Ndutu Conservation Area

All About Ndutu Conservation Area

Discover Ndutu Conservation Area

This National Park is Located in 

Ndutu Conservation Area is located well within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area but right on the doorstep of the vast Serengeti National Park‚ Lake Ndutu‚ and its smaller sister lake‚ Masek‚ sits at the head of the world-renowned Olduvai Gorge. Olduvai Gorge cuts through rock beds layered in time sequence from 2 million years ago to the present.

It is here where humanoid bones have been found dating back to over 1.75 million years including a direct ancestor of modern man. Fossil footprints have also been found here and are the most ancient footprints yet discovered. There is an excellent site museum where you can explore the diggings with a guide and it is also a great place to view birds.

Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek form shallow basins where water accumulates from the nearby areas of slightly higher altitudes. The water in both lakes is extremely saline (also called soda lakes)‚ too saline for human consumption. The Ndutu area becomes alive with animals during the migration because it is surrounded by the Ndutu woodlands and the Short Grass Plains which provide ample cover and food.

Why Go on safari in Ndutu Conservation Area

While Ndutu is an excellent game viewing area throughout the year, the best time to visit the Ndutu plains is from the end of December, when the Great Migration herds begin to arrive from the north, until April, when millions of wildebeest, gazelles, and zebras begin their journey northwards again. Due to the seasonal rains, massive herds of wildebeest and zebra can be seen all over these plains at this time of year.

Thousands of calves are born within Ndutu during the calving season, making Ndutu a home for new creatures on Earth. Giraffes, impalas, elephants, dik-dik, lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, bat-eared foxes, genets, jackals, wildcats, and many other animals end up living in Ndutu. The plains, marshes, and lakes of woodland attract an abundance of bird species.

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Ndutu Conservation Area Park Entry Fee

Ndutu Conservation Area Entrance Fee

Below are the Ndutu Conservation Area entry fees for 2025

Citizen Resident Non-Resident
Adults

TSH

Child

TSH

Adults

USD

Child

USD

Adults

USD

Child

USD

NA NA 15 5 30 10

How to Pay for Ndutu Conservation Area Fees

How do you pay for Ndutu Conservation Area Fees? To pay for Park Fees, you will have to visit the Tanapa Account, create an account, and select Ndutu Conservation Area to pay for the park fees.

  1. Online Payment:

Some parks allow online payment of park entrance fees, and some do not. Always check official websites for updated data on how to pay your park fees online.

You can generate a permit ticket at the park entrance gates and pay using your preferred payment method like credit card or M-pesa.

2. Payment at Park Gates:

Some parks accept payments at the entrance via mobile money or credit cards. Always ask your Tour operator, our team member, or the national park authority to check if you can pay at the park gates.

Most National Parks accept major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. American Express is not recommended.

Most national parks do not accept Cash payments; if it happens they do, then it should be in both Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) or USD.

Best Time to Visit Ndutu Conservation Area

Best Time To Visit Ndutu Conservation Area

Generally, Tanzania is best to visit in the dry-season months of July – October when the parks are dry and wildlife viewing is dramatic, easy, and action-packed.

The best time to visit the Ndutu Conservation Area is between January and March. Although it’s still okay to visit other months, the best prime is between January and March during the wildebeest calving. The scenery is the best from March to May in the wet seasons.

  • The best time to visit for general wildlife viewing is from June to March.
  • The high season is highly visited during Christmas and school holidays.

Low Season

1st April to June 15th and 15th Nov to 15th Dec

If you are looking for an intimate exclusive safari but affordable Kenya Safari, this is the best time to visit. The best places to visit include the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire National Parks.

High Season

Jan 10th to 1st April and 1st Nov to 15th Dec

One of the most considered seasons to travel and visit East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Easy to spot the big five and the big cats of the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu other major parks.

Peak Season

15th June to 30th Oct, 15th Dec to 10th Jan

An action-filled season to witness the great wildebeest migration and crossings in Kenya is during this season. In case you are looking for the best adventures, then this is the best fit for you.

How to get to Ndutu Conservation Area

By Road

Ndutu Conservation Area is located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania, making it accessible by road from major towns like Arusha. The drive from Arusha to Ndutu takes approximately 5-6 hours, covering about 300 kilometers. Most visitors prefer to use 4×4 safari vehicles due to the rough and often dusty roads, especially in the dry season. During the wet season, the roads can be challenging, so hiring an experienced driver is highly recommended.

The conservation area is also accessible from Serengeti National Park, with a drive of around 2-3 hours, depending on your starting point. Many safari tours include Ndutu as part of their itinerary when exploring Serengeti or Ngorongoro.

By Air

Ndutu can also be reached by air via Ndutu Airstrip, located within the conservation area. Regular flights are available from Arusha, Serengeti, or Zanzibar through domestic carriers like Air Tanzania, Regional Air, or Coastal Aviation. The airstrip is conveniently close to most lodges and camps in the area, and transfers to accommodations are typically arranged by safari operators or lodges. Flying is a faster and more comfortable option, especially for those on tight schedules.

Best Places to Stay in Ndutu Conservation Area

Gnu Ndutu Camp

Gnu Ndutu Camp

Gnu Ndutu Camp is a seasonal luxury tented camp located in the pristine Ndutu area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Gallery of Ndutu Conservation Area

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