Simbavati Lake Ndutu

Pitched on the shore of Lake Ndutu in southern Serengeti National Park, six canvas tents face the lake and the plains beyond. Each tent holds a king bed convertible to twins, an en-suite bathroom with outdoor shower, and a private deck overlooking the water. One family tent adds a second sleeping area with twin beds. Natural fabrics and simple wood furniture line the interiors. The camp sits within the migration corridor; wildebeest herds cross the surrounding grassland throughout the year.

Guided game drives depart twice daily in open vehicles, tracking lion, leopard, elephant, and the seasonal movement of more than a million wildebeest and zebra. Walking safaris with an armed ranger cover shorter distances on foot, reading spoor and observing smaller species at ground level. A dining deck overlooks the plains; meals are also served around the campfire in the boma. Hot-air balloon safaris launch before dawn and drift above the savannah as the sun rises, landing for a bush breakfast after an hour aloft. Full-day excursions push deeper into the Serengeti, covering varied terrain and increasing the range of sightings. Bird species recorded around the lake number in the hundreds. You can hear hippos from the tents at night. The camp operates year-round with a bar, pool, and airport transfers available on request.