"This 8,292km2 eastern annex to the world-famous Serengeti protects a vast tract of short-grass plains that rises to meet the chilly Ngorongoro Highlands in the west. Its centrepiece is the wondrous Ngorongoro Crater, which is not only the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, but also forms an extraordinary natural wildlife sanctuary supporting dense populations of all the Big Five. ”

- Philip Briggs

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PLAN MY JOURNEY

Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area

When it comes to scenic backdrops, few game-drive venues stand comparison to the Ngorongoro Crater.

Enclosed on all sides by tall sheer cliffs, the grassy crater floor – punctuated with ethereal fever-tree forests and shallow lakes tinged pink by thousands of flamingos – is traversed by countless herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, gazelle and other grazers.

The world’s densest populations of lion and spotted hyena stalk the crater floor, along with some truly imposing old tuskers, while a population of 30-odd Critically Endangered black rhinos makes it the best place in Tanzania to see this prehistoric browser.

There is more to Ngorongoro Conservation Area than its namesake crater. Oldupai Gorge is where, back in 1959, Mary Leakey discovered the first Australopithecine fossil to push the known timeframe of human evolution back more than a million years. Nearby Lake Ndutu becomes the focal point of the Serengeti wildebeest migration over the calving season, which peaks in February.

And it is all given a rich cultural dimension by the continued presence of the red-robed Maasai pastoralists who live within the conservation area and are frequently seen herding their cattle alongside the wildlife.

- Philip Briggs

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

When to go

Find out when is best to visit

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DRY SEASON

A brief dry interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March. Temperatures are generally very pleasant – around 23°C/73°F on the crater floor at midday. The altitude of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area can, however, make this ‘dry season’ fairly unpredictable.

The proximity of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) to the equator means that it has consistent temperatures throughout the year. Its high altitude (1,027/3,522m or 3,369/11,555ft) means that these temperatures are generally on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of 1,700m/5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a significant climatic difference between regions within the NCA; for every 1,000 meters ascended, there is a drop of around 6.5°C (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet). We highly recommend wearing layers to allow for these changes in temperature. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so make sure to pack winter clothing for morning activities.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.

Ngorongoro is excellent for game-viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and occasional strong winds at the higher altitudes. Visitor numbers are, however, lower, and the game-viewing remains strong.

DRY SEASON

A brief dry interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March. Temperatures are generally very pleasant – around 23°C/73°F on the crater floor at midday. The altitude of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area can, however, make this ‘dry season’ fairly unpredictable.

The proximity of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) to the equator means that it has consistent temperatures throughout the year. Its high altitude (1,027/3,522m or 3,369/11,555ft) means that these temperatures are generally on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of 1,700m/5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a significant climatic difference between regions within the NCA; for every 1,000 meters ascended, there is a drop of around 6.5°C (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet). We highly recommend wearing layers to allow for these changes in temperature. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so make sure to pack winter clothing for morning activities.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.

Ngorongoro is excellent for game-viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and occasional strong winds at the higher altitudes. Visitor numbers are, however, lower, and the game-viewing remains strong.

DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION

The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. We would, therefore, recommend bringing waterproof clothing to allow for periods of wet weather.

The proximity of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) to the equator means that it has consistent temperatures throughout the year. Its high altitude (1,027/3,522m or 3,369/11,555ft) means that these temperatures are generally on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of 1,700m/5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a significant climatic difference between regions within the NCA; for every 1,000 meters ascended, there is a drop of around 6.5°C (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet). We highly recommend wearing layers to allow for these changes in temperature. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so make sure to pack winter clothing for morning activities.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.

Ngorongoro is excellent for game-viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and occasional strong winds at the higher altitudes. Visitor numbers are, however, lower, and the game-viewing remains strong.

DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION

The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. We would, therefore, recommend bringing waterproof clothing to allow for periods of wet weather.

The proximity of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) to the equator means that it has consistent temperatures throughout the year. Its high altitude (1,027/3,522m or 3,369/11,555ft) means that these temperatures are generally on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of 1,700m/5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a significant climatic difference between regions within the NCA; for every 1,000 meters ascended, there is a drop of around 6.5°C (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet). We highly recommend wearing layers to allow for these changes in temperature. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so make sure to pack winter clothing for morning activities.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.

Ngorongoro is excellent for game-viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and occasional strong winds at the higher altitudes. Visitor numbers are, however, lower, and the game-viewing remains strong.

WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'

The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. We would, therefore, recommend bringing waterproof clothing to allow for periods of wet weather.

Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min

Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.

DRY SEASON

This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. This is a fantastic time to visit!

Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min

Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.

DRY SEASON

This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. This is a fantastic time to visit!

Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min

Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.

DRY SEASON

This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. This is a fantastic time to visit!

Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min

Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.

DRY SEASON

This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. This is a fantastic time to visit!

Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min

Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.

DRY SEASON

This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. This is a fantastic time to visit!

Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min

Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.

WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'

Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a great time to visit, however make sure to bring waterproof clothing to allow for periods of wet weather.

Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min

Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.

WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'

Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a great time to visit, however make sure to bring waterproof clothing to allow for periods of wet weather.

Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min

Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.

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