Ndutu Safari Lodge Hotel is situated in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the southern Serengeti eco-system. The Ndutu Safari Lodge nestles unobtrusively under a canopy of giant acacias overlooking a soda lake, Lake Ndutu. The Ndutu hotel offers a superb base in which to explore the range of habitats that lie within easy reach, this include swamps, woodlands, soda lakes and the world famous Serengeti short grass plains.
Ndutu Safari Lodge has been a favorite with professional wildlife photographers and film-makers for the past four decades, because it’s simply one of the places to watch wildlife. In the heart of the Serengeti Plain, at the head of Olduvai Gorge, beside a small lake set in beautiful acacia woodland, with the mighty backdrop of the Ngorongoro Crater highlands. There is an airstrip just 1km away from the lodge so in the event of a serious illness or accident the Flying Doctors from Nairobi can evacuate someone. We highly recommend that guests have temporary Flying Doctors membership for their safari in Tanzania.
Ndutu Safari Lodge is an unassuming, mightily blessed and superb Hotel accommodation in Tanzania from a wildlife perspective. Ndutu still has the informal, intimate feeling of the original bush camp, built by legendary hunter George Dove in the 60's. Now, comfortable lodge cottages have replaced tents, but the main buildings place no barriers between you and nature. Ndutu Safari Hotel is the best accommodation to stay at between the months of December through March of any year.
During most of these months, there is no need to game drive as wildlife and wildebeests are around you in the millions underscoring a common phrase about Ndutu Safari Lodge "A million wildebeest can't be wrong!" Room Booking & reservations at Ndutu Safari Lodge are made almost two years in advance as it is highly regarded and often visited by wildlife lovers, biologists and photographers. Ndutu Safari Lodge was first constructed in 1967 as a tented camp, by George Dove. Now visiting, it seems like a homely and quite natural lodge, made largely out of stone, that is set amongst the acacia trees which surround Lake Ndutu - in the midst of the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti - Ndutu is actually on the northern border of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area – but because it's essentially a Serengeti experience, we've included it in this section on the Serengeti. In the Ndutu area there are marshlands as well as two lakes (Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek) and expanses of woodlands – all surrounded by the Serengeti's grassy plains.
Most safaris from the lodge will be on 4WD game drives, but keen walkers might note that with advanced notice, it may be possible to hire an NCAA ranger to lead a walk in the area. Ndutu Safari Lodge employs roughly 80 staff who are welcoming, warm and helpful, and seems to thoroughly enjoy their jobs and the many travellers that they meet.
Ndutu Safari Lodge Hotel Accomodation
Ndutu Lodge has 34 very solid stone and thatch cottages. All offer comfortable but unfussy accommodation. The rooms overlook Lake Ndutu where are all wildebeests congregate during the beginning of the migration. Of the 34 rooms at Ndutu Safari Lodge, 26 have twin beds. Four of Ndutu's rooms have just one king-size double bed – and of these, two rooms are 'honeymoon rooms Inside the walls are painted a clean white; and because of their stone construction, and polished concrete floors, they're generally very cool. Every room has electric lights, which only operate when the generator is on. Outside, each room has its own small verandah, where you can sit and watch the wildlife pass by.Of the 34 rooms at Ndutu Safari Lodge, 26 have twin beds.
Ndutu Safari Lodge Hotel Restaurant
The large, stone bar and restaurant area at Ndutu Safari Lodge has views out over the plain, and a fire-pit outside. It's a large, plain stone room with solid, functional wooden furniture; it feels a little the dining and living room of an overgrown farmhouse – with wildlife wandering around outside instead of domestic stock! Inside, the bar's thatched ceiling is supported by exposed wooden beams which acted as a climbing frame for a local family of genets on the evening.
The dining atmosphere at Ndutu is relaxed and informal. Meats and vegetable produce are brought specially from Gibb's Farm on a regular basis ensuring the freshest and best culinary experience for visiting guests.
Meals at Ndutu Safari Lodge can be exciting: at breakfast you will be delighted by iridescent birds, at lunch you may be entertained by a passing group of elephants, at dinner by an exquisite genet gliding over the rafters
A small, but constantly replenished, shallow bowl stands at ground level outside, about 20m from the front of the restaurant. This attracts a constant stream of small birds – particularly flocks of Fischer's lovebirds. These add much colour and noise to the scene!
Ndutu Safari Lodge Hotel Information
Ndutu safari Lodge maintains an eco-friendly stance. They make briquettes of waste paper for burning, are in the process of installing solar power. Laundry is done by hand; no tumble driers here! The lodge has a generator but power consumption is kept to a minimum. Most of the fresh vegetables and meat also come from the nearby town of Karatu, thereby supporting the local community.Most safaris from the lodge will be on 4WD game drives, but keen walkers might note that with advanced notice, it may be possible to hire a ranger to lead a walk in the area.
Outside a roaring fire is lit in the evenings, making a social spot outside where you can watch the sun go down with a sundowner. Guests can request early morning drinks to be delivered to their rooms before heading out on an early morning game drive.
Serengeti National Park doesn't allow walking anywhere. However, Ndutu Safari Lodge is in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area – where walking safaris are allowed, provided that you are accompanied by a ranger. Such walks typically last around 2 hours and concentrate on the woodlands near Lake Ndutu; they usually need to be arranged in advance.
There are no age restrictions at Ndutu and Children's meals can be arranged.Ndutu are happy to exchange currencies at the lodge for guests, however only in small amounts. Ndutu accept US$, Tanzanian Shillings, Sterling and Euros. The lodge also accepts travelers' cheques, Visa and Mastercard credit cards without any surcharge. However credit cards will only be accepted for amounts of US$20 and over.
