Ndutu Area
The Ndutu area, which extends from the northern part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (the northern part of NCA) to the unfenced southern parts of the Serengeti national park, is a significant habitat for the Great Wildebeest Migration. The region is home to alkaline lakes that draw flocks of flamingos, undulating grasslands, and acacia trees; it is also the meeting place of these two magnificent wilderness zones. Between November and March, depending on the rains, the Ndutu area / region is a stop for the yearly migration of two million wildebeests, as well as hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles. The animals come to graze and give birth to calves during this time. Around Lake Ndutu, right in the middle of the wildebeest gathering, is the ideal place to see wildlife at this time.
Explore Ndutu Region
An iconic part of the Great Migration takes place in the Ndutu area, where herds of newborn wildebeests give birth to an overwhelming number of herbivores. This abundance of life creates a dramatic display of birth and death in the region, which is located in the southern Serengeti. Giraffes, elephants, hyenas, and antelopes of all kinds make their permanent homes in the Ndutu region. During the dry season, which lasts from June to November, you can spot these creatures around the waterhole. Among the amazing wildlife species to keep an eye out for are six types of cats: lion, cheetah, leopard, serval, African wild cat, and caracal, which are present throughout the year.
Important Points in the Ndutu Area
The most exciting part of visiting Ndutu Region is witnessing the entire Great Migration cycle, beginning in December when the herds return to the plains to graze, continuing through the months of January and February when calves are born, and finally setting off again in April to begin their trek northward.
As lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas prey on newborn calves as they take their first steps, the Ndutu Region’s most spectacular event is the cackling season, when one million wildebeest give birth to eight thousand kids daily. Spectacular herds swarm the area around Lake Ndutu from December to April to calve, and the granite kopjes and woodlands surrounding the lake attract many animals throughout the year. This makes it the best place to see wildlife in the Ndutu Region.
The Ndutu region is well-known for its excellent sightings of six different species of cats. Visitors to the area can look forward to seeing lions, leopards, cheetahs, caracals, African wildcats, and servals. Although the cats are visible at any time of year, viewers are most likely to see them in January and February, when calves are attempting to walk for the first time.
The Ndutu region is home to an amazing cultural legacy that is worth exploring; a visit there is about more than just seeing landscapes and animals. Located in the NDUTU region lies the Olduvai Gorge, which is spelled Oldupai in Maasai. The discovery of the oldest evidence of our human ancestors’ existence was made by Drs. Leakey and his wife at Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world. You will spend some time at the museum during your visit to the spectacular ravine learning about the interesting excavations and discoveries that have taken place there. It would be a shame to explore Olduvai Gorge without also spending some time visiting the adjacent Shifting Sands, a series of enigmatic and breathtaking sand dunes made of shifting volcanic ash.
Indulge your inner adventurer on a multi-day walking safari. For those with an adventurous spirit, there is an exciting adventure that begins in the Ndutu region and takes them into the highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano, can be climbed as part of this trip.
When is the best time to visit Ndutu Area
December through April are prime travel dates for the Ndutu region, since that’s when the great migratory herds—consisting of millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles—arrive from the north and remain until April, when they begin to trek back north. Every day in the early months, especially in February, when the grassy plains are bustling with wildebeest herds calving, thousands upon thousands of babies are born, attracting predators like cheetahs, lions, hyenas, leopards, and African wild dogs.
Tips for Traveling to the Ndutu Region
Although the Ndutu region isn’t the ideal place for frugal tourists due to the lack of campsites, there are some mobile tented campgrounds in the area that offer a good compromise between price and comfort. Due to the cyclical nature of wildlife, most lodges in Serengeti National Park only open during the peak season, which is from November to March. The park is mostly occupied by more upscale camps and lodges. The Ndutu region is home to lodges and camps in either Serengeti National Park or the Ngorongoro Conservation Area; travelers should be aware that they will be required to pay park fees for both parks if they want to stay in one and do game drives in the other.
Walking Safaris in Ndutu Region
You may see the natural splendor of nature up close and personal on a walking safari in the south Serengeti or Ndutu. Nature and wildlife lovers may find it to be an unforgettable experience. Walking safaris in Ndutu area provide the opportunity to do just that—follow trails in the wild, notice animal tracks and bones, and identify them. It is possible to observe wildebeests giving birth and interacting with their offspring up close and personal on a walking safari in January or February.
A park ranger, armed with a rifle for protection, will accompany you on this safari. No need for clients to be concerned about harming animals; a gun will only be used as a last option. Clients must adhere to all pre-safari regulations handed out by the patk ranger for their own safety.
Ndutu region walking safari, where you can choose between a long or short trek, also begins at 6:30 in the morning. Any distance above four hours is considered a long walk, while anything less is considered a short one.
Please dress comfortably so that you can fully enjoy your tour. Because you will be on your feet for hours, put on your most comfortable walking shoes and make sure they cover your legs completely. Wearing dark colors like blue and black can make you more susceptible to tsetse flies. We will make reservations with the park administration for your walking safari and arrange for your guide the day before. Get in touch with us if you’re interested in doing one.
Hot Air Balloon Adventure in Ndutu Area
Definitely an unforgettable experience awaits you on Southern Serengeti/Ndutu hot air balloon safaris, which are only offered from December to March. A hot air balloon safari offers a unique opportunity to witness this natural phenomenon from above during the birthing season, when the migration is in full swing. You might see the large cats hiding in the shadows, the newborn wildebeests playing with their moms and taking their first steps, and the rest of the local wildlife getting ready to hunt. You won’t miss a thing as you glide over the vast savannah teeming with diverse species thanks to your knowledgeable guide who will highlight key features.
You will be collected from your lodge between 4:00 and 5:30 in the morning for this excursion. Then, you will be transported to the launch location, where you will get to see your balloon filled as your guide gives you the rundown on the rules and regulations. At the end of the ride, you will be given a certificate to remember the trip by as well as a bush brunch with champagne. The hot air balloon safari in Ndutu from December to March is, all things considered, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this breathtaking nature from a whole new angle.
Calving of Wildebeests in Ndutu region
It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the calving of wildebeest in Ndutu. In the expansive plains of Ndutu, wildebeest give birth to their young during the calving season, which usually happens between January and March. The wildebeests must complete giving birth and tend to their young before beginning their long yearly migration, making this a crucial time for them.
Be sure to visit the expansive Ndutu plains in February if you find yourself in the area between January and March. It is the best time to witness the Wildebeests giving birth, the newborn calves taking their first steps, and the relationships between the mother and calf. Predators like hyenas and lions prey on the wildebeest, especially the young, which are easy prey.
Bird watching safaris
Most visitors to this area come to see the ostrich, bustard, shrike, superfowl, weaver, lovebird, and heron species. But the Serengeti’s western and northern regions are home to the kinds of natural zones that birds love. Because of the park’s flat terrain, birdwatching in the southeast will be a challenge. Typical birds that you might see are Cordon-Bleus, Fischer’s Lovebirds, and Superb Starlings.