Best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater

Best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater, Wildlife observation in the Ngorongoro Crater is exceptional throughout the entire year. The Best time to visit the park is during the dry season, which commences in June and continues through July, August, and September, as numerous creatures are observable during this period.

Summary of Best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater

The best months for visitation are June, followed by July, August, and September.

Peak Season: Throughout the majority of the year, particularly from July to March, the Crater experiences a significant influx of visitors.

Low Season: April and May, characterized by minimal visitor presence.

Best Weather Conditions: June to October due to reduced precipitation

Adverse weather conditions: March to April, as it coincides with the peak of the wet season.

June to October constitutes the Dry Season.

Best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater, Currently, wildlife observation is facilitated by sparse vegetation, as animals typically congregate near the numerous water holes and rivers. Precipitation is minimal and may be nonexistent, despite abundant sunshine. The likelihood of contracting malaria is limited due to the scarcity of mosquitoes. During this season, the Ngorongoro Crater is inundated with tourists. The mornings and evenings are cold; therefore, we advise guests embarking on early morning game drives to bring appropriate clothing.

November through May constitutes the Wet Season.

Although wildlife is readily observable from June to September, this remarkable Crater offers exceptional game viewing throughout the entire year. I possess a gorgeous green landscape. The low season occurs in April and May, characterized by a decrease in tourist numbers and potentially reduced hotel charges. These months represent the optimal period for observing birds, as several migratory species inhabit the park. In March, April, and May, brief rain showers occur, and your afternoons will be disrupted by storms.

The wet season reaches its zenith from March to May.

The nights are frigid, as are the mornings. It is advisable to pack warm clothing.

The leeward side of the Ngorongoro highlands features the enduring Oldonyo Lengai, an active volcano and the third tallest peak after Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. Commonly known as the ‘Mountain of God,’ the most recent significant eruption of Mt. Lengai transpired in 2007. At the base of this mountain lies the exquisite Lake Natron, a primary nesting ground for the magnificent flamingos.

The term Ngorongoro originates from the Maasai word ‘llkorongoro’, signifying a cohort of Maasai warriors that subdued the previous inhabitants of the region, the Datong, in the 1800s. The Datong surpassed their predecessors, the Hadzabe, who were a hunting and gathering society. The term Ilkorongoro originates from the rumbling noises of the bells ‘koh-rohng-roh’ worn by the Maasai people during their preparations for battle, from which the name ‘Ngorongoro’ was ultimately derived.

Comparison of the climate of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to that of the Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area has a vast expanse with altitudes varying from 1009 to 3645 meters or 3310 to 1959 feet. The bulk of individuals mostly visit the famous Ngorongoro Crater. Visitors reside in lodges or campsites located on the crater’s periphery and explore the crater floor to observe diverse wildlife. The rim, at roughly 2300 meters (8530 feet), and the crater floor, at around 1700 meters (5577 feet), are situated at a greater height and are generally colder than the surrounding conservation area. The temperature decreases by roughly 6.5°C for every 1000 meters of elevation gained (or by 3.5°F for each 1000 feet). The temperature variation is more pronounced at night. Afternoons near the base of the crater are quite enjoyable; however, conditions deteriorate significantly at night. The crater’s rim experiences significant precipitation.

General climatic conditions in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area possesses a temperate climate of moderate characteristics. The crater experiences two primary seasons: the short rains commence in October and conclude at the end of November, while the long rains occur from March until the end of May. Typically, rain occurs as intermittent showers accompanied by thunder in the afternoon, however continuous rainfall throughout the day would be unusual. The temperature is consistently mild during the day; nevertheless, the crater’s rim becomes frigid and may even reach freezing temperatures at night. Warm clothing is necessary for a game drive in the early morning.

Dry season (occurs from June to October)

June, July, August, September, and October

Best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater, Afternoon temperatures often average around 19°C and 66°F near the crater’s floor. The weather is predominantly bright, however the ‘brief rains’ may commence as early as October. The temperature drops significantly at night, potentially resulting in freezing conditions at the crater’s rim. Consequently, we highly advise that you bring warm clothing while embarking on a game drive in the early morning.

The wet season commences in November and extends through May.

The days are significantly warmer than during the dry season; yet, the mornings remain comparably cold. Afternoon temperatures often reach approximately 23°C/73°F near the crater’s base, while they decrease to around 6°C/43°F above the crater’s rim. Occasionally, you may encounter frigid weather.

November and December – (Brief precipitation)

The rains are unlikely to impact your safari, as precipitation does not occur over the entire day. Precipitation typically occurs in the afternoon. The ‘brief rains’ last about a month and often occur between October and December.

January and February

During the wet season, an unforeseen dry period occurs.

March, April, and May – ‘The Extended Precipitation Period’

At this juncture, humidity reaches its zenith. Most days will experience rain, though it will not persist throughout the entire day. The mean maximum and minimum temperatures are 21°C (70°F) at the crater floor and 6°C (43°F) near the crater rim. Due to the cold front, cooler temperatures may occur in April and May.