Ndutu Lake- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Lake Ndutu sits within the southern reaches of Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area, blending into the vast Serengeti ecosystem where the rhythms of wildlife unfold with dramatic intensity. This shallow, alkaline lake and its surrounding short grass plains have earned an iconic reputation among safari-goers for their pivotal role in the Great Wildebeest Migration and year-round wildlife viewing.

Nestled on the southern edge of the Serengeti and northern Ngorongoro, Lake Ndutu draws life across its nutrient-rich plains. The waters of this seasonal soda lake accumulate after rains, feeding herbivores and supporting an ecosystem teeming with birds, predators, and herbivores alike. Its broad, open terrain — dotted with acacia woodlands and short grasses — creates sweeping vistas that define classic African safari imagery.

The main draw to Lake Ndutu lies in its Great Wildebeest Migration calving season. From roughly December through March, millions of wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, converge on the short grass plains near the lake. During the peak months of January and February, thousands of calves are born daily, bringing an extraordinary concentration of wildlife and intense predator-prey interactions. Lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas are commonly sighted hunting or resting in the lush grasslands.

Beyond the migration, Ndutu supports a rich array of resident species:

• Elephants, giraffes, jackals, impalas, dik-diks, and bat-eared foxes roam the plains year-round
• Birdwatchers find flamingos, pelicans, large raptors, and a variety of waterbirds frequent the lake and wetlands

Best Time to Visit: For the classic migration and calving spectacle, aim for December to March. However, dry-season safaris outside this window still offer excellent game viewing, often with fewer crowds and striking landscapes.

What to Do: Game drives at dawn and dusk showcase wildlife congregating near water and grazing on the plains. Birdwatching and photography are highlights throughout the year, while guided safaris during the calving season offer some of the most dramatic wildlife moments in Africa.

Getting There: Ndutu is reachable via road from Arusha (typically 5–6 hours) or by charter flights to nearby airstrips, often followed by short game drives into the plains. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended — especially during the rainy season — for comfort and access.