Ndutu Safari Lodge is situated in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the southern Serengeti eco-system. The Lodge nestles unobtrusively under a canopy of giant acacias overlooking a soda lake, Lake Ndutu. The lodge 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 favourite with professional wildlife photographers and film-makers for the past four decades, because it’s simply one of the places to watch wildlife.

Accommodation

Ndutu Safari Lodge consists of 34 stone cottages that extend from the central, open-sided bar, lounge and dining room.

Each room has it’s own verandah that overlooks Lake Ndutu. All rooms have en-suite facilities. The cottages are made from local materials and offer comfortable, tasteful accommodation. Four rooms have a king-size bed, there are also four family rooms, which can accommodate up to four people. All other rooms have 2 single beds. All the rooms are single storey and are accessible with a wheel chair.

 

Meals

We offer good quality home cooking. Many of our vegetables are supplied from Karatu.

Breakfast is available from 7am onwards, for those wanting an earlier start they can either have a continental or picnic breakfast.

A three-course lunch is served from 12.30pm through to 2pm.

Dinner is a hearty four course affair and is served from 7.30pm through to 9pm.

We always offer a vegetarian alternative and are happy to cater for any special needs.

From 6am onwards tea, coffee and biscuits are available throughout the day on a complimentary basis in the lounge area. We also offer herbal tea and decaffeinated coffee. Guests can also request early morning drinks to be delivered to their rooms.

Electricity

Our generator is operational from (approximately) 6am- 1pm and 6pm- 11.30pm.

The voltage is 220 Volts and we use the English 3 pin plugs.

All rooms have electric lights; there are also torches and candles in the rooms for use when the generator has been switched off at night. We ask that guests refrain from using hairdryers and other items of a similar nature as they overload our generator.

Checking in and out

Check- in time is from 11am. Checking out time is 10.30am. For guests who require a day room, these are available (subject to availability) at 50% of the daily room rate.

Security

There are no fences around Ndutu Safari Lodge and wild animals wander through at all hours of day and night. Although children are permitted to stay at Ndutu Safari Lodge, an adult must supervise them at all times. Guests, for their own safety, are requested to stay within the lodge grounds. During the evening, watchmen are on duty and are on hand to escort guests back to their rooms. The watchmen remain on duty throughout the night.

Money

We accept cash either in Tanzanian shillings, US$, or any other recognised major currency. Travelers cheques are also welcome. We also accept VISA, Mastercard, American Express and JCB credit cards. We currently do not charge any surcharge for this service. Due to high banking charges we cannot accept credit card payments for amounts under $20. Guests are welcome to deposit any valuables at the reception for safekeeping.

Camp-fire

Each evening we welcome our guests to join us around the camp-fire. For those not wanting to sit outside, the bar provides a warm, cosy atmosphere. The genets, small spotted cat-like animals, usually make an appearance, as they gaze down at you from the rafters. The genets have been here for years and as they are nocturnal it is a great pleasure for guests to be able to see them at such a close proximity.

Laundry

We offer a full laundry service. There are laundry bags in the rooms and items that are sent to the laundry in the morning are usually returned late afternoon - weather permitting! All laundry is hand washed.

Telephone services

Telephone, fax and email are available at the lodge. Internet access is also possible.

Gift Shop

There is a well-stocked gift shop at the lodge selling a wide range of curios and also a variety of toiletries and chocolates.

Medical Emergencies

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 without the need of having to drive far. We highly recommend that guests have temporary Flying Doctors membership for their safari to Tanzania.

Game Drives

No one is allowed to be driving in the Conservation Area after 7pm and before 6am. No night drives are allowed.

We have 2 safari vehicles based at the lodge, which are available for hire.

Walking

Walking is allowed in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area but you must be accompanied by a NCAA ranger. The ranger post is situated close to the lodge and they charge $20 per group per walk. Most walks are usually around 2 hours in duration but they can be varied in length.

Park fees

Ngorongoro park fees are applicable when staying at Ndutu. Park fees are currently $30 per person per 24-hour period. Children under 16 years of age pay $5 per person. If visiting Serengeti National Park whilst staying at Ndutu then guests will be liable to Serengeti park fees as well. Serengeti park fees are now (Jan 2006) $50 a day.

There is an airstrip 1 Km away from the lodge. Approximate flying time from Arusha Airport to Ndutu is 50 minutes. Free transfers are available to transport guests to and from Ndutu airstrip to the lodge. Only charter flights fly to Ndutu.

Other airstrips in the vicinity are Seronera and Manyara. A twice daily scheduled air service is available from Arusha to these two airstrips.

Altitude: 1646 metres 5400 feet

Co-ordinates: South 03 degrees East 35 degrees

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. Rest your eyes on a near tree or the distant view.

Sights abound, so do sounds. Listen to the murmurs of a million doves greeting the sunrise, a cacophony of guinea fowl as they startle away, the swish of a hawk through the clear air. Hyenas howling, zebras and jackals barking, the rich chorus of Ndutu rings round, night and day.

Don't expect five stars. From our campfire, you'll see millions!