Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Ndutu

Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Ndutu

Located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area near the southern Serengeti, Ndutu forms an important part of the wider Serengeti ecosystem. Its landscape includes grasslands, acacia woodland, marshes and the soda lakes of Ndutu and Masek. 

From late December through April, large herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle gather across the plains following the seasonal rains. The nutrient-rich grasses provide important feeding and calving grounds, with the peak of the wildebeest calving season often occurring around February. The exact movement of the herds varies according to rainfall. 

The concentration of young animals attracts predators, making Ndutu especially well known for sightings of lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena and jackal. Resident wildlife may also include giraffe, elephant, impala, dik-dik, bat-eared fox and other species throughout the year. 

The plains, lakes, wetlands and woodlands also attract a wide variety of resident and migratory birds. Wildlife viewing changes throughout the year, with the greener months bringing fresh vegetation, seasonal water and increased bird activity. 

Ndutu is particularly suited to travelers interested in the Great Migration, predator activity, birdwatching and wide-open landscapes. Accommodation during the migration season is limited and highly sought after, so advance booking is recommended.