5 reasons why you should visit Ndutu in Southern Serengeti?

Ndutu is often described as the south Serengeti but is actually within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. From here, it is possible to reach many areas in the South or East of the Serengeti, such as Olduvai, Gol, Naabi, and Lagarja, but also the not popular Hidden Valley, Soito Ngum Kopjes, or the Kakesio Plains.

Lake Ndutu located on the eastern border of Serengeti National Park serves as a water source for animals as well as hotels, camps, and other facilities in the area. It shares the same basin as lake Masek that is located a short distance east of it – but inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Why Ndutu?

1. The Great Migration: Ndutu is the perfect base for seeing the drama of the wildlife migration from December to April. This area provides calving grounds for wildebeest and other migratory animals, usually taking place between January and March. 

2. Off-Road Safari: Ndutu is one of the only areas in Tanzania where it is legal to drive off-road. This allows amazing vantage points for photography, the ability to follow and track predators in the hunt, and the ability to visit remote sites far away from other safari vehicles.

3. Wildcats Sightings: All 6 cat species can be found in the area throughout the year; lion, leopard, cheetah, caracal, serval, and African wildcat. In the dry season from June to November resident elephants, giraffes and big cats gather at waterholes.

4. Visit the fascinating archaeological site at Olduvai Gorge: A visit to Olduvai Gorge is combined with a stop at the nearby Shifting Sands: mysterious and beautiful dunes formed of volcanic ash that moves with the winds.

5. Walking Safari Possible: For adventurous travelers, you can do multi-day walking safaris starting in the Ndutu Region and heading into the highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and for the very intrepid, you can combine the walking safari with an ascent up the active volcano of Ol Doinyo Lengai.

Ndutu is often described as the south Serengeti but is actually within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It forms part of the Serengeti ecosystem.