Ndutu Safari Lodge
A favourite of wildlife photographers, zoologists and film-makers for over 40 years, Ndutu Safari Lodge sits in the southeastern Serengeti Plain. From this tranquil lodge, you will be able to explore the variety of the beautiful Tanzanian countryside - the grass plains of the Serengeti to the nearby swamps, soda lakes and acacia woodlands and the endless variety of birds and animals that live here. Overlooking Lake Ndutu, Ndutu Safari Lodge's acacia-shaded cottages encourage you to unwind and delight in the sights and sounds of the natural beauty that is Africa.
Ndutu Safari Lodge boasts thirty-four stone cottages, each with a private veranda overlooking Lake Ndutu. The single story cottages have en-suite facilities and are wheelchair accessible. Hot water is provided by a system of solar hot water heaters, with backup boilers and the comfortable, informal feel of the lodge is enhanced by having candles and torches in each cottage. In the center of the cottages is the building that houses the open-sided lounge, bar and dining room.
Food at Ndutu Lodge is plentiful and of the home-cooked variety. Complimentary beverages and home made biscuits are available throughout the day in the lounge. Early-risers may opt to break their fast with a picnic breakfast in the bush. Combined with a three-course lunch and four-course dinner, this should keep even the heartiest eater satisfied.
There are no fences around Ndutu Safari Lodge and wild animals wander through the camp at will. This and the open-sided buildings allow guests to see animals much closer than they might expect. While sipping a drink in the bar after dark, you often see the nocturnal genets peeping at you from the rafters. Small, cat-like creatures, they are a favourite of many of the guests. During breakfast, watch the nearby birdbath fill with flocks of colorful and iridescent birds the love-birds, doves and canaries are only three of the over 400 species of birds often seen around Ndutu Safari Lodge. You might even get to see a herd of elephants wandering by or catch a glimpse of one of the wild dogs that are in the area. Endangered in many parts of Africa, it is only recently that wild dogs have returned to Lake Ndutu after a 20 year absence. Lion sightings from those sitting on the cottage porches have become more common in recent months and leopards are frequently seen in the nearby area.
Even when you can’t see the animals, the air is filled with the sound of their presence. The snorting of the impalas, screams from nearby leopards, howl of hyenas, roaring of the lions and coo of doves provide a constantly changing symphony at the lodge. Sit and watch the banded mongoose cavort and dig in the afternoon or head a bit further afield and photograph zebras or gazelles on the seas of the Serengeti grass. Jackals, wildebeest and nungu nungu (porcupine) are only a few of the other exotic creatures who call the area around the Ndutu Safari Lodge home.
In addition to the wildlife, the Olduvai Visitor Centre is only about an hour's drive along the gorge. Visit the centre and find out about mankind's beginning or drive around with one of the driver/guides and view the local sights. After dark, enjoy the company of other guests in the bar or the lounge or gather around the nightly campfire as you wait to hear the animal’s nightly serenade.
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