Safari destination · Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ndutu Ngorongoro Conservation
Ndutu is the secret the migration keeps from December through March.
6 Hours
2 nights
Jan, Feb, Mar
Fly-in possible
About
About Ndutu Ngorongoro Conservation.
Ndutu is the secret the migration keeps from December through March. While the safari world associates the great herds with river crossings, the wildebeest spend the early months of the year on these short grass plains in the southern reaches of the ecosystem, where mineral rich volcanic soil produces the only grazing capable of sustaining half a million births. Calving peaks in February, when as many as eight thousand calves arrive in a single day, finding their legs within minutes on plains that stretch unbroken to the horizon. It is the greatest concentration of new life on earth, and most travelers have never heard of it. Where there are calves there are hunters, and Ndutu in calving season holds arguably the densest big cat action in Africa. Cheetah work the open plains in the soft morning light, lion prides shadow the herds between Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek, and the marshes hide leopard in the fig lines. Ndutu also carries a quiet structural advantage: because the area falls within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area rather than the national park, guides may drive off road to position carefully for sightings, an intimacy with hunts and newborn herds that the Serengeti proper cannot legally offer. A February safari built around Ndutu pairs naturally with the Ngorongoro Crater ninety minutes up the road, and the green season light, dramatic skies and thinner crowds make it a photographer's favorite. Base yourself in a seasonal camp among the herds for three nights and let each day follow the animals rather than a route. The crossings get the fame. Ndutu is where the entire story begins.
Government fees
Fees at Ndutu Ngorongoro Conservation.
Pass-through to the Tanzanian government — paid directly to the authority on top of accommodation. We always itemise every line on our quotes. TDL applies on top at 1% of net room rate.
| Fee | Amount | Peak | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Concession Fee | $59.00 | — | Per person / night |
| Adult Entry Fee | $70.80 | — | Per person / day |
| Child Concession Fee | $11.80 | — | Per person / night |
| Child Entry Fee | $23.60 | — | Per person / day |
| TDL (Tanzania Development Levy) | 1% of room | — | Per room / night |
| Vehicle Fee | $20.00 | — | Per vehicle / day (24-hour permit) |
Getting there
Drive times to other destinations.
Approximate dry-season drive times in a private 4×4. Legs marked as productive game viewing are themselves part of the safari experience. Long legs that need an overnight midway, or transfers we always fly, are flagged in the note column.
| Destination | Drive time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ngorongoro Crater | 2 hrs | Game-viewing drive |
| Karatu | 2 hr 30 min | Game-viewing drive |
| Seronera Central Serengeti | 2 hr 30 min | Game-viewing drive |
| Lake Manyara National Park | 4 hr 30 min | Game-viewing drive |
| Tarangire National Park | 5 hrs | Game-viewing drive |
| Arusha City | 6 hrs | Transit drive |
| Grumeti Western Serengeti | 6 hrs | Game-viewing drive |
| Kogatende Northern Serengeti (Mara River) | 7 hr 30 min | Game-viewing drive |
| Lamai Northern Serengeti | 8 hrs | Game-viewing drive |
Keep reading
Related to your trip.
Pricing
How safari pricing works.
Park fees, lodge tiers, transport ranges. Everything line-itemised.
Seasons
When to visit.
Month-by-month calendar. Where the migration is each month.
Lodges
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Common questions
Tanzania safari FAQ.
Planning, lodges, park fees, transport — answered.