Last updated on June 18th, 2025 at 06:13 pm
A Safari in Ndutu Plains takes you deep into the scenic and wildlife-rich corner of the Serengeti ecosystem. Located between the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Ndutu is one of the most rewarding stops on Tanzania Safari Tours, especially during the green season.
Known for its wide-open landscapes and dense animal sightings, the area comes alive during the wildebeest calving season, when thousands of young are born and predators follow close behind. In this blog, we’ll explore what makes a safari to Ndutu Plains so special and why it deserves a spot on your Tanzania travel list.
Ndutu Plains – Between Ngorongoro and Serengeti:
Ndutu Plain is a corner of grassland and woodland in Northern Tanzania. It is located in the south of the Serengeti part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Most of the northern region safari passes through it.
The Ndutu plain is famous for wildebeest calving. This corner of the Serengeti ecosystem is suitable for newborns, and they feed on the nutrient-rich volcanic soils. They grow up to twice the speed of wildebeest elsewhere in Africa.
Thomson’s gazelle also comes to Ndutu to raise their young. So, this tiny corner of Serengeti is populated by over a million grazers, many of them highly at risk to predators.
Wildlife in Ndutu Plain – A Lower Season Paradise:
Between December and April, depending on the rains, the Ndutu plains are populated by herds of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope as they settle on the fertile grasslands to calve.
- As this is the place of vulnerable young wildebeests, the predators also drive here for their feast. This is a natural process between prey and predators.
- Till the dry months, the great herds move off in search of better grazing and water.
- All six cat species, including lion, leopard, cheetah, caracal, serval and African wildcat, can be seen in the Ndutu plain throughout the year.
- There are also plenty of resident animals like giraffes, elephants, hyenas, and antelopes. They don’t follow the migration and tend to concentrate on the waterholes.
You can enjoy game viewing on the Ndutu plain while on Safari in Tanzania.
Activities in Ndutu Plain – Adventure and Beauty Together:
Like other Safari Destinations in Tanzania, one can also experience the same feeling of excitement through the activities in Ndutu. So, check the below-mentioned must-do activities to follow while on Safari in Ndutu, Serengeti.
1. Game Drive Safari in Ndutu plains:
The traditional game drives are fascinating during the Safari to the Ndutu plains, as you can see an abundance of animals moving there.
- You can go for an early morning game drive when the game viewing is at its best.
- During the game drive, you can see thousands of wildebeests as they spread across the plains of Ndutu.
- While driving on the endless plains of Ndutu, a variety of animals can be seen, including giraffes, gazelles, lions, leopards, hyenas, elephants, and many others.
- You can also go for an afternoon game drive and enjoy the activities of animals along with the beautiful sunset.
This is a traditional way of Safari In the Ndutu Plain region, giving tourists this chance to tourists, a lifelong memory.
2. Hot Air Balloon Safari – A Bird’s Eye View:
Hot Air Balloon Safari in the Serengeti ecosystem is exciting to see the wildlife from a bird’s eye view.
- This is a great experience, especially in the calving season when the great herds are spread across the Ndutu plains.
- The best time is the early morning when you will be ready to go on a Hot Air Balloon safari.
Watch the spectacular views of animals above the sky through some more adventurous safari activities, A Hot Air Balloon Safari.
3. Visit to Ol Duvai Gorge:
Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania is the most visited site that holds the earliest evidence of the existence of human ancestors.
- Olduvai is mainly pronounced Oldupai, a Maasai word meaning a wild sisal plant that is found in the area.
- This is a steep-sided ravine located in the Great Rift Valley, 25 km from Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek.
- Here you can find the old evidence of mankind.
- Paleoanthropologists have found hundreds of millions back fossilised bones and stones, leading them to conclude that humans evolved in Africa.
This is an archaeological site you can visit during a safari to the Ngorongoro crater and the Ndutu area.
4. Bird Watching in Ndutu plains:
Besides other wildlife activities, bird watching can engage tourists while exploring Ndutu.
- You can see many residents and migratory birds in this region, including the African grey hornbill, fish eagles, yellow-fronted canary, and many others
Birding safari is some of the most exciting activities for bird lovers and you can’t afford to miss it while visiting the Ndutu.
5. Cultural Visit- Get the Masai experience:
While on Safari in Ndutu, you can enjoy Masai culture by visiting the nearby Masai villages.
- Masai people are very friendly, and they will welcome you warmly.
- You can enjoy their ancient culture, their art, and their music by interacting with them.
This is one of the must-do activities when you are going to Ndutu for a safari.
Best time to Safari in Ndutu Plains
There is not any odd time to visit Ndutu Area as this is a year-round safari destination. Many resident animals don’t follow the migration route.
But if you want to see the Wildebeest Migration, remember that there is no particular time for the great migration. They move throughout the year following the rain.
But the best time you see them in the Ndutu area is the calving season between December to April.
Accommodation Around the Ndutu Area
You can find different accommodations within your budget in the Ndutu area. From various luxury lodges to midrange lodges, you can find to you wish. Here is the list of some lodges located in the Ndutu area-
- Angata Migration Ndutu camp.
- Angata Serengeti special camps.
- Lake Ndutu luxury tented camp
- Ndutu Camp.
You can choose among these options as per your budget and comfort.
If you want to visit the Ndutu area, Serengeti, contact us at +255 (0) 784 413 801 or email us at info@africanscenicsafaris.com. We will plan a perfect safari to Ndutu, Tanzania.
Feel the vibes of wilderness in the Remoteness of Ndutu!
Ndutu is the hidden gem of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, but it offers a large number of memorable experiences to tourists. Hopefully, you have found all the information you needed to visit the southern Serengeti, the Ndutu area. For more information, visit our website, African Scenic Safaris, and our expert travel guide will help you have the best experience.
