Ndutu region/Area
The Ndutu region is significant during the Great Wildebeest Migration, situated to the north of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, extending to the unfenced southern boundaries of Serengeti National Park. The location serves as a convergence zone between two remarkable wilderness areas, characterized by undulating grasslands, acacia woods, and alkaline lakes that draw numerous flocks of flamingos.
The Ndutu region is situated along the yearly migration path of 2 million wildebeests, together with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, which arrive to graze and calve between November and March, contingent upon rainfall. During this time, the optimal location for observing wildlife is around Lake Ndutu, situated at the center of the wildebeest congregation.
The Ndutu area is where female wildebeest give birth to numerous calves, considered one of the highlights of the Great Migration. The substantial population of newborn calves attracts various predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and African wild dogs, creating a dramatic tableau of life and death in the Ndutu Region of the Southern Serengeti.
The Ndutu region is home to resident animals year-round, including giraffes, elephants, hyenas, and numerous types of antelope. During the dry season from June to November, several animals can be observed surrounding the waterhole. Notable wildlife species to watch for include six feline species: lion, cheetah, leopard, serval, African wildcat, and caracal, which are present throughout the year.
Notable Features in Ndutu Region
The Ndutu Region’s highlight is witnessing the complete cycle of the Great Migration, beginning with the herds’ return to graze on the plains in December, followed by calving in January and February, and concluding with their departure in April as they commence their journey northward.
The calving season in the Ndutu Region is a notably dramatic occurrence, during which one million wildebeest give birth to 8,000 calves daily. As the newborns take their initial steps, they become targets for predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas.
The optimal location for wildlife observation in the Ndutu Region is near Lake Ndutu, where vast herds gather from December to April for grazing and calving. The woodlands and granite kopjes surrounding Lake Ndutu host a diverse array of animals throughout the year.
Exceptional observations of six species of felines constitute another feature of the Ndutu region; during your stay, you will have the opportunity to witness the leopard, lion, cheetah, caracal, African wildcat, and serval. These felines are observable throughout the year; however, optimal observations occur during the calving months of January and February when these predators target the vulnerable calves attempting to stand.
The Ndutu region offers more than wildlife and landscapes; it is home to remarkable cultural history that is fascinating to discover. In the Ndutu Region, there exists the Olduvai Gorge, correctly spelled as Oldupai in the Maasai language. Olduvai Gorge is a paramount paleoanthropological place where the earliest evidence of our predecessors was uncovered by Drs. Leakey and his spouse. During your tour to the stunning ravine, you will allocate time to the museum to explore the intriguing excavations and discoveries that have occurred in the area. A trip to the Olduvai Gorge needs to include a visit to the adjacent Shifting Sands, the enigmatic and picturesque dunes composed of volcanic ash that are displaced by the winds.
Multi-day walking safaris are an excellent pastime for ambitious travelers. This exhilarating endeavor commences in the Ndutu district, progressing into the highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, designed for the really daring. This experience may be coupled with an ascent of the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai.
When is the best time to visit Ndutu Region?
The optimal months to visit the Ndutu Region are from December to April, as the Great Migration herds, comprising millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles, commence their arrival from the north in December and remain until April, when they begin their northward trek once more.
During the initial months of the year, particularly peaking in February, when wildebeest herds calve on the lush grassy plains, thousands of newborn animals emerge daily, drawing the interest of predators such as cheetahs, lions, hyenas, leopards, and African wild dogs.
Travel Recommendations for Visiting the Ndutu Region
The Ndutu region lacks campgrounds, making it unsuitable for budget travelers; nonetheless, mid-range mobile tented camps are available, representing the most economical choice.
The majority of regions in Serengeti National Park predominantly feature upscale camps and lodges, which typically operate primarily during the peak animal season from November to March.
Camps and lodges in the Ndutu region are situated within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area or Serengeti National Park. Travelers should be aware that park fees are required for each park if they are residing in one park and conducting game drives in the other.
Accessing the Ndutu region
Via roadway
The Ndutu region is accessible by road from Arusha, requiring an approximate six-hour trip through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Via aerial transport
The Ndutu region is accessible by multiple airstrips and may be reached by charter flight from Arusha.