Ndutu Lodge (elevation 5,330 feet) is located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) just south of the Serengeti National Park. The Lodge is unobtrusively situated just a few hundred yards south of Lake Ndutu and a few miles west of Lake Masek. The Lodge offers an excellent base from which to explore an extensive range of habitats, including soda lakes, woodlands, swamps, and grasslands.

Ndutu resides in the southern plains of the Serengeti ecosystem, although the immediate area around the Lodge and lakes is blanketed with an unexpected forest of flat-topped acacia trees. This acacia tree woodland sprawls out from both lakes for a few miles in each direction. The woodlands are surrounded on all sides by the famous short grass plains of the Southern Serengeti ecosystem, and Gol Kopjes is located approximately 1.5 hours away.

Naabi Hill is located about a 1 hour game drive directly northeast, while Kusini Tented Lodge is located about 1.5 hours to the west, and Olduvai Tented Lodge is located about 1 hour to the southeast. Being located in the NCA is actually a benefit, as you do not need to adhere to the Serengeti Park rules (i.e. off-road driving and walks/hikes are permitted). You will have to hire a ranger at Ndutu to go on walks or hikes around the lake.

The Lodge offers a great base for game viewing in the green season and provides for a rewarding stopover in the dry season due to presence of resident animals in the acacia tree woodlands surrounding Lake Ndutu. During the green season, the majority of the wildebeest migration congregates on the southern short grass plains surrounding Ndutu Lodge. From December to May, the great herds are usually located in about a two-hour game drive radius from the Lodge. They may be as far west as Kusini, north to Naabi, south past Matiti Hill (especially large concentrations of breeding females are usually found here) and east through Gol and Barafu and into the Eastern Serengeti.

There is also the well-documented Masek lion pride that is usually seen throughout the year in the dry riverbed areas surrounding both Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek. The Masek pride has been documented for many years and their history is filled with violent male takeovers. One of the more publicized animals at Ndutu is a bull elephant with one tusk named 'Tabasco' that seems a constant fixture in the Ndutu Woodlands.

The main facilities are the highlight of Ndutu Lodge and consist of a superb open air bar and restaurant area which look out over the lake. The open-air lounge offers an inviting atmosphere to indulge in a drink and socialize with other guests after a day out 'in the bush' on your private safari. The restaurant accommodates a full house with twenty or so tables and you will have the same friendly waiter for the duration of your stay. There is a particularly good gift shop on the premises where you can browse a unique selection of hand picked treasures, and could very well be the best shop at any of the Lodges in the Serengeti.

Ndutu Lodge consists of 32 thatched bungalows extending on either side from a central, open sided bar and restaurant area. The majority of the bungalows are not isolated but are constructed in blocks of two. Each unit has its own semi-private veranda which looks towards the lake, although the views are somewhat obstructed by the acacia tree woodland. Luxury it is not, but charm and character more than make up for what might be lacking in opulence here.

The stone cottages are large, well furnished and come with either two twin beds one queen size bed. When the Lodge is at capacity in the height of the busy season, it can get a little noisy with guests coming and going on the loose stone walkway outside. The aim of the Lodge's most recent renovation was to use local materials which blend in with the surroundings.

The wooden furnishings consist of a nightstand and small writing desk and chairs complete with very informative pamphlets about the history of Ndutu and the local wildlife including the Serengeti Cheetah Project. The bathrooms are en suite with hot water showers. The water is pumped from a nearby waterhole and contains dissolved minerals. Don't be alarmed if there is a slightly "soapy" feel to the water - that's just the presence of the minerals.

The meals at Ndutu Lodge are simply excellent. The Lodge is affiliated with Gibbs Farm, which is about a 4-hour drive away in the fertile farmlands of the crater highlands. Fresh produce is trucked down to Ndutu regularly from Gibbs producing superb dishes. Breakfast consists of a small buffet section with fresh fruit and breads, while separate orders are taken for eggs. A breakfast box can be arranged the night before for you early morning safari enthusiasts.

Lunch and dinner are not buffet style here, but rather are served on a fixed 3 to 4 course basis. You may either have a superb lunch at the Lodge or if you choose an all day game drive format, an Ndutu picnic box will be provided. Dinner is excellent and represents some of the best dining to be had in the Serengeti. There is a large selection of very reasonably priced beer, wine and spirits available at an additional cost. A drink tab will be run for the duration of your stay and you can simply settle upon departure.

• Private game drives into the surrounding woodlands and the awe-inspiring Serengeti plains, including the serene GOL Kopjes
• Picnic breakfasts and lunches
• Well stocked safari boutique and gift shop
• Walking safaris around the shores of Lake Ndutu
• Laundry service is available at an additional fee
• Good selection of wine, beer, and spirits at an additional fee