Strictly speaking Ndutu Safari Lodge is in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, but you actually stay here for its position just metres outside the southern border of the Serengeti, next to Lake Ndutu.
Timing is all however. Yes, there is certainly resident game here all year, but in our view not enough to make this a year round lodge for most visitors. You really want to be here between about December and March. This is when the migration should be in this neck of the woods, and Ndutu has one of the prime positions for this wildlife spectacle.
The wildebeest and other plains animals reach the southern Serengeti usually some time in December. They calve on the plains in February, and stick around here until roughly mid-late March depending on the grasses and the rains (which start about this time here). Ndutu is the only lodge in this region. There are seasonal and permanent tented camps nearby, but if you prefer solid walls, this is the place you need to choose. Book early though, as Ndutu fills up about a year in advance for its prime months.
Ndutu Safari Lodge consists of 34 single-storey stone cottages that extend from the central, open-sided bar, lounge and dining room. Each cottage has its own verandah overlooking Lake Ndutu and all rooms have en-suite facilities. The cottages are made from local materials and offer comfortable, tasteful accommodation. Four rooms have a king-size bed, there are also four family rooms, which can accommodate up to four people. All other rooms have 2 single beds. All the rooms are accessible with a wheel chair.
Ndutu Safari Lodge offers a full laundry service, and there are phone, fax, email and internet facilities and a gift shop. There is 220 volt electricity, and torches and candles in each room for when the generator is switched off at night.
The lodge is renowned for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, good service, and simple food well cooked. In the evening guests can relax in the cosy bar - where nocturnal genets often sit in the rafters - or enjoy the campfire under millions of stars.
There is an airstrip 1 Km away from the lodge. Approximate flying time from Arusha Airport to Ndutu is 50 minutes.
