Ngorongoro National Park

“The real wealth of the Nation lies in the resources of the earth – soil, water, forests, minerals, and wildlife.”

Overview
Ngorongoro National Park.

Visiting the Ngorongoro Crater is a once-in-a-lifetime experience due to the exceptional concentration and diversity of wildlife found there. It's not uncommon to witness the Big Five in a single day against the stunning backdrop of the 1,968-foot high crater wall, making it a truly remarkable setting.

High Season

July to Much (The park is too crowded)

Size

8,292km² / 3,202mi²

Altitude

1,027-3,522 m / 3,369-11,555ft

Best Time to Go

June to September (General wildlife viewing is best)

Best
Time to Visit Ngorongoro National Park.

Wildlife can be observed on the crater floor throughout the year, but during the Dry season (June to October), the visibility is enhanced as the undergrowth recedes, and animals tend to gather near waterholes and rivers. In the Wet season (November to May), the scenery is lush and magnificent, but animal spotting can be more challenging due to the longer grass. The only benefits of the wetter months are lower visitor numbers and off-peak accommodation rates. Nonetheless, wildlife viewing in Ngorongoro Crater is exceptional throughout the year.

Weather & Climate

The climate in Ngorongoro varies with altitude. The crater itself, located at a higher elevation, experiences cold temperatures at night, particularly near the rim. On the other hand, the greater conservation area remains warm. The Dry season (June to October) is characterized by clear skies, while the Wet season (November to May) features two rainy periods separated by a brief dry spell. Ngorongoro CA has a mild, temperate climate, with two Wet seasons: the 'short' rains occur from October to November, followed by the 'long rains' from March to May. Rainfall typically comes in short showers.

Landscape/View

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is renowned for its breathtaking beauty. While the Ngorongoro Crater is a well-known attraction, the Empakaai and Olmoti craters are also stunning highlights. Flocks of flamingos are a common sight at both the Ngorongoro and Empakaai craters. The forested crater rim of the Ngorongoro Crater is a striking contrast to the grassy crater floor. Additionally, the Lerai forest, a magnificent yellow fever tree forest, adds to the area's charm and atmosphere.

Wildlife

The Ngorongoro Crater boasts some of the finest wildlife viewing opportunities in Africa, with significant numbers of all the major safari animals. The resident population of black rhino is a highlight, as these creatures are notoriously difficult to spot elsewhere in Tanzania. The crater is also home to some impressive elephant bulls with enormous tusks, and Lake Magadi often sees large flocks of flamingos. Notably, the black rhino is a real gem of the crater, as it usually prefers thick vegetation and is hard to see in Tanzania. However, in the crater, the rhinos have a predictable routine of spending their nights in the Lerai forest and their days in the open grasslands. The density of spotted hyenas is extraordinary, and black-backed and golden jackals are similarly common in the crater.

Pros&

Cons

An excellent location for observing predators.
Outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities available throughout the year.
The black rhino is readily visible.
There are outstanding mid-range and luxury lodges located on the crater rim.
Accommodation on the crater rim provides excellent views overlooking the crater.
A visit to a Masai village for a cultural experience is offered.
The crater experiences high levels of congestion throughout the year.
The cost of admission to the crater is quite high.

Tours and safari to Ngorongoro Crater.

STONE TOWN TOUR

Days: 1 DayNights: 0 NightsCountry: TanzaniaStarting point: Zanzibar CityEnding point: Zanzibar CityTour Type: Luxury, Group & BudgetDestination: Stone Town

DOLPHIN TOUR

Days: 1 DayNights: 0 NightsCountry: TanzaniaStarting point: Zanzibar South & CentralEnding point: Zanzibar South & CentralTour Type: Budget, Luxury & GroupDestination: Zanzibar Island

PRISON ISLAND TOUR

Days: 1 DayNights: 0 NightsCountry: TanzaniaStarting point: Stone TownEnding point: Stone TownTour Type: Luxury, Group & BudgetDestination: Prison Island

MAFIA ISLAND

Days: 3 DayNights: 2 NightsCountry: TanzaniaStarting point: Zanzibar Or Dar es salaamEnding point: Zanzibar Or Dar es salaamTour Type: Group, Lodge & Mid RangeDestination: Mafia Island

THANDA ISLAND

Days: 1 DayNights: 0 NightsCountry: TanzaniaStarting point: Thanda IslandEnding point: Zanzibar CityTour Type: Luxury, Group & BudgetDestination: Thanda Island

JOZAN FOREST TOUR

Days: 1 DayNights: 0 NightsCountry: TanzaniaStarting point: Zanzibar South & CentralEnding point: Zanzibar South & CentralTour Type: Private, Budget & Mid RangeDestination: Jozani Forest