Plains Wildebeest Lakes Numbers Ndutu

The southern plains run from Ndutu in the south east of the park out west to Moru Kopjes and north to Naabi Hill.

This area is dominated by the vast and seemingly endless grass plains around Naabi and Ndutu, which stretch further than the eye can see. This is an area where off road driving is permitted and somewhere you begin to get a sense of the vastness of the Serengeti. You can drive for most of a day on the plains and are very unlikely to see another human, but during the migration will almost certainly be in virtually constant contact with large numbers of wildebeest. Lakes Ndutu and Masek themselves are a stark contrast to the plains; two shallow soda lakes lying within mature acacia woodland at the eastern edge of the plains.

migration highlightsBetween January and May this area literally comes alive as millions of wildebeest move onto the plains in search of the fresh green grass after the first rains. These areas are rich in the phosphorous-rich grasses the wildebeest are after, but after the rains there are few if any sources of permanent water so the grasses rapidly dry out forcing the wildebeest to move on.

This is one of the main areas where the wildebeest cows give birth, so for a period of a month or so there is manic activity here. As you'd expect this attracts large numbers of predators and there's always plenty to see.

Other highlights - After the herds of wildebeest leave, there are always large numbers of gazelles that hang around on the plains, and they in turn keep the cheetah here. Lion and even leopard are never far away, but you always have to work a little harder at this time of year. It can appear pretty lifeless on the plains at first, but persevere and enjoy the fact that you're unlikely to see another soul.

There's a good chance of decent elephant sightings in the woodland and cheetah around the edges and we quite often see the smaller cats such as Serval and Caracal, close to the lakes. The lakes are always sublime and in complete contrast to any other part of the Serengeti drawing large numbers of flamingos. There is always good birdlife around the lakes and in the woodland is superb.

Olduvai Gorge is not far from Ndutu so if you are coming to this area it is worth a visit.

See also serengeti itinerary ideas

print page email page

Quick Navigation
Safari Parks: Safari Camps:

Knowledge
Culture:
History:
Natural History:
Travel Info:


Southern Serengeti Plains home > knowledge > serengeti > southern serengeti plains	+44(0)1747 898104 about us contact us

Southern Serengeti Plains