Ngorongoro Crater Safaris

Located within a 12-mile wide ancient volcano caldera, the Ngorongoro Crater is a must-visit destination for any Tanzania safari holiday. With its unique self-contained ecosystem, the Ngorongoro Crater is often referred to as Africa’s own ‘Garden of Eden’ and is the perfect place to spot the Big Five and other abundant wildlife. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful settings for an African safari, a tailor-made Ngorongoro safari holiday should not be missed.

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More About the Ngorongoro Crater

Situated 75 miles east of Arusha and neighbouring the Serengeti National Park and Lake Manyara National Park on Tanzania’s northern circuit safari route, the Ngorongoro Crater is a collapsed ancient volcanic caldera covering over 260 km². The crater's towering walls and unique ecosystem make it one of the most special and diverse wildlife habitats in the world, with over 25,000 animals calling it home.

The Olduvai Gorge, located in the larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the west of the crater, is also an essential site in the history of human development. Fossils found here prove that early humanoid species lived in this area over 3 million years ago, and visiting the Olduvai Gorge is a simple addition to a Ngorongoro and Serengeti safari itinerary, even while traveling between the two areas.

Many visitors consider a safari in the Ngorongoro Crater a trip highlight due to the park's unique habitat and the significant amount of wildlife it supports. With its breathtaking views, abundant wildlife, and fascinating history, the Ngorongoro Crater is a must-see destination for any Tanzania safari holiday.

Wildlife in the Crater

Ngorongoro Crater is a must-see destination for wildlife enthusiasts visiting Tanzania. The caldera is home to a diverse range of wildlife, making it a perfect place to witness the natural world's beauty. With over 25,000 animals living in the area, the crater is a haven for wildlife lovers.

Visitors can spot the famous Big Five – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo – as well as several other iconic African mammals, including cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, wildebeest, and gazelles. The crater is also home to a large number of bird species, including flamingos, eagles, and vultures.

Whether you're an experienced safari-goer or a first-time visitor to Tanzania, a trip to Ngorongoro Crater is an unforgettable experience. With its stunning scenery and incredible wildlife, the crater is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in African wildlife and nature. So why not book your trip today and experience the wonders of Ngorongoro Crater for yourself?

Best Time to Visit

The Ngorongoro Crater is a fantastic destination for wildlife enthusiasts and safari-goers looking to experience the best of Tanzania's wildlife. The best time to visit the Ngorongoro Crater to see wildlife is during the dry season, which typically runs from June to October. During this period, the weather is dry and cool, making it easier to spot animals as they gather around the water sources. Additionally, the dry season is the peak time for wildlife viewing, which means that visitors have a higher chance of spotting a wide variety of species, including lions, elephants, hyenas, zebras, and wildebeests.

However, the dry season is also the busiest time for tourism in the Ngorongoro Crater, which means that it can get crowded, and prices can be higher. If you want to avoid the crowds and experience the park at a quieter time, the best time to visit is during the rainy season, which typically runs from November to May. During this period, there are fewer tourists, and prices are lower. However, it's important to note that the rainy season can make it challenging to spot wildlife, as animals tend to disperse in search of fresh grazing and water.

To maximize your chances of spotting wildlife during the rainy season, it's best to visit towards the end of the wet season, around April and May. At this time, the rain has subsided, and the vegetation is still lush and green, making it easier to spot animals. Additionally, the birdwatching is excellent during this period, with many migratory birds flocking to the park.

Month-by-Month Guide to Weather

January:

The Ngorongoro Crater is dry and hot with an average high temperature of 25°C (77°F) and low of 9°C (48°F). There is almost no rainfall, with an average of only 1 rainy day in the month.

February:

It remains dry and hot in the Ngorongoro Crater with an average high temperature of 25°C (77°F) and low of 9°C (48°F). The rainfall starts to increase slightly with an average of 3 rainy days in the month.

March:

The rainfall in the Ngorongoro Crater increases further with an average of 7 rainy days in the month. The temperature remains warm with an average high of 24°C (75°F) and low of 9°C (48°F).

April: The Ngorongoro Crater is still wet with an average of 12 rainy days in the month, but the temperatures start to cool down with an average high of 23°C (73°F) and low of 8°C (46°F).

May:

It continues to be wet in the Ngorongoro Crater with an average of 12 rainy days in the month, and the temperatures drop further with an average high of 22°C (72°F) and low of 7°C (45°F).

June:

The Ngorongoro Crater becomes drier and colder with an average high temperature of 21°C (70°F) and low of 5°C (41°F). There is an average of 8 rainy days in the month.

July:

The Ngorongoro Crater is dry and cold with an average high temperature of 21°C (70°F) and low of 5°C (41°F). There is almost no rainfall, with an average of only 1 rainy day in the month.

August:

It remains dry and cold in the Ngorongoro Crater with an average high temperature of 21°C (70°F) and low of 5°C (41°F). There is no rainfall, with an average of only 0.5 rainy days in the month.

September:

The Ngorongoro Crater is still dry and cold with an average high temperature of 22°C (72°F) and low of 5°C (41°F). There is an average of only 1 rainy day in the month.

October:

The Ngorongoro Crater starts to warm up with an average high temperature of 23°C (73°F) and low of 7°C (45°F). The rainfall also starts to increase slightly with an average of 3 rainy days in the month.

November:

The rainfall in the Ngorongoro Crater increases further with an average of 7 rainy days in the month. The temperature remains warm with an average high of 24°C (75°F) and low of 8°C (46°F).

December:

The Ngorongoro Crater is wet and warm with an average high temperature of 25°C (77°F) and low of 9°C (48°F). There is an average of 6 rainy days in the month.

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