Serengeti-Ndutu, Tanzania

There are many evocative areas in Tanzania to visit but among the most popular and full of attractions stands the Serengeti-Ndutu, a protected natural area within the Serengeti ecosystem and known for being an important stage of the great migration, but not only.

Serengeti-Ndutu, what to see and what to do

We can say with certainty that most tourists and visitors begin to discover the Ngorongoro Conservation Area starting right from the Serengeti-Ndutu and do so through safaris that allow you to see animal species up close but also suggestive landscapes.

One of the most interesting features is given by the nutrient-rich herbs stimulated and grown after a volcanic eruption of 3 million years ago; this abundance of nutrients has attracted many animals who know they can find enough food here.

A safari in Serengeti-Ndutu allows you to discover not only the savannah but also the salt lakes and marshes; the most important lake in the area is the Ndutu lake, but we also recommend a stop at the Masek if you have time.

Known as a fundamental stage of the great migration during the period from December to

March, it becomes instead a “nursery” for puppies in the following months; in fact, from April to May the little ones are ready to go on with the journey by going to meet the adults to look for pastures and water. A suggestive period is also the one that goes from December to March because it is possible to observe many herds struggling with childbirth.

The Triangle

Among the must-see attractions in the area, there is what is called The Triangle; in this plain the concentration of animals is very high, and it is mainly composed of herbivores who inhabit it, consequently carnivores come close to hunt.

Hidden Valley

Less known but absolutely not to miss is the Hidden Valley, it is located in the north-east area of Ndutu, moving for about 20 kilometers. Here the present basin fills with water during the rainy season, so much so that it becomes a source of water for animals.

Kusini Plains

The main feature of these plains is the ability to enclose different types of habitats: on the one hand there are the prairies, on the other the woods. These two environments mixed together ensure that the number of animals is really high; right here we find a high concentration of giraffes, but also elephants and lions. Among the most suggestive points to visit we find here the Kusini Crater, despite the name you do not want to be fooled, since it is not a volcanic crater but a circular prairie.

Olduvai Gorge

Among the points of interest to visit in the area we also find Olduvai Gorge, known for being a paleontological site, within the protected area and in its gorge preserves some finds that have allowed it to define itself as one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.

What animals to spot on a safari in Serengeti-Ndutu

The area, lively all year round, also in summer offers excellent opportunities for visitors to see numerous animal species including elephants, ostriches, giraffes but also lions and cheetahs; on the shores of the lakes instead, we can observe crocodiles and hippos. One of the most evocative moments to visit the area is that of the great migration where there is an important movement of herbivores, especially gazelles, accompanied by cheetahs that follow their prey during this important passage.

Serengeti-Ndutu, when to visit

When is the best time to visit Serengeti-Ndutu? For sure the one that runs from December to the end of March, which coincides with the Great Migration and therefore allows you to enjoy the spectacle of nature between migratory movements and the birth of new puppies. If we had to give an even more limited window we would say February which turns out to be the month of births, but be careful it is also the most popular month and it is better to move in advance for reservations.

The best safaris to visit Serengeti-Ndutu

There are many safari possibilities to visit Serengeti-Ndutu; among the main ones is the Ndutu safari which lasts 9 days and 8 nights; starting from a whole day dedicated to Lake Manyara, then moves to Ngorongoro for another day and dedicates 4 whole days to Serengeti-Ndutu where you can visit the park but also go in search of what are defined as “Big Five” .

The Hakuna Matata Safari is also recommended; with 6 nights and 7 days you can discover Lake Manyara on the first day, and visit Ngorongoro on the second day discovering the different habitats. Two full days are then dedicated to Serengeti and its natural park where you can see many animals up close and the experience with Tarangire ends.

Similar, but with some variation, Jambo Jambo. It lasts 8 days and starts from Lake Manyara where it is possible to spot 11 different ecosystems and many birds including pelicans and herons but also flamingos; the second day is dedicated to Ngorongoro while the next two are designed to discover the Unesco World Heritage park of Serengeti. A day is then spent at Lake Natron where more than 400 different species live and ends with a day in Tarangire.

If you want to see the birth of puppies or the great migration up close, do not wait and book your safari to discover the beautiful territory of Serengeti-Ndutu