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Ngorongoro Crater
Overview
Wildlife
Birds
Best Time To Visit
Weather & Climate
Getting There
Malaria & Safety
Overview
Wildlife
Birds
Best Time
Climate
Getting There
Malaria & Safety
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience .
- Live Location
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- Open Map
Best Time To Go
June to October offers the most rewarding wildlife viewing experiences.
High Season
July to March (Expect crowds throughout most of the year)
Size
260 km² / 100 mi²
Altitude
1,027–3,522 m / 3,369–11,555 ft
The Ngorongoro Crater stands as a haven for exceptional wildlife viewing in Africa. Its diverse ecosystem supports a thriving population of iconic species, including lions, spotted hyenas, and leopards. Notably, the crater is renowned for its resident black rhinos, a rare sight in other parts of Tanzania.
Additionally, the crater boasts a remarkable number of majestic elephant bulls, distinguished by their impressive tusks. Whether observing predators on the hunt or witnessing elephants in their serenity, the Ngorongoro Crater provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience Africa’s wildlife in their natural habitat.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area boasts an awe-inspiring landscape that extends far beyond the renowned Ngorongoro Crater. Hidden gems like the Empakaai and Olmoti Craters showcase their own unique landscapes. At the same time, the lush forests encircling the main crater create a striking contrast against the open grasslands and marshes below. The shimmering, saline waters of Lake Magadi, home to vast flocks of pink flamingos, complete this spectacular natural tableau.
The Ngorongoro Crater offers a comfortable, mild climate with enjoyable daytime temperatures perfect for exploring the natural wonders. While nights, particularly along the crater’s rim, can get quite chilly, the overall experience is pleasant year-round. During the dry season (June to October), visitors can expect mostly sunny days, ideal for safari adventures. In contrast, the wet season (November to May) brings cloudier skies and occasional showers, adding a touch of mystique to the landscape.
While wildlife sightings are possible year-round on the crater floor, the dry season, spanning June to October, offers the most rewarding safari experience. Shorter grass improves visibility, making it easier to spot smaller animals. Moreover, clearer skies and less chance of mist or rain ensure unobstructed views, providing optimal conditions for wildlife observation and photography.
The Ngorongoro Crater is undeniably Tanzania’s top destination for encountering the Big Five, with its wildlife-rich environment offering exceptional predator sightings. Home to the world’s densest lion population, the crater also hosts a high number of spotted hyenas. Visitors should watch for smaller predators like golden and black-backed jackals and the elusive bat-eared foxes, which add depth to the safari experience. You might even witness a serval on the hunt for small rodents or birds, making your adventure in this unique ecosystem truly dynamic and unforgettable.
- Abundant
- Common
- Occasional
- Rare
- None
- Common
- None
- None
- Occasional
- Common
- Abundant
- Abundant
- Abundant
- Abundant
- None
The Ngorongoro Crater is a haven for many of the safari circuit’s most iconic species. Black rhinos, a highly sought-after sighting, stand out among the crater’s inhabitants. Vast herds of buffalo roam the expansive grasslands, painting a quintessential African savanna scene. While elephant herds are seldom seen in the crater, a few solitary bulls with impressive tusks have claimed the crater floor as their domain, adding to its allure. Predators, including lions and spotted hyenas, are abundant and often seen in action, further enriching the wildlife experience. Although giraffes are common in the broader conservation area, they are notably absent from the crater floor, likely deterred by the steep, encircling walls.
Wildlife viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater is exceptional year-round. The dry season (June to October) provides optimal conditions for spotting animals, thanks to the shorter grass. During the Wet season (November to May), the crater’s lush, vibrant scenery is on full display, though the taller grass can sometimes obscure smaller animals. March and April bring the heaviest rainfall, enhancing the landscape’s beauty and potentially impacting visibility.
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Notable Birds in Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater offers exceptional birdwatching year-round, but from November to April, the diversity peaks as Palearctic and intra-African migratory species arrive, and resident birds display their vibrant breeding plumage. The Dry Season from June to October is ideal for wildlife viewing.
Bird Species
500+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
- Excellent
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
The Ngorongoro Crater offers exceptional wildlife viewing year-round. From June to October, during the Dry season, the shorter grass enhances visibility, making it easier to spot animals. In the Wet season, from November to May, the crater transforms into a lush, vibrant landscape. While the taller grass may sometimes obscure smaller creatures, the breathtaking scenery provides a stunning backdrop for unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Best Time
The prime time for wildlife viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater is from June to October.
High Season
From July to March, the Ngorongoro Crater experiences high visitor numbers throughout much of the year.
Low Season
In April and May, the Ngorongoro Crater experiences a noticeable decrease in visitor numbers.
Best Weather
June to October offers the best weather in the Ngorongoro Crater, with minimal to no rainfall
Worst Weather
March and April are the peak of the wet season in the Ngorongoro Crater.
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By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
The Ngorongoro Crater enjoys a mild, temperate climate. The wet season is marked by two enchanting rainy periods: the short rains from November to December and the long rains from March to May. These rains bring refreshing showers that rejuvenate the landscape. Daytime temperatures within the crater are comfortably moderate, perfect for exploration. However, the crater rim can turn brisk in the early morning. To fully experience the magic of dawn game drives, we highly recommend packing warm clothing to ensure comfort as you immerse yourself in the crater’s serene beauty.
In the Dry Season, the Ngorongoro Crater dazzles with golden sunshine on its floor, while the rim is often draped in a mystical mist, creating a cool, enchanting ambience. This captivating contrast makes warm clothing essential for early morning game drives.
- From June to September, the days are marked by clear, bright skies and pleasant afternoon temperatures around 19°C/66°F on the crater floor. Nights bring a sharp chill, with the crater rim occasionally dipping to freezing temperatures.
- October generally remains sunny, though the first whispers of the short rains may appear towards the month’s end, signalling the quiet approach of a new season.
In the wet season, the Ngorongoro Crater comes alive with warmth and vibrancy. Daytime temperatures rise to around 23°C/73°F on the crater floor, while the mornings remain crisp and cool. As night falls on the crater rim, temperatures can dip to a brisk 6°C/43°F.
- November & December – ‘Short Rains’: These brief afternoon showers refresh the landscape without dampening your safari adventure. Lasting about a month, they can grace the crater anytime between November and December.
- January and February—A dry spell often separates the short rains from the long, though its timing is unpredictable, offering a serene interlude.
- March, April, and May—’ Long Rains’: This period brings more frequent rains, but showers are often fleeting. April and May might introduce cooler conditions, adding a crispness to the crater’s air.
- Live Location
- View Photos
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
The Ngorongoro Crater, a breathtaking highlight of the Northern Circuit, is your gateway to an unforgettable safari adventure. Just a 3-hour drive (180km/112 mi) from Arusha—Tanzania’s safari hub—the crater is easily reached via a scenic, well-maintained road.
Explore the Northern Circuit your way. Take to the skies with chartered or scheduled flights between parks or journey by safari vehicle, immersing yourself in the diverse landscapes. A popular route is to fly into the Serengeti and return by road through the Ngorongoro Crater, capturing stunning views and encountering wildlife at every turn. Your tour operator will seamlessly handle all logistics, from airport transfers to on-the-ground arrangements.
Driving from the Seronera area in the Serengeti to the crater takes about 3 hours (140km/90 mi), with the possibility of wildlife encounters extending your journey. The drive from Lake Manyara National Park is around 2 hours (80km/50 mi), while the route from Tarangire National Park is about 4 hours (180km/110 mi).
The easiest way to reach Arusha is via Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is 50km/31 mi away. Alternatively, fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam and connect to Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
- Main Park Location
Use Skyscanner for a comprehensive and detailed search to explore flight options and pricing for airlines serving Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR).
Domestic Flights
As your tour operator, we typically handle the booking of domestic and charter flights between parks as part of your tour package. However, if you prefer to arrange your own flights to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, several local carriers offer domestic options.
Auric Air (Flies to Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro Airport)
Coastal Aviation (Flies to Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro Airport)
Safari Air Link (Flies to Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro Airport)
Air Excel (Flies to Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro Airport)
Regional Air (Flies to Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro Airport)
Precision Air (Flies to Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro Airport)
Flightlink (Flies to Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro Airport)
Tropical Air (Flies to Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro Airport)
As Salaam Air (Flies to Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro Airport)
Please refer to our FAQ—Tanzania page for detailed information regarding passport, visa, vaccination, and other entry requirements.
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
The Ngorongoro Crater is renowned for its safety, with crime virtually non-existent within Tanzania’s parks and reserves. When visiting urban areas like Arusha, the gateway to the Northern safari circuit, it’s wise to take standard safety precautions. Although incidents involving visitors are extremely rare, we recommend reviewing the ‘Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions’ section below for added peace of mind.
Given the presence of malaria in the Serengeti, taking precautions is essential. Apply DEET-based mosquito repellent, take antimalarial medication as your healthcare professional advises, and cover exposed skin in the evening. Also, consult your healthcare provider for recommended vaccinations before travelling to Tanzania.
Wildlife viewing is a safe and profoundly rewarding experience when you follow your guide’s instructions and honour the park’s regulations. For your safety and peace of mind, please take a moment to review our ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ below.
Discover Ngorongoro Crater Safari Tours
to
pp (USD)
Tanzania:
Private tour,
Luxury +,
- 13 days
- 6 places
to
pp (USD)
Tanzania:
Private tour,
Luxury +,
- 13 days
- 7 places
to
pp (USD)
Tanzania:
Private tour,
Luxury +,
- 13 days
- 6 places
