Ndutu Ngorongoro Conservation · Safari Lodge
Malaika Ndutu Luxury Camp
Nineteen tents on the southern Serengeti calving plains, open December through April for the wildebeest birthing season.
About
Malaika Ndutu Luxury Camp operates inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area on the southern Serengeti calving plains. The camp opens from December through April for the calving migration, when the wildebeest herds give birth on the short-grass plains around Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek, and the resident predator network closes in on the newborns.
Nineteen tents in total: eighteen Luxury Tents and one Luxury Family Tent, all wheelchair accessible, full board served in the mess tent. The kitchen prepares gluten-free and vegan menus on request.
The calving season runs roughly from late January through March, with peak action in February when hundreds of thousands of calves drop on the plains in a matter of weeks. Cheetah numbers are unusually high in Ndutu during the calving window, and the open short-grass landscape makes sightings exceptional for photography.
Reach the camp by light aircraft to Ndutu airstrip (about 1 hour from Arusha, then 45 minutes by vehicle) or by road from Arusha at around 260 kilometres and five to six hours, usually broken at Karatu or the Ngorongoro rim.
Signature experiences
Calving season game drives
Twice-daily drives onto the calving plains around Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek, with cheetah, leopard, and resident lion typical.
Lake Ndutu birdlife
Flamingo, pelican, and a stack of waterfowl species on Lake Ndutu and the alkaline pans nearby.
Bush meal experience
A bush lunch, dinner, or breakfast served out on the short-grass plain, set up by the camp team for an additional fee.
Amenities
- Hot Shower
- Flush Toilets
- 24-hour Electricity (220V)
- Mineral Water With Meals
- Mosquito Net
- Hair Dryer
- In-room Safe
- Bathroom Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Lounge
- Private Dining Available
- Card Payment Accepted (Visa And Mastercard)
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Gluten-free And Vegan Menus On Request
- Radio Call
- Extra Bed Available
- Room Service On Request
- Laundry Service On Request
Best for
- Calving Season
- Photography
- Family
- First-Time Safari
Wildlife you might see
- Wildebeest Calving (peak February)
- Cheetah On The Short-grass Plains
- Leopard And Lion Prides On The Kopjes
- Lake Ndutu And Lake Masek Waterbirds
- Flamingo On The Alkaline Pans
Best time to visit
December, January, February, March, April
Location & access
Ndutu Ngorongoro Conservation
Fly-in: 1 hour 45 minutes total: 1 hour flight from Arusha Airport (ARK) to Ndutu airstrip, then a 45-minute vehicle transfer to camp.
Drive: Around 5 to 6 hours from Arusha (260 km), typically with a break at Karatu or the Ngorongoro rim.
Room types
Luxury Tent
Canvas tent with ensuite hot-water bathroom, set on the Ndutu calving plains. Available as Single, Double, Twin, and Triple configurations.
Luxury Family Tent
Interconnecting Luxury Tent for up to four guests with one double bed and two single beds.
What's included
Included
- Full Board (breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Mineral Water With Meals
- VAT And Tanzania Development Levy
- 24-hour Electricity (220V)
- Wheelchair Accessibility
Not included
- Park Entry Fees (paid Per Day, Per Person, At Park Gate)
- Concession And Camping Fees
- WMA Fees Where Applicable
- Laundry
- Drinks Beyond Water At Meals
- Medical Insurance And Emergency Evacuation
- Tips And Gratuities
Reviews
Frequently asked
How many tents does the camp have?
Nineteen tents: eighteen Luxury Tents and one Luxury Family Tent. All wheelchair accessible.
When is the camp open?
December through April for the calving migration. Calving peak is in February.
How do guests reach the camp?
By light aircraft to Ndutu airstrip (around 1 hour from Arusha plus a 45-minute transfer), or by road at around 260 kilometres and five to six hours.
Are families with children welcome?
Yes. Children under five complimentary; five to twelve at half the adult sharing rate when sharing with adults.
What is included in the rate?
Full board with mineral water, VAT, and TDL. Park entry, concession, camping fees, drinks beyond water, and laundry are charged separately.
What is the best time to visit?
Mid-January through March for the calving peak. The whole December through April window is strong for cheetah on the open plains.
What's nearby
- Olduvai GorgeAbout 1 hour by road. Paleontological site where the Leakeys uncovered some of the earliest human fossils.
- Lake Masek and Lake NdutuAlkaline lakes with flamingo, pelican, and waterbird concentrations during the calving window.
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