Ndutu Area /Region
Ndutu Area /Region
Ndutu area is an important area in the Great Wildebeest Migration, the area is located in the north of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (forms the northern section of NCA) and stretches to the unfenced southern reaches of the Serengeti national park. The area is a meeting point between these two incredible wilderness areas, the region is made up of rolling grasslands, acacia woodlands and alkaline lakes that attract flocks of flamingoes.
The Ndutu area / region lies in the annual migratory route of 2 million of wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelles who embark who come to the area to graze and give birth to calves (calving season) between November and March depending on the rains. In this period these best area to see wildlife is around Lake Ndutu, in the heart of the wildebeest gathering.
Ndutu area is where female wildebeest give birth to countless calves which is regarded as one of the highlights of the Great Migration, the high numbers of newly born calves (herbivores) attract lots of predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs and Africa wild dogs thus resulting into a dramatic scene of new life and death in the Ndutu Region (Southern Serengeti)
The Ndutu region hosts year round resident wildlife such as giraffes, elephants, hyenas and various antelope species. These animals can be seen around the waterhole during the dry season from June to November, some of the remarkable wildlife species to lookout for include six cat species that are lion, cheetah, leopard, serval, African wild cat and caracal that are present all year-round.
HIGHLIGHTS IN NDUTU REGION
The highlight of Ndutu Region is seeing the full circle of the Great Migration from the return to herds to graze in the plains in December, then the calving which takes place in January and February and then depart again in April as they start making their journey northwards.
Calving season is particularly the most dramatic event in the Ndutu Region as a million of wildebeest gives birth to 8,000 babies every day, as the new born calves take their first steps, they are targeted by predators – lions, leopards, cheetah and hyenas.
The prime spot for game viewing in the Ndutu Region is around Lake Ndutu where enormous herds congregate between December and April to graze and calve, the forests and granite kopjes around Lake Ndutu are a home to lots of game present all year round.
Excellent sightings of six – species of cats – is another highlight of Ndutu region, during your visit to the region you will be able to enjoy sights of leopard, lion, cheetah, caracal, African wildcat and serval. These cats can be spotted all year round, however the best sightings are during the calving months of January and February when these predators pick on the weak calves trying to walk.
Cultural Heritage – visiting Ndutu region is more than wildlife and landscapes, there region hosts incredible cultural heritage which is wonderful to explore. In the NDUTU REGION, there is the Olduvai Gorge – also known as Oldupai which is the correct Maasai spelling of the word. Olduvai Gorge is one of the world’s most significant paleoanthropological sites where the earliest evidence of the existence of our human ancestors were discovered by Drs. Leakey and his wife. During your visit to the dramatic ravine, you will spend some time in the museum to learn about the fascinating excavations and discoveries that have taken place in the place. A visit to the Olduvai Gorge should be combined with a stopover at the nearby Shifting Sands – the mysterious and beautiful dunes formed of volcanic ash that move with the winds.
For adventurous travelers, multi- day walking safaris are a great activity to do. This adventurous activity starts in the Ndutu region heading into the highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and for the very intrepid. This experience can be combined with an ascent up the active volcano of Ol Doinyo Lengai.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE NDUTU REGION
The best months of the year to visit the Ndutu Region are from December until April, the Great migration herds that is millions of wildebeests, zebra and gazelles start to arrive from the north in December and they stay until April when they start to trek northwards again.
In the early months of the year with a peak in February when the wildebeest herds are calving on the verdant grassy plains, thousands upon thousands of baby animals are born every day which attract the attention of predators – cheetah, lion, hyenas, leopards and African wild dogs.
Travel Tips to visiting Ndutu region
In Ndutu region, there are no campsites thus not being the best region for budget travelers, however there are mid-range mobile tented camps operating in the area which are the best budget friendly option.
Most of the areas in Serengeti national park have mainly upmarket range of camps and lodges, due to the seasonal nature of wildlife, lodges tend to only open for the peak season from November to March.
Camps and lodges in the Ndutu region are either located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area or in Serengeti national park, as a traveler keep in mind that you will need to pay park fees for each park that is if you are staying in one of the park and doing the game drives in the other.
Getting to Ndutu region/area
By road
Ndutu region can be reached by road from Arusha on a drive of approximately 6 hours through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
By air
The Ndutu region is served by several airstrips and can be accessed using a charter flight from Arusha.
