Ngorongoro Conservation Area
UNESCO estimates that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area supports around 25,000 large animals, making it one of the best places on the continent to see wildlife. Within this natural amphitheater, you can spot the Big Five—elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and buffalo—alongside other iconic species like hippos, zebras, antelopes, warthogs, and servals.
Most of these animals inhabit a relatively small area of 260 km² (100 mi²), so on a game drive, you’re likely to see new species every 10–15 minutes. This high concentration of wildlife is one reason why Ngorongoro holds UNESCO World Heritage status.
Where on the map is Ngorongoro National Park?
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Ngorongoro Conservation Area (often referred to as Ngorongoro National Park) is located in northern Tanzania, just west of Arusha and directly adjacent to Serengeti National Park. It forms part of the famous Northern Safari Circuit, which includes Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Serengeti.
The centerpiece of the area is the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, offering one of the most wildlife-rich safari experiences in Africa.
Would you like a visual map or directions from Arusha or another location?
When is the ideal time to travel to the Ngorongoro?
- DRY SEASON
- SHOULDER SEASON
- RAINY SEASON
Ngorongoro in January
Rainy Season
By mid-January, the rains bring a fresh burst of greenery across the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The weather is typically hot with clear skies. Herbivores such as elephants, buffalo, zebras, and antelopes roam freely and are usually spotted quickly after descending to the crater floor.
Predators like lions and leopards are most active during the early mornings and late afternoons, while during the day, they tend to rest hidden in the tall grass. They’re often seen near safari routes and are generally unbothered by the presence of vehicles.
If you’re into birdwatching, January is an excellent month. Migratory birds are abundant, making this one of the most diverse times for bird species in the area.
As this is one of the busiest safari months, expect a higher number of tourists in the crater during your visit.
Ngorongoro in February
Rainy Season
February is the hottest month of the year in Tanzania, with daytime temperatures in the Ngorongoro Crater reaching around 26°C (79°F).
During a single day of game drives in the crater, you’re likely to spot almost all of Africa’s iconic wildlife—from elephants, zebras, buffaloes, lions, and leopards to antelopes and ostriches. The southeastern corner of the crater is home to a large hippo pool, and this is one of the best places in Africa to catch a glimpse of the critically endangered black rhino.
Thanks to the compact size of the crater, wildlife sightings are frequent, occurring roughly every 15 to 20 minutes—a rate unmatched by most other parks on the continent.
February remains a high season for safaris in Ngorongoro. Expect more visitors during the first half of the month, with crowds beginning to thin out as the month ends.
Ngorongoro in March
Rainy Season
March brings mild, pleasant temperatures to the Ngorongoro Crater. As a transition month between the dry and wet seasons, the landscape begins to shift. By mid-March, the number of safari vehicles noticeably drops, and many lodges begin offering discounted rates. It’s an ideal time for travelers who enjoy a quieter, more relaxed safari experience.
Throughout the crater, you’ll encounter a wide range of large mammals including buffaloes, elephants, zebras, lions, and leopards. Ngorongoro is also home to nearly every species of African antelope—from the majestic eland to the tiny and elusive dik-dik.
April is considered the rainiest month in Tanzania, but there are sometimes sunny and dry days. The Ngorongoro Crater is again covered with thick grass and the landscape shifts from dry yellow hues to fresh greens. Water sources are abundant throughout the area, and animals spread across the entire crater. Due to its relatively small size, it is possible to encounter elephants, antelopes, lions, zebras, and other large mammals every 15-20 minutes of travel.
During this time, hotels on the crater rim offer the lowest prices and have fewer guests; you might see only a few other safari vehicles throughout the day. Accommodation costs are typically 1.5 to 2 times lower than in February or August.
Ngorongoro in June
Dry Season
By mid-June, the dry season settles in across Ngorongoro. Unlike the hotter months of January and February, Tanzania’s winter is cooler, especially at night when temperatures can drop to 5–6°C (41–43°F). It’s wise to pack a fleece and a windbreaker, as morning game drives can be quite chilly. (Check our website’s ‘Safari Packing List’ for full recommendations.)
Daytime temperatures are mild and pleasant, and tourist numbers remain low, making this a great time to visit. Early June still offers discounted hotel rates, which means you can enjoy a world-class safari experience at a better price than in July. According to our safari expert, Agnes, June is one of the best months to explore Ngorongoro—just like early March.
This time of year, you can expect to see all the iconic African animals: elephants, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes, and even hippos near Ngoitokitok Springs in the southeastern part of the crater. Predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas are also commonly spotted.
What makes June special?
It’s the sweet spot between great wildlife viewing, cool comfortable weather, and fewer crowds—plus the bonus of off-season rates.
Ngorongoro in July
Dry Season
The dry season continues through July in Tanzania. Early mornings can be chilly, with temperatures on the crater rim dipping to 4–6°C (39–43°F) — so make sure to pack a fleece and windbreaker. Safari drives usually begin around 6:30–7:00 AM, and it’s important to be dressed warmly. By midday, temperatures rise to a comfortable 25–30°C (77–86°F), under clear skies.
This is a popular time for safaris, so expect more vehicles in the area.
Inside the crater, wildlife is everywhere. From zebras, antelopes, buffalo, and elephants to lions, it’s rare to go more than 15–20 minutes without an animal sighting. The animals are used to safari vehicles and are easy to observe up close.
Ngorongoro’s density of wildlife is unmatched in Africa. July’s dry conditions make it easier to spot smaller species like servals, caracals, and bat-eared foxes. You’ll also see jackals, ostriches, and a wide variety of antelopes—from imposing elands to tiny dik-diks. Most notably, black rhinos, one of Africa’s rarest animals, reside here.
As always, please respect wildlife and follow national park guidelines to ensure a safe, ethical safari.
What makes July special?
It’s the perfect month for wildlife viewing, with dry grass, abundant animals, and the best chance to spot both big game and elusive species—all in one game drive.
Ngorongoro in July
Dry Season
July marks the heart of the dry season in Tanzania. Early mornings and nights around the crater rim can be quite chilly, with temperatures dipping to 4–6°C (39–43°F). Be sure to pack a warm fleece and a windbreaker for morning game drives, which typically begin around 6:30–7:00 AM. By midday, the weather becomes pleasantly warm, reaching 25–30°C (77–86°F), and skies remain mostly clear.
The crater teems with wildlife, and sightings of elephants, lions, zebras, buffaloes, and antelopes are practically guaranteed. Animals are used to safari vehicles, making close-up encounters frequent. It’s rare to go more than 15–20 minutes without spotting something remarkable.
July is one of the best months to experience Ngorongoro’s incredible biodiversity. With the grass dried out, spotting smaller species such as servals, caracals, and bat-eared foxes becomes easier. You’re also likely to see jackals, ostriches, and nearly every type of African antelope, from impalas and dik-diks to duikers and elands. The critically endangered black rhinoceros also calls this area home, making July a prime time to witness one of Africa’s rarest animals.
Please remember to enjoy your safari responsibly—follow park guidelines to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
What makes July special?
It’s the perfect blend of cool, dry weather and wildlife abundance, offering one of the highest animal sighting rates in all of Africa.
Ngorongoro in August
Dry Season
August is among the driest months in Ngorongoro. Rain is rare, and the days are consistently sunny and comfortable. Nights and early mornings can be chilly, especially at the crater rim, with temperatures falling to 5–7°C (41–45°F) — so don’t forget a fleece and a light jacket.
As you descend into the crater, you’ll find yourself surrounded by countless wild animals. This is one of the few places where you can spot the entire Big Five—elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and buffalo—on a single game drive. You’ll also encounter zebras, hippos, antelopes, and many more.
The dry grass this time of year makes it easier to spot smaller creatures like warthogs, mongooses, servals, and caracals.
Because August is peak safari season, it’s not uncommon for multiple vehicles to gather around animal sightings. If you prefer a quieter experience, March, June, or October might be better choices.
What makes August special?
It’s the ultimate month for reliable game viewing—perfect weather, dry conditions, and a high chance of seeing both iconic and elusive animals in one of the most wildlife-rich places on Earth.
Ngorongoro in July
Dry Season
July marks the heart of the dry season in Tanzania. Early mornings and nights around the crater rim can be quite chilly, with temperatures dipping to 4–6°C (39–43°F). Be sure to pack a warm fleece and a windbreaker for morning game drives, which typically begin around 6:30–7:00 AM. By midday, the weather becomes pleasantly warm, reaching 25–30°C (77–86°F), and skies remain mostly clear.
The crater teems with wildlife, and sightings of elephants, lions, zebras, buffaloes, and antelopes are practically guaranteed. Animals are used to safari vehicles, making close-up encounters frequent. It’s rare to go more than 15–20 minutes without spotting something remarkable.
July is one of the best months to experience Ngorongoro’s incredible biodiversity. With the grass dried out, spotting smaller species such as servals, caracals, and bat-eared foxes becomes easier. You’re also likely to see jackals, ostriches, and nearly every type of African antelope, from impalas and dik-diks to duikers and elands. The critically endangered black rhinoceros also calls this area home, making July a prime time to witness one of Africa’s rarest animals.
Please remember to enjoy your safari responsibly—follow park guidelines to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
What makes July special?
It’s the perfect blend of cool, dry weather and wildlife abundance, offering one of the highest animal sighting rates in all of Africa.
Ngorongoro in September
Dry Season
September continues the dry season in Ngorongoro, with the landscape remaining sunny and clear. As in August, it’s a popular time for safaris, so be prepared for an influx of visitors.
Most animals tend to gather near the water at Lake Magadi, although many can also be spotted in more remote corners of the reserve. On a safari here, you’ll encounter the iconic African wildlife—elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, and antelope. Hippos are commonly seen at the lake, and black rhinoceroses, though rare, also inhabit the area, though they tend to stay away from the roads, making sightings more elusive.
September marks the peak of the dry season, and with little grass remaining, it’s easier to spot smaller savanna creatures such as mongooses, serval cats, caracals, and warthogs.
What makes it special?
September offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities, as the animals congregate around limited water sources, making for easier sightings. Additionally, the dry conditions make it ideal for observing smaller savanna inhabitants that are typically harder to spot during the wet season
Ngorongoro in October
Shoulder Season
October marks the transition between the dry winter and the beginning of the autumn rains. It’s an excellent time for a safari in Ngorongoro, offering sunny weather and fewer tourists compared to the busier months of August and September. While rain is not frequent, occasional showers are possible, which can add a refreshing change to the dry landscape.
As with other months, the wildlife in Ngorongoro is abundant. The large mammals—including lions, buffaloes, zebras, elephants, and antelope—can be spotted throughout the crater. Hippos are commonly seen at Lake Magadi, a shallow soda lake situated at the heart of the crater. This time of year also offers opportunities to observe the lesser-known residents of the African savanna, like caracals, serval cats, and warthogs.
What makes it special?
October offers the perfect balance of fewer crowds and exceptional wildlife sightings, including the unique chance to experience the tranquility of the crater before the busier rainy season.
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Ngorongoro in November
Rainy Season
November marks the beginning of the rainy season in Ngorongoro, with the first warm rains transforming the landscape. As a result, the number of visitors drops significantly, and many lodges offer seasonal discounts, making this an excellent time for those seeking a quieter safari experience. You’ll likely encounter only a few dozen vehicles across the reserve, allowing for more personal and peaceful wildlife viewing.
With the rains come temporary water sources, which spread throughout the park. As a result, animals such as elephants, lions, antelope, zebras, and ostriches can be spotted almost anywhere in the area. The southeastern part of the crater is home to a large hippo colony.
However, the rapidly growing grass due to the rains can make it more challenging to spot smaller savanna residents like serval cats, caracals, and warthogs.
What makes it special?
November offers a more secluded experience, with fewer tourists and the opportunity to observe the park’s wildlife in a more tranquil setting. The seasonal rains bring lush vegetation and temporary water sources, creating a vibrant and dynamic landscape that is quite different from the dry season.
Ngorongoro in December
Rainy Season
In December, the equatorial climate brings warmer mornings and evenings compared to the cooler months of June-September. While the weather may be unpredictable, the rains in the crater won’t interfere with your safari experience. From the comfort of your Land Cruiser, you can still enjoy the wildlife in any weather conditions.
Waking up on the crater rim provides an incredible view of the vast African savanna before you descend into the heart of the crater. Unlike other Tanzanian parks, animal encounters are frequent in Ngorongoro. In a single day, you can see all the major mammals—elephants, zebras, antelope, and buffalo. While smaller animals such as jackals, foxes, and duikers may be harder to spot in the tall grass, they often emerge onto the safari roads, providing excellent viewing opportunities. The animals are used to the presence of vehicles, allowing for close observation.
The end of December is a peak time for safaris, attracting many visitors. If you’re planning to visit during this busy period, it’s best to book your trip 4-6 months in advance to ensure availability.
What makes it special?
December offers a unique blend of abundant wildlife and scenic views, along with the lush transformation of the landscape due to the rains. It’s one of the best months to see a wide variety of animals up close, with frequent wildlife sightings throughout the day. However, due to the high demand at the end of the month, early planning is essential.
Black Rinhos
What is the price of a safari in Ngorongoro?
A visit to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is typically part of most safari packages in northern Tanzania. The price of these safaris varies based on factors like the season, accommodation choices, and the number of participants.
Generally, a safari in Ngorongoro ranges from $500 to $900 per person per day. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, with stays in upscale hotels, costs can rise to several thousand dollars per day.
What are the main attractions in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area?
In addition to the main highlight—the crater and its abundant wildlife—the Ngorongoro Conservation Area boasts several other fascinating spots worth exploring. We suggest dedicating an extra day to visit these locations.
Olduvai Gorge and the Leakey’s Camp
Olduvai Gorge is an archaeological site where renowned anthropologists Mary and Louis Leakey uncovered human remains dating back 1.5 to 2 million years. Today, the Olduvai Gorge Museum showcases accurate replicas of ancient tools and other artifacts discovered during these excavations. A cafe is also available for visitors to relax and take in the stunning views of the gorge.
Empakai Crater
Located north of the main Ngorongoro Crater, Empakai Crater is another ancient volcanic crater. It’s one of the few areas in the reserve where hiking is permitted, with visitors required to be accompanied by an armed ranger. At the center of the crater lies Lake Empakai, home to flamingos from November to May.
Olmoti Crater
Olmoti is a popular hiking spot within the Ngorongoro Highlands, typically less crowded even in the dry season. This trail is ideal for travelers seeking a more tranquil experience of Tanzania’s natural beauty, away from the usual safari crowds.
Nasera Rock
Along with Olduvai Gorge, Nasera Rock is a significant archaeological site. The rock, which rises about 50 meters (164 feet) above the savanna, was once a site for early human activity. Primitive tools such as axes, blades, and hammers—dating back roughly 300,000 years—were found here, offering valuable insight into human evolution.
