Ndutu Ngorongoro Conservation · Safari Lodge
Heritage Ndutu Migration Camp
A seasonal mobile camp on the southern Serengeti plains in the Ndutu area, open mid December to the end of March for the wildebeest calving season.
About
Heritage Ndutu Migration Camp is a seasonal mobile camp on the southern Serengeti plains in the Ndutu area, set up to follow the wildebeest migration during the calving season. The camp operates from 15 December to 31 March each year and sits within short drives of where the herds typically gather to give birth.
The calving season is one of the most concentrated wildlife events in East Africa. Around 8000 wildebeest calves are born every day during peak February, and the herds attract every major predator on the plains. Lion prides, cheetah, hyena, and the occasional wild dog all hunt the calves and the slowest of the adults. The drama is intense and within easy reach of the camp.
The camp is run on full board with mineral water during meals included. Tents are simple but well kept: proper beds, hot bucket showers, solar lighting, mosquito nets, and canvas walls. There is a shared mess tent for meals and a small lounge area.
Suited to safari travellers prioritising the calving season, photographers chasing predator and prey interactions, and families who want the calving experience at a comfort tier price. The camp packs up at the end of March and reopens the following December.
Access is by light aircraft to Ndutu airstrip, around 30 minutes by game drive transfer from the camp. Ndutu falls under the Ngorongoro Conservation Authority, so a $71 per person per night concession fee is added to the invoice in addition to the rate.
Signature experiences
Calving season game drives
Half and full day drives across the Ndutu plains in pursuit of the herds and the predators that follow them.
Lake Ndutu and Masek shoreline drives
Drives along the shorelines for flamingo, water birds, and the predator activity drawn to the water.
Olduvai Gorge visit
Roughly 1 hour drive. Paleontological site where the Leakeys uncovered some of the earliest human fossils. Booked direct at the site.
Amenities
- Shared Mess Tent
- Hot Bucket Showers
- Solar Lighting
- Laundry On Request
- Proper Beds With Linens
- Mosquito Nets
Best for
- Calving Season
- Photography
- Predator Action
- Family
Wildlife you might see
- Wildebeest Calving Season (mid January To Mid March)
- High Predator Density During Calving
- Cheetah On The Open Plains Around Ndutu
- Resident Lion Prides On The Ndutu And Masek Lake Shores
- Hyena Clans Active Around The Calving Herds
Best time to visit
January, February, March
Location & access
Ndutu Ngorongoro Conservation
Fly-in: Roughly 2 hours total. 45 minute road transfer Kilimanjaro to Arusha airport, then a 1 hour scheduled flight on a Cessna Caravan to Ndutu airstrip, then a 30 minute game drive transfer to the camp.
Drive: Approximately 6 to 7 hours total. 1 hour Kilimanjaro to Arusha, then 3 hours to the Ngorongoro Conservation gate, then 2.5 to 3 hours descending across the conservation area to the Ndutu plains.
Room types
Migration Tent — Single Room
Mobile calving season tent for one guest, with hot bucket shower and proper bed.
Migration Tent — Double Room
Mobile calving season tent for two guests sharing, mid December through March.
Migration Tent — Triple Room
Mobile calving season tent for three guests sharing, mid December through March.
Migration Tent — Quad Room
Mobile calving season tent for four guests sharing, suited to families.
What's included
Included
- Full Board (breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Mineral Water During Meals
- Daily Housekeeping
- 18% VAT
Not included
- Park Entry Fees
- NCAA Concession Fees
- TDL (Tanzania Development Levy)
- Game Drive Vehicle Hire
- Transfers And Flights
- Tips And Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Beverages Beyond Meal Water
Reviews
Frequently asked
How many tents does Heritage Ndutu Migration Camp have?
The camp is a small mobile property in the Ndutu area of the southern Serengeti, with single, double, triple, and quad tents available.
When is the camp open?
Seasonal. The camp operates from 15 December to 31 March each year, following the calving season of the wildebeest migration.
How do guests reach the camp?
By light aircraft to Ndutu airstrip (around 2 hours total from Kilimanjaro), then a 30 minute game drive transfer. Road access from Arusha takes 6 to 7 hours via Ngorongoro.
Are families with children welcome?
Yes. Children under 4 stay free, children 5 to 12 are charged at 50 percent of the adult rate, and children 13 and over pay the full adult rate.
What is included in the rate?
Full board dining, mineral water during meals, daily housekeeping, and 18 percent VAT. Park entry fees, NCAA concession ($71 per person per night), TDL, transfers, game drive vehicle hire, and beverages beyond meal water are not included.
What is the best time to visit?
Mid January to mid March for the peak calving period. February is the busiest month with the highest predator activity, around 8000 calves born each day at peak.
What's nearby
- Olduvai GorgeRoughly 1 hour drive north east. Paleontological site of the Leakey discoveries and a Maasai cultural visit option.
- Shifting Sands1.5 hours drive. A wind blown crescent of black volcanic sand that moves a few metres each year across the plain.
- Lake MasekAdjacent to the camp area. Soda lake with seasonal flamingo and water bird activity.
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