It is pumped into the header tanks every day. Minerals that have been dissolved in this water (mostly sodium carbonate, also known as “washing soda”) give it a soft, soapy feel. Remember how flemingoes always prefer alkaline waterbodies, that’s why you see them around the nearby lake. It’s even more valuable to have fresh water. The cooking water and drinking water are rainwater coming from the tin roofs of the lodge and are stored in holding tanks. After going through a system that filters and sterilizes the water, it tastes good and is very safe to drink. The streams in the Ngorogoro mountains, which are 80 km away, are the only other place to get fresh water. We’re proud of how well we save and use freshwater because it doesn’t rain here for up to five months of the year. We have always had enough fresh water for ourselves so far.