Ngorongoro Crater Safari
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About Ngorongoro Crater: The Ultimate Safari Guide
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a top safari destination in Tanzania. The area was established in 1959 as a multiple land use area, with wildlife coexisting with semi-nomadic Maasai pastoralists practicing traditional livestock grazing.
Due to its outstanding natural universal values, it was the first to be inscribed, as a Tanzanian site, on the World Heritage List in 1979. In 2010, UNESCO inscribed Ngorongoro Conservation Area as a mixed property on the World Heritage List. Internationally, Ngorongoro Conservation Area is also recognized as a part of Serengeti-Ngorongoro Biosphere Reserve, under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program since 1981. Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the most successful multiple used managed area where indigenous people estimated at 88,000 people are so far, living harmoniously and peacefully with wildlife.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area also contains the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater (250 km^2), which is the world’s largest unbroken caldera in the Eastern (Great) Rift Valley. There is a large population of wild ungulates in the crater, including the only visible population of black rhinoceros in their natural environment. The crater also has the densest known population of lion. Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the only conservation area in the world where visitors are likely to see elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo, in their natural environment, within a span of four-hour drive inside the Ngorongoro crater.
The Empakaai Crater, pristine paradise caldera, is also situated in the highlands of Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The crater area is about 6 km wide at the altitude of 3200 km above mean sea level and its walls rises 300 m above crater floor. A large part of a caldera floor is covered by soda lake with over 61 m depth. This is unusual depth for an alkaline lake in around east Africa. It is a home of various wildlife species and flamingoes’ seasonal feeding site. Spectacular view of the only active volcano in Tanzania, The Oldonyo Lengai, is evident from the Empakaai crater rim.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area contains the Oldupai Gorge, one of the most world-renowned paleontological and archaeological sites. The footprints trail of almost 27 m long, most likely made by Australopithecus afarensis, an extinct hominid that lived between 3.9 and 2.9 million years ago, whose fossils are also found in one of the sediment layers at the Laetoli site of Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
“Ngorongoro Crater Safari Guide”
Safari Packages To Ngorongoro Crater
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Ngorongoro Landscape & Scenery
Ngorongoro Crater features a lush green, rain-watered vegetation, as well as desert plants. The area has uncultivated lowland vegetation, arid and semi-arid plant communities, abundant short grass used for grazing, and highland forests.
Scrub heath, grasslands, high open moorland, and the remains of dense evergreen forests cover the steep slopes of the crater, while highland trees including Peacock Flower, Yellow-Wood, Kousso (Hagenia abyssinica), and Sweet Olive can also be found. There are also extensive stretches of pure bamboo on Oldeani Mountain, and Pencil Cedar on Makarut Mountain to the west. Dove- weeds dominate the lower slopes, while the upland woodlands contain Red Thorn Acacia and Gum Acacia that are critical for protecting the watershed.
The crater basin is covered by open short grass plains with fresh and brackish water lakes, marshes, swamps, and two patches of Acacia woodland.
Animals & Wildlife In Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro Crater is home to a population of about 25,000 large animals, mostly hoofed mammals, alongside the highest density of mammalian predators in Africa including the densest known population of lions. Ngorongoro harbours a range of endangered species, such as the Black Rhinos, Wild hunting dog and Golden Cat. The wildebeest and zebra migration also passes through Ngorongoro, when over 1 million wildebeest, 72,000 zebras and 350,000 Thompson and Grant gazelles move south into the area in December then move out heading north in June. Other wildlife animals in Ngorongoro include elephants, mountain reedbuck, buffalos, spotted hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, and other felines. The Lake Ndutu area to the west has significant cheetah and lion populations.
Over 500 species of bird have been recorded within Ngorongoro. The mix of forests, canyons, grassland, lakes and marshes forms an ideal habitat for an enormous variety of birds which include ostrich, white pelican, and greater and lesser flamingo on Lake Magadi within the crater, Lake Ndutu, and in the Empakaai Crater Lake, where a vast bird population can be observed. During the rainy season you can see the arrival of Eurasian migrants at the open pools. White storks and Yellow wagtails mingle with the local inhabitants; stilts, saddle bill storks, ibis, ruff and various species of duck.
Lesser Flamingos fly in to feed from their breeding grounds at Lake Natron. Distinctive grassland birds such as ostrich, Kori bustards and crown cranes occasionally put on truly magnificent displays.
Ngorongoro Crater Safaris
Flamingos & Bird Watching In Ngorongoro
Flamingos In Ngorongoro Crater
Flamingos are very common at lakes in the Ngorongoro, all of which are saline. Flamingos are filter feeders and feed on plankton. Plankton is a collective name for microscopic plants and animals that occur in the mud and on the surface of shallow, saline lakes.
Birding In Ngorongoro Crater
The mixture of forest, canyons, grassland plains, Lakes and marshes provide habitats for a wide range of bird life. The wet months see the arrival of the Eurasian migrants at the pools. White storks, yellow wagtails and swallows mingle with the local inhabitants: stilts, saddle-bill storks, ibis, ruff and various species of duck. Lesser flamingos fly in to feed from their breeding grounds at Lake Natron. Distinctive grassland birds – ostrich, kori bustards and crowned cranes-abound. The rest of the NCA also has areas which will reward the keen ornithologist.
Walking Safaris In Ngorongoro Crater
Walking in and around Ngorongoro Crater is allowed, but must be done with guides. Short hikes can be organized from the lodge. Long walks can be adventurous and rewarding but need some planning with your safari provider. Suitable walking routes in Ngorongoro include the area from Olmoti Crater to Embakai Highlands and down to the Great Rift Valley, the Northern Highlands Forest Reserve and the Eastern Plains around Nasera Rock, Gol Mountains and Olkarien Gorge.
About The Main Ngorongoro Crater
The crater covers an area of 304 km sq km and its diameter is 19.5 km, while its depth is 630 m. The Ngorongoro Crater floor is dominated by open grass land and it has a patch of woodland known as Lerai forest. This forest provides shelter for animals such as elephants, eland, monkey and various bird species.
The crater formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed some three million years ago. The Ngorongoro crater sinks to a depth of 610 metres, with a base area covering 260 square kilometres. The height of the original volcano must have ranged between 4,500 to 5,800 metres high. Apart from the main caldera, Ngorongoro also has two other volcanic craters: Olmoti and Empakai, the former famous for its stunning waterfalls, and the latter holding a deep lake and lush, green walls.
On the leeward of the Ngorongoro highlands protrudes the iconic Oldonyo Lengai, an active volcano and Tanzania’s third highest peak after Kilimanjaro and Meru. Known to local people as the Mountain of God, Mount Lengai’s last major eruption occurred in 2007. At the mountain’s foot is Lake Natron, East Africa’s major breeding ground for flamingoes.
Ngorongoro Safari Guide, Tanzania
Ngorongoro – Serengeti & Masai Mara Great Migration
During the periods of January through March, the southern Serengeti National Park and the western part of NCA (not the Ngorongoro Crater), is inhabited by an estimated 1.5 million herds of wildebeest and zebra, which is part of the greatest migration of wild ungulates (wildebeest and zebra) on earth. From as early as December the Migration starts to move into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The short grass plains here are rich in nutrition which provides the herds with the best conditions to raise their newborn. Mid-February is calving season when approximately 8,000 wildebeest are born every day for a period of approximately 3 weeks, therefore the area around Lake Ndutu on the western part of Ngorongoro is the place to be at this time of the year. About 400,000 zebra and 200,000 gazelles accompany the wildebeest along the way, making a total of over 2 million migrating animals in Ngorongoro and Serengeti National Park plains.
Tourist Attractions In Ngorongoro Park
A Ngorongoro safari holiday delivers safari at its most elemental. It rewards both first-time travellers seeking the classic Tanzania safari and seasoned enthusiasts drawn back by its sheer, uncrowded scale. Away from the well-known Serengeti – Mara River crossing points, vast tracts of the park see remarkably few vehicles, leaving room for genuine solitude even during the busiest months.
1. Lake Magadi
There are so many memorable places to visit on nature vacation in Tanzania. Within the Ngorongoro Crater itself, Lake Magadi, shallow, azure blue, fiercely alkaline from sodium carbonate, is fringed by hundreds of long-legged pink flamingos. Most are lesser flamingos, distinguished by their dark red bills, which eat blue-green spirulina algae. But there are also many greater flamingos with black-tipped pink bills, slightly bent to facilitate sifting shellfish from the rich bottom mud.
The lake shrinks noticeably in the dry season, leaving thick, crystalline salt pans used as licks by jackals, hyena and other animals to supplement their diet. Outside the Ngorongoro Crater but still within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, are many other regions well worth visiting on your safari tour to Tanzania parks.
2. Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli
Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek are also on the migratory route in the Rift Valley, not far from Olduvai Gorge, where the ancestors of mankind began the journey towards civilization, with the fabrication of the earliest tools and the building of the first human settlements. At Laetoli, hominid footprints of our genetic ancestors and their relatives, have been found in sedimentary rock of 3.7 million years old. No Tanzanian safari holiday would be complete without a guided safari tour of the excavations and modest paleoanthropological museum at Olduvai where you can also see evolutionary fossils. But we are their descendants, and in making our mother tour of Africa, we are returning to our ancestral home.
3. Olmoti Crater and Empakaai Crater
Your Ngorongoro safari tour with us holds endless & exciting possibilities. You can take gentle, guided walks to two other nearby craters. Olmoti Crater is a shallow, grassy hollow, very quiet and lovely, where Maasai pasture their cattle alongside eland, bushbuck, reedbuck and an occasional buffalo. From the south wall of the caldera, the Munge stream forms a delightful waterfall, plunging several hundred meters into the Ngorongoro crater to feed Lake Magadi. Empakaai Crater is half-filled by an unusually deep soda lake. From the rim, you can look across an exhilarating panorama of volcanic craters and depressions towards Ol Doinyo Legai, the Great African Rift Valley, and even, in super clear weather, snows on the distant Uhuru peak of Kilimanjaro. You can walk for many kilometers around the lushly forested green bowl, frequented by blue monkeys, brilliantly colored sunbirds and red-crested turaco.
4. Hadzabe Tribe
Lake Eyasi, close to Ngorongoro is still home to the Hadzabe Bushmen of East Africa who subsist entirely from the wild, communicating by clicks and whistles. Mbulu and Datoga pastoral and farming tribes, who were ousted centuries ago from lands now occupied by the Maasai, have now settled there.
Safari Guide to Ngorongoro Crater
Things To Do In Ngorongoro Crater Park
There are bucket list things to do in Ngorongoro National Park, which range from luxury experiences such as lodge safaris to less costly bush meals and nature walks or wildlife treks. The Ngorongoro Crater is best explored on a full day drive with a picnic lunch. Although the crater is phenomenal, it is always busy. By contrast, few people undertake a day trip to the beautiful and hiker-friendly Empakaai and Olmoti Craters. A visit to one of several Maasai villages within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a great way to learn about local culture, while the modern museum at Olduvai (Oldupai) Gorge provides insight into the wealth of hominin fossils discovered in the area.
1. Ngorongoro Game Drives
Go on a crater safari – descend into the crater for a full-day safari across grasslands, swamps and forest, tracking lion, elephant and rhino below the rim.
2. Olmoti Crater Walks
Take a guided walk with an armed ranger through Olmoti Crater, following ancient Maasai cattle trails to a dramatic waterfall.
3. Empakai Crater Hike
Hike into Empakai Crater to view its soda lake, often tinged pink with flamingos, framed by views toward Ol Doinyo Lengai.
4. Oldupai Gorge Museum
Visit the museum to see fossil casts and the Laetoli hominid footprints, among humanity’s most significant discoveries.
5. Ngoitokitok Spring Picnic
Enjoy a picnic lunch while hippos wallow noisily below, a favourite midday stop during a crater safari.
6. Maasai Cultural Visit
Join a highland visit to learn about pastoralist traditions that continue alongside the wildlife here.
When To Visit Ngorongoro Crater In Tanzania For A Safari
Ngorongoro Safari In November To April
Ngorongoro short rains are from November to December and the long rains from February to April, the last generally being considered the off season. However, the rainy season is a very exciting time of year as this is when animals congregate on the Short Grass Plains to have their young. Late February, early March is usually a good time to see the migration on the plains. In turn, this attracts large number of predators and results in spectacular interactions between predators and prey.
Safari To Ngorongoro From May To October
The dry season holds its own beauty. In Africa the dry season is the best time for game viewing because the animals are concentrated along permanent water sources. Within the Ngorongoro Crater game viewing is excellent during this time. However, keep in mind that the Short Grass Plains become completely devoid of game during this season. This is the best time of the year to visit Empakaai and Ndutu, which has resident game that remains around the lake all year round.
Home to Big Five Wildlife
Animals & Wildlife In Ngorongoro Park
Big Five safari in Ngorongoro: Ngorongoro crater offers Africa’s most reliable Big Five sightings, with lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and critically endangered black rhino all present.
Lion prides: Ngorongoro Lion density is exceptionally high, and prides show little regard for vehicles, often resting or hunting within metres of safari traffic.
Spotted hyena clans: Large hyena clans patrol the plains in numbers, frequently competing directly with lions for territory and prey.
Big-tusked elephants in Ngorongoro: Ancient bulls roam the crater floor, though breeding herds with calves remain in the forested highlands above.
Flamingos at Lake Magadi: Lesser flamingos gather during the October to December breeding season, alongside grey crowned cranes and secretary birds.
Prolific birdlife: More than 500 bird species have been recorded across the conservation area, from highland forest specials to alkaline lake waders.
Best Time For Wildlife Viewing In Ngorongoro Crater
Wildlife viewing is excellent in the Ngorongoro Crater throughout the year, although animals are best seen during the Dry season from June to October. The scenery of the crater is most remarkable in the Wet season during November to May, but at that time the grass might be long in places. This can interfere with seeing some of the smaller animals. March and April are the wettest months in Ngorongoro crater.
Ngorongoro Wildlife Safaris
History Of Ngorongoro Crater As The Cradle Of Mankind
Ngorongoro Conservation Area has been subject to extensive archaeological research for over 80 years and has yielded a long sequence of evidence of human evolution and human-environment dynamics, collectively extending over a span of almost four million years to the early modern era. The overall landscape of the area is seen to have the potential to reveal much more evidence concerning the rise of anatomically modern humans, modern behavior and human ecology.
Three separate tracks of small brained early upright walking Hominid Australopithecus afarensis are found at Laetoli in the west of Ngorongoro crater, the hominid footprints tracks are preserved in volcanic rock aged 3.6 million years old which represent the strongest evidence ever indicating our ability to walk upright since that period.
More advanced descendants of Laetoli’s hominids were found at Olduvai Gorge, buried in the layers of the 100 meters deep. Excavations, mainly by famous Archeologists Louis and Mary Leakey yielded four different kinds of Hominids showing gradual increase in Brain size and corresponding complexity of their Acheulean stone tools with continuous inhabitation for over a million years.
It is at Olduvai where remains of Zinjanthropus, the world’s first humans, were discovered by Dr Louis and Mary Leakey over 50 years ago. The earliest known specimens of the human genus, Homo-habilis, as well as early hominids such as Paranthropus boisei have also been found there. The Olduvai Gorge is a steep-sided ravine in the Great Rift Valley, stretching along eastern Africa.
Where To Stay In Ngorongoro Crater
Among the factors that determine some of the best places to stay on safari in Ngorongoro include the safari season and weather. Choosing the right place to stay in Ngorongoro is key to experiencing this natural wonder. Whether you prefer permanent lodges or mobile camps that follow the migration, Ngorongoro National Park offers a number of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. Here’s our best guide to the best accommodations in Ngorongoro, tailor-made to follow the wildebeest migration season. Some of the best places to stay in Ngorongoro Crater includes the following:
Accommodations on the Ngorongoro Crater rim: Ngorongoro safari lodges offer the best access to the crater floor, allowing guests to descend early before day-trippers arrive and linger after most vehicles have left. These safari lodges sit close to descent gates, pairing quick crater access with classic safari-tented styling.
Accommodations outside the Ngorongoro Crater: Further from the rim, a different pace takes over. These safari camps and lodges sits near Olmoti Crater, offering walking safaris, drives and cultural visits from a remote, atmospheric setting away from the crowds. Others are set among working coffee plantations, with strong community ties, well suited to families and longer stays.
Accommodations in Ngorongoro near Olduvai: These are for Ngorongoro visitors exploring Oldupai Gorge, Olduvai Camp and the smaller Olduvai Ndogo provide simple, well-placed bases near the museum and archaeological sites.
A Safari to Ngorongoro Crater
Best Places To Visit In Ngorongoro
When staying in Ngorongoro Crater, we recommend combining your safari to Serengeti for the wildebeest migration, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire. You can also climb the highest mountain in Africa: Mount Kilimanjaro.
Elsewhere, you may optionally extend out to other wilderness areas of Nyerere, Ruaha, Katavi, Rubondo (Lake Victoria), or Mahale – Gombe for chimpanzee safari.
Additionally, you can end your vacation at the Indian Ocean for a beach vacation and Swahili cultural tour on the exotic spice islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia or Fanjove.
Ngorongoro Safari Destinations
The following are the best Ngorongoro safari areas. These are places you will visit while on your Ngorongoro safari tour, therefore it is advisable to add more days in Ngorongoro so that you can better enjoy the wildlife experience during your Tanzania safari holiday. The Ngorongoro safari places include:
Lake Ndutu
Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek form shallow basins where water accumulates from the nearby areas of slightly higher altitude. The water in both lakes are extremely saline, too saline for human consumption. Lake Ndutu becomes alive with animals during the migration because it is surrounded by the Ndutu woodlands and the Short Grass Plains, which provide ample cover and food.
Oldonyo Lengai
Located just outside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, to the north-east near Lake Natron, this Volcano, whose Maasai name means ‘Mountain of God’, has had a major influence on the development of the area. It rises 1830m above the Valley floor. Its ash has been blown westwards onto the plains and helped shape the landscape and ecology. It is the only active volcano in the area, having erupted in 2006 and more recently July 2007.
The Shifting Sands
This remarkable black dune, composed of volcanic ash from Oldonyo Lengai, is being blown slowly westwards across the plains, at the rate of about 17 meters per year. Some 9 meters high and 100 meters long in its curve, it can be found to the north of Oldupai Gorge.
Olkarien Gorge
The Gorge is ecologically important because it is a vital nesting site of the Ruppell’s Griffon Vulture. The best time to visit Olkarien Gorge is from March to April when the vultures are breeding. This coincides with migration when there is plenty of food available.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ultimate Guide To Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Two main rifts of Lake Eyasi in the north and Lakes of Manyara and Natron in the East characterize Ngorongoro conservation Area. The two rifts meet where the nine volcanoes of the Ngorongoro highlands were formed past four million years ago, the ashes and dust from each eruption were carried north –west to form the fertile soils of Serengeti plains. To date, only Oldoinyo Lengai is active, this has resulted into beautiful formations:
The Ngorongoro crater is a giant caldera some 16-19 km in diameter with the floor lying 400–600 meters below the rim.
A spectacular narrow rock cut known as Orkarian Gorge in the Gol Mountains, is the only Ruppell’s griffon vulture-nesting site in east Africa!In the dry season, the Maasai bring their cattle into the gorge to drink water.
A spectacular tall, black dune composed of magnetic volcanic sand from Oldoinyo Lengai (Barchan) famously known as shifting sand is being blown westwards across the plains at an average of 15 meters per year.
View beautiful and iconic symmetrical cone known as Mount OldoinyoLengai – this Maasai name for the still active volcano means “Mountain of God “ where Visitors sometimes struggles up its steep slopes to visit the steaming, bubbling crater while most of them prefer to view it from the distance. It’s here in the whole world where you will be able to see the rare white natrocarbonanitite Lava emissions.
Olmoti Crater – This shallow grassy crater is a source of Munge River, which pours through a notch in the Rim in a beautiful waterfall on its way to Ngorongoro crater. There is scenic and pleasant walk from Nainokanoka through the forest up to the top of the waterfall. Majestically, the crater stands at 3100 meters above the mean sea level.
Empakaai Crater – It is a six-kilometer wide beautiful caldera containing a natural forest and a deep lake, forming a really point of scenery where from the north and eastern side you can look out to a dramatic cone of active Volcano OldoinyoLengai mountain, the Great East African Rift Valley and Lake Natron.It is possible to camp in the rim and Hike down in the crater floor, With an armed ranger (An Armed ranger is necessary because of buffalos in forests of the rim).
Best Months to Visit Ngorongoro Crater
Wildlife viewing inside the Ngorongoro Crater is excellent at all times. However, the grass on the crater floor is short during the dry season from June to October and this makes animal spotting easier. The scenery is lush and great in the wet season as from November to May. As for the best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater, consider the following months:
Ngorongoro Safari From June To September
In early June, the Ngorongoro Crater is green and lush after the long rains. The vegetation around the Ngorongoro Crater rim and on the slopes of Olmoti and Empakaai craters is thick and tangled. Up in the highlands of Ngorongoro Crater, there is always water to be found, so there is less of a fluctuation in wildlife numbers compared to Tarangire National Park. During these safari months in Ngorongoro, the days are warm and sunny, growing dustier as the season progresses due to the lack of rain. With firm accessible terrain, this is an excellent time to be exploring the conservation area on foot on a walking safari, up the slopes of Olmoti to the vantage point it provides over the beautiful Olmoti Crater interior. Or hike down the inner slopes of the Empakaai Crater, through changing vegetation bands until arriving on the crater floor to a flamingo lined lake. The floor of the Ngorongoro Crater can get very busy through this season, the number of vehicles amplified by the relatively flat surface and the contained nature of the game drive experience. However, game viewing conditions are excellent, and the experience is beyond wonderful.
Safari In Ngorongoro From October to January
Ngorongoro safari in October is usually dry and dusty in both the crater and on the plains to the west. During this month, the dry season is approaching its end, and the risk of rain grows as November approaches. The short rains bring refreshing afternoon showers, revitalizing the crater floor and prompting new growth on the grass plains in the west. In the north and central Serengeti, the migrating herds will sense the arrival of this rain and start pushing towards the southern Serengeti and western plains of Ngorongoro.
By late December in Ngorongoro, the rains have usually lessened, leaving the plains restored with fresh, nutrient rich grass – perfect for the newborn calves being dropped through January and February. Up in the Ngorongoro highlands, temperatures are cool at night while days can be warm and sunny. Tourist numbers in Ngorongoro decline, making for perfect game viewing conditions on the Ngorongoro crater floor. As the herds of the Great Migration make their way onto the grass plains, the area transforms into a teeming mass of wildebeest and zebra. This is the best time of the year to enjoy the drive from The Highlands to Olakira or Ubuntu migration camps, presenting the opportunity to marvel at the scale of this natural spectacle as you descend from the highlands towards the grass plains in the west. Calving season will see thousands of wildebeest and zebra being born each day, providing easy pickings for predators, and phenomenal photographic opportunities.
Ngorongoro Safari In February To May
Ngorongoro Crater in February continues to provide warm and sunny days throughout the conservation area, interspersed with the occasional afternoon shower. The herds of the Great Migration are still on the western plains where they birth the next generation, creating a world-class game viewing experience. Throughout March in Ngorongoro, there is a sense of approaching rains as afternoons increasingly experience cloudy conditions and the threat of rain. The long rains usually start in late March, lasting through to mid-May. During this time in Ngorongoro, there can extended periods of rainfall, turning the vegetation throughout the conservation area green, thick and lush.
The migratory herds typically start to move northwards and westwards in late March, dividing the herds as they choose their own routes. On the Ngorongoro crater floor there are very few other vehicles, creating a remarkable sense of exclusivity. Wildlife within the Ngorongoro safari park do not migrate, making it a year-round wildlife destination for those prepared to endure some wetter days. As the rain begins to fall, the wildflowers bloom, carpeting sections of the crater and the surrounding highlands with a cacophony of colour. With a taste for adventure, April and May can offer provide a unique experience at a fraction of the high season price.
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Climate & Weather In Ngorongoro Crater
The weather in Ngorongoro Crater is generally moderate and pleasant. Generally, the Ngorongoro Crater has mild climate & daytime temperatures are pleasant, but it cools down considerably at night. This is especially so on the crater rim. During the dry season from June to October safari days are mostly sunny whereas a cloudy weather and occasional rainfall are to be expected in the wet season as from November to May. Warm clothing for early morning game drives is a requirement.
The Ngorongoro Dry Season From June To October
During these months in Ngorongoro, there is lots of sunshine on the crater floor, but the rim is often covered in mist. It tends to be chilly and you’ll need warm clothing for game drives.
Planning a Ngorongoro safari in June, July, August & September – during these months, Ngorongoro afternoon temperatures are usually around 20°C/65°F on the crater floor. In the crater, sunny, cloudless skies are normal though it gets cold at night, and it can freeze on the crater rim.
A Ngorongoro safari in October – It is usually sunny, but if the short rains arrive early, they could start in late October.
The Ngorongoro Wet Season From November To May
During the wet safari months in Ngorongoro, the crater gets warmer during the day when compared to the dry safari season, although the mornings are still cold. Ngorongoro afternoon temperatures are usually around 25°C/75°F on the crater floor, while nighttime temperatures are around 10°C/45°F on the crater rim.
Ngorongoro safari in November & December – this is the arrival of ‘short rains’ – Though these rains are highly unlikely to affect your safari as it won’t rain all day. Rain showers usually happen in the afternoon. The short rains last about one month and can occur anytime in November to December.
Visiting Ngorongoro in 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 rains.
Ngorongoro safari holiday in March, April & May – the arrival of ‘long rains’ – It often rains, but it rarely lasts the entire day. April and May could experience very chilly conditions due to cold fronts.
Birds & Birding In Ngorongoro Crater
There is excellent birding to seen in the Ngorongoro Crater. Even from a great distance, you’ll see flocks of pink flamingos in Lake Magadi. Come closer, and you’ll also spot ducks, herons, storks and waders. The crater’s most noticeable grassland residents include ostrich, kori bustard, grey crowned crane, secretary bird and rosy-throated longclaw. Be careful at the picnic spot: black kites are adept at swooping down to steal people’s lunch out of their hands. The forested crater rim has its own birdlife. Specials include white-eyed slaty flycatcher, Schalow’s turaco and several high-altitude sunbird species. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
Some of the popular birds in Ngorongoro Crater include; African spoonbill, Augur buzzard, Capped wheatear, Eastern double-collared sunbird, Egyptian vulture, Fan-tailed widowbird, Greater flamingo, Hartlaub’s turaco, Hildebrandt’s francolin, Hildebrandt’s starling, Jackson’s widowbird, Kenya rufous sparrow, Kori bustard, Namaqua dove, Northern anteater chat, Red-and-yellow barbet, Rosy-throated longclaw, Rufous chatterer, Rufous-tailed weaver, Scarlet-chested sunbird, Schalow’s turaco, Schalow’s wheatear, Speke’s weaver, Verreaux’s eagle, White-eyed slaty flycatcher among others.
The Best Time For Bird Watching In Ngorongoro Crater
Bird watching in Ngorongoro Crater is good throughout the year. However, the variety is greatest from November to April when Palearctic and intra-African migrant species are present, and many resident birds are in breeding plumage. The best time to watch wildlife is during the Dry season, which is June to October.
Ngorongoro Crater Safety Tips
A trip to Ngorongoro Crater is very safe in our opinion. Crime within Tanzania’s parks and reserves is rare, and your guide will help to keep you safe. During your Serengeti safari, your safari guide will look after your safety. Always listen carefully to their instructions and follow the park rules. Serengeti wildlife viewing is generally very safe. Our professional guide will ensure your safety on a guided safari. Below are some general safety tips for Ngorongoro Park safaris:
Always keep your voice down when close to animals
Stay in the car during game drives except at designated areas where you are allowed to get out
Don’t stand up in the car, hang out of the window or sit on the roof
Stay together as a group close to your guide on a walking safari and always walk in single file
Never run or jog in a wildlife area as it entices predators to attack
Never walk between a hippo and water; it may panic and charge because its safety route to the water is blocked
Never leave food in your tent; it will attract wildlife
Cover your arms and legs in the evening and use insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes
Wear a hat, use sunscreen and drink plenty of water
Don’t wear bright and colorful clothes or too much perfume, especially on walking safaris
In tsetse-fly areas it is recommended not to wear dark-colored clothing, such as black or dark blue, since it attracts these stinging flies
Bring warm clothes for morning game drives in open vehicles
Questions About Best Ngorongoro Safaris
Q. Can You See The Big Five In Ngorongoro Crater?
Yes, you can see the big five animals in Ngorongoro. The Big Five, lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, can be reliably found within the crater itself, one of the few places in Africa offering such consistent sightings in a single, compact area. Beyond the crater rim, across the wider conservation area, sightings become far less predictable.
Q. When Is The Best Time To See The Great Migration Calving Season?
Wildebeest calving typically occurs between January and March on the short-grass plains around Lake Ndutu and southern Ngorongoro. Over this period, huge numbers of calves are born within a short window, drawing intense predator activity across the plains.
Q. When Is The Best Time To Visit Ngorongoro Crater?
Ngorongoro delivers strong wildlife viewing year-round, since the crater supports a large resident population regardless of season. You can spot wildlife on the crater floor at any time of the year. But the viewing is better in the Dry season from June to October, when the grass is short and smaller animals are easier to see. Also, mist and rainfall is less likely to interfere with your safari at this time.
Q. Can You Walk In The Ngorongoro Crater?
Walking is not permitted on the main Ngorongoro crater floor, but guided walks accompanied by an armed ranger are available in Olmoti and Empakai craters, offering a completely different, more immersive way to experience the wider highlands on foot.
Q. How Many Days Should I Spend In Ngorongoro?
Two (2) night’s stay is enough for a safari in Ngorongoro Crater, as most travellers combine a morning or full-day crater safari with time exploring the wider conservation area, such as Oldupai Gorge or the Olmoti and Empakai craters. Two to three nights allows for a crater descent alongside these additional highland experiences.
Q. How Much Does A Ngorongoro Safari Cost?
A private safari to Ngorongoro cost from US$700 per person, per night, depending on the accommodation comfort level, time of year and activities. This price usually includes accommodation, all meals, game drives, experienced guides, airport transfers, and 24/7 support from our team.
Ngorongoro Safari Planning
Q. What type of clothes do I wear on Ngorongoro safari?
Pack lightweight, comfortable, and casual clothing for a Ngorongoro holiday safari, including long sleeves, pants, comfortable closed-toe shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and layers for cooler mornings and evenings on game drives. For more details, we suggest you do your own safari packing essentials and find out what fits your interests.
Browse our safari clothing packing advice on what to pack for your African tour:
- Lightweight trousers /shorts and t-shirts remain ideal for the daytime drives.
- Lightweight jacket / fleece for the early mornings and evenings.
- Remember to also pack some warm socks and a woolly hat would be suggested for early morning and evening game drives.
- Hiking shoes
Other items we would suggest you bring along with you include:
- Sunscreen glasses & hat/cap
- Comfy Shoes / Sandals
- Flip Flops to wear during the day
- A Torch / Lamp
- Binoculars
- Phone/laptop charger
- Pack your medication, and a spare set of spectacles or contact lenses if you wear these.
Q. What is the best time to see the Masai Mara wildebeest migration in Kenya?
The best time to witness the dramatic Masai Mara wildebeest migration in Kenya is typically between mid-July through mid-September where your chances of witnessing a river crossing are generally much higher. In early October marks the end of the herd crossing the river from Kenya down into Tanzania, as thunderstorms begin in the north the herds will embark on their return journey back to the Serengeti.
Checkout our Migration safari offers.
Q. Kenya Vs Tanzania: Which Is Better for an African Safari?
Choosing between Kenya and Tanzania for an African safari depends on personal preferences, BUT Kenya is the most chosen being cost & budget friendly during both high and low seasons. Secondly, when it comes to the best places to stay in Kenya and Tanzania, both destinations offer fantastic accommodations. Thirdly in terms of Big 5 sightings, the wildebeest migration & general game viewing, both destinations are safari heavyweights. In terms of privacy and extending your safari beyond game drives, there are more private conservancies in Kenya than Tanzania which offer you plenty of activities inside the park.
Lastly, Kenya safari is the most sought-after destination for the world’s best safari experiences, evident from the large number of celebrities visiting year in year out.
Q. Will I have a private vehicle or shared game drives with other people?
We tend to enforce a maximum person per vehicle policy of 6. Meaning, although you’ll be sharing with other guests, everyone will get a side-view seat with unhindered views.
Some trips are designed in such a way that a private vehicle and guide are included for a portion of the trip, but the use of a private vehicle throughout your safari comes at an additional cost.
Q. How many days do you need for an Africa safari?
The ideal duration for an East Africa safari package often ranges from 5 to 14 days, this allows you to enjoy a comfortable and a well-rounded rewarding safari experience during this African tour package. It also depends on the destinations you will visit, wildlife interests, and personal preferences.
Q. What do I do in case of an emergency?
We have a 24 hour emergency line. If anything goes south, we’re ready to assist you regardless of time or date.
Q. Are there malaria mosquito nets in Africa safari tented camps?
Many tented camps in Africa provide fitted mosquito nets in all rooms which are also insect proofed to protect you against malaria mosquito bites and other insect bites, ensuring a comfortable and safe stay.
It’s also advisable to carry insect repellent to further protect yourself especially in the outdoors during evenings.
Q. Is there Wi-Fi at the safari lodges & tented camps on safari?
Almost all Africa safari lodges and tented camp accommodations during your safari provide free Wi-Fi. You’ll find this available in all three accommodation levels – comfort or luxury accommodations.
Wi-Fi is provided in the public areas of the safari lodges/tented camps including the reception, dining areas, and lounge. It is not provided in the individual rooms/tents.
Moreover, because you will be inside a wilderness park, we still request that you come prepared with your own network data to avoid any inconveniences.
Ngorongoro Safari Payment Methods
Q. Do you provide drinking water on safari?
East Africa is within the tropics and near the Equator, separating the northern and southern hemispheres. The tropical temperatures are relatively high on the safari route and even within the national parks/game reserves.
Because you’ll need to frequently hydrate during your safari, we ensure unlimited supplies of drinking water.
All Vulture Africa Safari vehicles are fitted with a cooler box or mini fridge with a constant supply of cool, bottled water.
We replenish our supplies of drinking water during stops along the safari route.
Here’s everything you need to know about packing for your Africa safari trip.
Q. Are mosquito nets provided in safari lodge rooms/tents?
We carefully research and choose our selection of top safari lodges and tented camps to offer the best in terms of comfort, relaxation, amenities, and atmosphere during your safari.
We fully understand the need for your protection against mosquitos and other insects.
All rooms/tents during your safari are fitted with mosquito nets or are insect-proofed to protect you against bites.
Tented camp showing bedroom with mosquito nets
You are also advised to use insect repellent to further protect yourself especially outdoors in the evenings.
Q. Is it possible to store excess luggage while on safari?
Vulture African Safaris understands that your holiday travel may be lengthy and could involve different activities during your trip. You may find the need to store some of your luggage at various times.
You can safely store your extra luggage at our Nairobi office for safekeeping until you have completed your safari.
This is a free service extended to all our safari guests.
Packing luggage for an East African safari holiday tour
Additionally, our 4×4 safari Jeeps accommodate generous luggage space in its rear luggage compartment.
Q. Do you handle requests for special dietary needs?
Kenya and Tanzania welcomes visitors from all over the world and their diverse diet preferences. These preferences may be due to religious beliefs, lifestyles, or health concerns.
The menus in all safari lodges & tented camps are continental cuisine however, vegetarian, kosher, halal, gluten-free, etc. meals are also provided.
We request you indicate your special diet needs during safari booking/confirmation.