Best Time to Visit – Ngorongoro Crater

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Tanzania.

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

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

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).

Best Time June to September (General wildlife viewing is best)
High Season Most of the year – July to March (The Ngorongoro Crater will have crowds of visitors)
Low Season April and May (The only time when the crater has few crowds)
Best Weather June to October (Rainfall is little to none)
Worst Weather March and April (Peak of Wet season)

June to October –Dry Season

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

Wildlife Photos

View Photos (19)
+17 Photos Want to Visit

November to May –Wet Season

  • 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
  • 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

Wildlife Photos
+17 Photos

Best Time to Go to Tanzania by Major Park

Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor

Want to Visit Ngorongoro Crater?