Everything to know about the Ndutu Region: the calving area of the great wildebeest migration. The Ndutu Region extends from the southern Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Between the end of December and the beginning of March, hundreds of animals give birth every day as part of the great migration, which brings 2 million animals with it. This attracts a lot of predators as well, including lions and hyenas.

EXPLORE NDUTU REGION

The Ndutu area, located in the northern portion of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, connects to the Serengeti and is primarily made up of expansive grasslands. As a result, it is a component of the yearly migration route for tens of thousands of wildebeest, zebra, antelope, and their predators, who come to graze and give birth between November and March, depending on the rainfall. There is a thriving resident wildlife population in the forests surrounding Lake Ndutu and the little koppies. Elephants, hyenas, giraffes, and big cats are just a few examples of the resident species that can be seen year-round, Everything To Know About The Ndutu Region

NDUTU HIGHLIGHTS

  • The infamous Great Migration makes its way to the plains from November to March and April.
  • From December through March, the plains are in calving season, which is a must-see.
  • Inhabitant elephants, giraffes, and big cats congregate around waterholes during the dry season, which lasts from June to November.
  • All six cat species—leopard, lion, cheetah, caracal, serval, and African wildcat—can be seen here year-round.
  • Abundant birdlife.
  • A remarkable archaeological location-Olduvai Gorge.
  • Soda lakes: lakes Ndutu and Masek.

The Ndutu region makes up the northwest corner of the 8,000+ km2 Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which also includes the Olduvai Gorge, the Ngorongoro Crater, woodlands, mountains, and the broad plains of Ndutu that extend unrestricted to the Serengeti. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is well-known for allowing human habitation in addition to its natural beauty and animals. The nearby Maasai tribe still relies on agriculture for subsistence. A Maasai herdsman leading his cows across vast grasslands filled with zebra and wildebeest is a common sight, Everything To Know About The Ndutu Region

ANIMALS OF NDUTU

Depending on the rainfall, large herds of antelope, wildebeest, and zebra migrate to the rich grasslands of Ndutu from December to May in order to give birth. The predators also appear in great numbers, as is to be expected from nature, and they feast on the defenseless young. The natural cycle of life and fauna are abundant here.

Everything To Know About The Ndutu Region
Ndutu Region

The herds go during the dry season in search of better water and forage, leaving the plains deserted. However, there is a sizable population of resident wildlife that does not participate in the migration, such as giraffes, elephants, hyenas, and antelope, which like to congregate near waterholes. All six cat species—lion, leopard, cheetah, caracal, serval, and African wildcat—can be seen year-round in the area.

GREAT MIGRATION IN THE NDUTU REGION

The huge migration often arrives in Ndutu around the end of December with approximately 2 million animals. Until March or April, wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles stay in this area to give birth to their young. Between December and March, tens of thousands of animals give birth each day. For young animals, the grass in this location is nutrient-rich. Additionally, due to its short length, adults may see approaching predators from a distance. Therefore, it is a secure location for zebra and wildebeest youngsters to grow up.

The landscape of Ndutu is stunning and abundant with wild creatures. Furthermore, it is the only wildlife reserve in Tanzania where off-road driving is permitted. This allows you to get up close and personal with the animals. Numerous predators, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and thousands of wild dogs, are drawn to the calving that is taking place in this area.

LAKE NDUTU

The area near Lake Ndutu, where huge herds gather, is the ideal place to see game. On the eastern edge of Serengeti National Park, is where this little alkaline lake located. A 140-square-meter archaeological excavation site was located on the banks of Lake Ndutu in 1973, and it resulted in the discovery of the Ndutu cranium and other tool relics dating back more than 500.000 years.

As a source of water for the animals today, it shares a basin with Lake Masek, which is just to the east of it but inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Outside of the months of migration, a great deal of wildlife may be found in the woodlands and granite kopjes surrounding Lake Ndutu, Everything To Know About The Ndutu Region

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN THE NDUTU AREA

  • When the Great Migration herds are on the plains, game drives are exceptionally breathtaking.
  • Visit Olduvai Gorge to see this amazing archaeological site.
  • Flight in a hot air balloon over a plain.
  • Learn about the customs and culture of the area by strolling with Maasai guides.

THE BEST TIME TO GO

Since there is a wealth of resident game that doesn’t follow the migration route, there is never a bad time to visit the Ndutu region. If witnessing the Great Migration is at the top of your bucket list, keep in mind that animal movement is unpredictable and heavily reliant on rainfall. They migrate in a predictable rhythm, and based on previous years, one can predict where they will be when. Around November and December, the large herds typically begin to gather on the plains of Ndutu, and they depart in April and May.

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