Overview - Ngorongoro Crater

The jewel in Ngorongoro's crown is a deep, volcanic crater, the largest un flooded and unbroken caldera in the world. About 20kms across, 600 meters deep and 300 sq kms in area, the Ngorongoro Crater is a breathtaking natural wonder.Land in the conservation area is multi-use and unique because it is the only conservation area in Tanzania that protects wildlife while allowing human habitation. The Ngorongoro Crater and surrounding highlands together form one of Africa's most beautiful regions. Volcanic craters form stunning backdrops to some of the most fertile and richest grazing grounds in Africa. The most famous such crater is without question Ngorongoro, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and home to the highest density of big game in Africa. Ngorongoro is justifiably one of the continent's most famous safari destinations.  

 
  • Best Time To Go June to September
  • High Season July to March
  • Size 8292 Sq Kms

Pros & Cons

 

June to October : Dry Season

Pros:

  • Wildlife is easier to spot since the grass is shorter in the Dry season
  • Rain is little to none and sunshine is abundant
  • Chances of contracting malaria are slimmer, as there are fewer mosquitoes

 

Cons:

  • Mornings and nights get very cold
  • The Ngorongoro crater gets very crowded

 

November to May : Wet Season

Pros:

  • Ngorongoro Crater offers excellent wildlife viewing, even in the Wet season
  • The scenery is green and beautiful
  • Low season occurs in April and May – tourists are fewer, and there may be better rates
  • Birding is in its prime due to the presence of migratory birds
  • Except for in March and April, rains are mostly short afternoon storms and seldom interfere with your trip.

?Cons:

  • March to April is the peak of the Wet season
  • It is cold during the nights and mornings, so it is important to pack warm clothing

Best Time to Visit

Wildlife viewing inside the Ngorongoro Crater is superb at all times. However, grass on the crater floor is short in the Dry season (June through September) and this makes animal spotting easier. The scenery is lush and spectacular in the Wet season months (from November to May).

Wildlife

The star attraction of the Conservation Area is the Ngorongoro Crater: an extinct volcano teeming with wildlife often compared to the Garden of Eden. Wildlife viewing in the crater is out of this world. All major animals are easily seen. The only exception is giraffe, which is present in the Conservation Area, but not in the crater because of the steep descent. Elephant are common, including some very big tuskers. All big cats can be spotted, and the density of spotted hyena is quite extraordinary.

Weather & Climate

Ngorongoro CA has a mild, temperate climate. The area experiences two Wet seasons. From October to November are the 'short' rains, followed by the 'long rains' from March to May. Rainfall is experienced in the form of showers and thunder in the afternoon, yet it would be odd for it to rain the whole day. The crater never gets very hot during the day, but the crater rim gets cold, and it can freeze at night. Warm clothing for early morning game drives is a necessity.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a vast area with altitude ranging from 1,027 to 3,522m (3,369-11,555ft). Most people only visit the Ngorongoro Crater. They spend the night in a lodge or campsite on the crater rim and visit the crater floor for wildlife viewing. Both the rim (about 2,300m/8,530ft) and floor (about 1,700m/5,577ft) are at higher altitudes and are colder than the overall conservation area. Temperatures drop by about 6.5°C for every 1,000m you climb (or 3.5°F per 1,000ft). The difference is more noticeable during the night. Afternoons on the crater floor will be pleasant, but it can freeze on the crater rim at night. The rim also receives quite a lot of rain.

Wild Life

  •   Occasional
  •   Common
  •   Very Rare
  •   Rare
  •   None
  • Giraffe

      Occasional
  • Elephant

      Common
  • Zebra

      Common
  • Hippo

      Common
  • Leopard

      Occasional
  • Buffalo

      Common
  • Hyena

      Common
  • Lion

      Common
  • Cheetah

      Occasional
  • White Rhino

      None
  • Black Rhino

      Occasional
  • Wildebeest

      Common

Wild Life

  •   Occasional
  •   Common
  •   Very Rare
  •   Rare
  •   None
  • Giraffe

      Occasional
  • Elephant

      Common
  • Zebra

      Common
  • Hippo

      Common
  • Leopard

      Occasional
  • Buffalo

      Common
  • Hyena

      Common
  • Lion

      Common
  • Cheetah

      Occasional
  • White Rhino

      None
  • Black Rhino

      Occasional
  • Wildebeest

      Common

Best time to Visit- Ngorongoro Crater

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
  •   Excellent
  •   Good
  •   Fair
  •   Poor

The Ngorongoro Crater and surrounding highlands together form one of Africa's most beautiful regions. Volcanic craters form stunning backdrops to some of the most fertile and richest grazing grounds in Africa. The most famous such crater is without question Ngorongoro, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and home to the highest density of big game in Africa. Ngorongoro is justifiably one of the continent's most famous safari destinations. 

  • Best Time June to September (Wildlife Viewing is Best)
  • High Season June to July (Ngorongoro crater will have a lot of Visitors)
  • Low Season April and May (Few crowd experienced)
  • Best Weather June to October (Minimal rainfall)
  • Worst Weather March and April (Wet Season)

Best time to Visit - Ngorongoro Crater

Wildlife viewing inside the Ngorongoro Crater is superb at all times. However, grass on the crater floor is short in the Dry season (June through September) and this makes animal spotting easier. The scenery is lush and spectacular in the Wet season months (from November to May).

Dry Season

June to October:

  • June, July, August, September & October – Afternoon temperatures are usually around 19°C/66°F on the crater floor. Sunny, cloudless skies are normal, but if the 'short rains' arrive early, they could begin in October. It gets cold at night, and it can freeze on the crater rim.

Wet Season

November to May:

It gets warmer during the day when compared to the Dry season, but mornings are still cold. Afternoon temperatures are usually around 23°C/73°F on the crater floor, while night temperatures are around 6°C/43°F on the crater rim. There is a chance for freezing temperatures.

  • November & December – 'Short rains' – These rains are highly unlikely to impact your safari as it won't rain all day. Showers usually happen in the afternoon. The 'short rains' last about one month and can occur anytime between October and December.
  • January & February – It isn't possible to guess when it will happen with accuracy, but there is usually a time of dry weather between the Wet seasons.
  • March, April & May – 'Long rains' – This is when wetness is at its peak. Most days will have rain, but it will not last the entire day. The average maximum and minimum temperatures are 21°C/70°F on the crater floor and 6°C/43°F on the crater rim. April and May could experience colder weather due to cold fronts.

Safety

Travel to Ngorongoro and the Ngorongoro Crater is considered safe in our opinion, as with most reserves. Along with fellow visitors, you'll mostly meet people who are there to accommodate you: staff of the tour operators, lodges and park authorities.

Medicine & Vaccines

It is important to take precautions against malaria, which is a health concern, so mosquito repellent  is recommended. Also cover up exposed skin in the evening. Before you travel, seek advice from a doctor regarding appropriate vaccinations.

Weather And Climate

 

Ngorongoro CA has a mild, temperate climate. The area experiences two Wet seasons. From October to November are the 'short' rains, followed by the 'long rains' from March to May. Rainfall is experienced in the form of showers and thunder in the afternoon, yet it would be odd for it to rain the whole day. The crater never gets very hot during the day, but the crater rim gets cold, and it can freeze at night. Warm clothing for early morning game drives is a necessity.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a vast area with altitude ranging from 1,027 to 3,522m (3,369-11,555ft). Most people only visit the Ngorongoro Crater. They spend the night in a lodge or campsite on the crater rim and visit the crater floor for wildlife viewing. Both the rim (about 2,300m/8,530ft) and floor (about 1,700m/5,577ft) are at higher altitudes and are colder than the overall conservation area. Temperatures drop by about 6.5°C for every 1,000m you climb (or 3.5°F per 1,000ft). The difference is more noticeable during the night. Afternoons on the crater floor will be pleasant, but it can freeze on the crater rim at night. The rim also receives quite a lot of rain.