About Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge
Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge is a lovely lodge just outside of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Set in 750 acres of private farmland, it is comfortable, well laid out and has some excellent views over the farm and across to Oldeani Volcano. The lodge offers good-value accommodation, and is a good base for visiting both the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park.
Ngorongoro Farmhouse has a rustic, countryside feel, which is very appealing. We felt that the interiors do not quite live up to the promise of the exterior, but the lodge is still a welcoming and friendly, and comparatively affordable, spot to base yourself to trips to the crater.
Our view
Ngorongoro Farmhouse has a rustic, countryside feel, which is very appealing. We felt that the interiors do not quite live up to the promise of the exterior, but the lodge is still a welcoming and friendly, and comparatively affordable, spot to base yourself to trips to the crater.
Tanzania expert
Accommodation
52 Bedrooms
Children
Good for children.
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Mountain biking
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge
18 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 29 pictures of Farmhouse Lodge to get the candid view.
View gallerySafaris visiting Farmhouse Lodge
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you
Hadeda Ibis Guided Safari
7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This great-value safari, in a private 4WD with your own driver-guide, journeys through the stunning landscapes of northern Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley, focusing on its three top national parks.
Visiting Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and 1 other area
US$4,980 - US$6,110 per person
Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge: Our full report
Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge is a lovely lodge just outside of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Set in 750 acres of private farmland, it is comfortable, well laid out and has some excellent views over the farm and across to Oldeani Volcano. The lodge offers good-value accommodation, and is a good base for visiting both the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park.
The lodge is still a fully functional farm – they grow their own wheat and the organic garden produces a lot of the vegetables used in the food. The farm is also home to cows, pigs and sheep, and the farm roasts and grinds their own coffee.
Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge, as the name suggests, very much feels like a farmhouse - as you arrive at the lodge, you are greeted with large, open grassy lawns that stretch across to the main areas. Behind is a small forest and rows of colourful flowers.
Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge has 52 rooms (big by our usual standards), but as the rooms are so spread out, and trees camouflage many, it doesn't seem like there are as many rooms as there really are. The downside is that it can be a very long walk between many of the rooms and the main area.
The central areas at Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge are spacious, clean and comfortable. The restaurant and lounge area is situated inside a large, single-storey farmhouse-style building with white-washed walls and a thatched roof. Inside, red-tiled floors, wrought-iron chandeliers and bare brick fireplaces complete the effect - it feels like an old colonial farm.
The majority of the inside space is set out for dining, with individual tables varying in size, though corners with comfortable white sofas act as lounge areas, and there's a coffee table topped with wildlife and anthropological books.
The bar is made with painted white brick and a polished wood top. A great place to enjoy a drink is on the deck outside. A warming fire is lit each night, which due to the cool air at the base of the Crater Highlands is very welcome. From the deck you can see right out across the farm and watch the sunset.
Ngorongoro Farmhouse also has its own coffee bar where guests can go for cappuccinos and lattes made from locally grown coffee. The coffee is also roasted and ground on site, which creates a wonderfully rich coffee aroma in the bar.
During the day, the large 3m-deep swimming pool is a welcome place to relax and swim, with sunloungers and plenty of shade. Children will also enjoy the volleyball and croquet that are often set up on the lawns.
Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge also has an extensive and well-stocked gift shop selling souvenirs. There are carvings, jewellery, clothes, maps and art for sale.
The cottages are scattered amongst pretty gardens and woodland surrounded by colourful flowerbeds. A long stone pathway leads back to the main areas in front of the rooms; the back of the rooms face onto farmland. There are three suites and forty-nine standard rooms (six of which are interconnecting family rooms). They are all decorated and designed in the same way – with high 'barn style' wooden beamed ceilings, polished concrete floors and a central brick fireplace.
Each bedroom has a wooden four-poster bed, covered by a white mosquito net, a couple of armchairs and a coffee table. The term 'coffee table' is taken quite literally here as the top of the carved wooden table actually contains real coffee beans! The rooms are neat and spacious but they lack decoration and colour and feel rather empty as a result. There seems little point to upgrade to one of the suites, as the main difference between them is the size of the room, which due to the lack of decoration makes the suites feel even sparser. Read more about the cottages at the bottom of this page.
The bathrooms are decorated with white tiled walls and a red tilled floor. There's a walk in shower, flush toilet and ceramic sink. The bathroom is clean and bright but functional rather than stylish.
Activities mainly focus on visits of Lake Manyara National Park or the Ngorongoro Crater, which is usually done with your own private driver/guide. If you decide to spend a morning or an afternoon at the lodge, then you can go on a nature walk around the farm and explore the coffee plantations; there is also a vegetable garden onsite. Or indulge in a massage at the spa. Each evening the lodge is visited by a local dance troop who perform in the garden.
Geographics
- Location
- Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- Spend two nights at Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge if you want to have a full day exploring the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. However, if you want to use this lodge as a base to explore Lake Manyara National Park as well, then spend at least three nights here.
- Directions
- Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge is situated just 5kms from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, near to the small town of Karatu. It takes approximately three hours to drive here from Arusha. Alternatively, fly to Manyara airstrip and then drive for 45 minutes to reach the lodge.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- When we were last at the Ngorongoro Farmhouse in we did not get a chance to sample the food. However, the manager explained in great detail what the lodge offered.
This includes flexible timings around guests activities, in door and outdoor dining, and fresh produce grown on the farm. We also saw the team setting up the buffet for lunch and the food looked very tasty.
Breakfast usually consists of fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt and also a cooked breakfast. You can order the cooked breakfast with eggs cooked as you like them. You can also try some of the Arabica coffee which is grown on site.
For lunch you will probably want to head out on an all day safari and not have to return to the lodge. If this is the case, Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge can prepare a packed lunch for you, which usually consists of a sandwich and a few nibbly things such as cake, peanuts, hard boiled eggs or maybe barbequed chicken.
If you do decide to return to the lodge for lunch, you can expect either a buffet or a set four-course meal depending on the day's menu.
Dinner is then a slightly more formal affair – with a set menu of four courses. This is made mostly from fresh produce prepared on the farm. To accompany dinner is a very extensive wine list, with wines mainly from South Africa. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge will happily do room service at no additional cost – there are phones in the rooms.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included in the standard rooms at the Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge. A beer is around $6, a soft drink / soda is $3, whilst a glass of wine is $6. If you are staying in a suite the most drinks are included, with the exception of premium wines and spirits.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- Ngorongoro Farmhouse is a good-value base without age restrictions for Tanzania family holidays - and as it’s a working farm its quite fun! There are extensive lawns, plenty of animals, a pool, highchairs and games like volleyball!
- See ideas for Family holidays in Tanzania
- Walking
- Spend an extra night at Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge to include a day of walking in the Crater Highlands. This is an excellent opportunity to discover to landscape up close and learn about the local flora and fauna with a guide and armed ranger.
- See ideas for Walking in Tanzania
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome at Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions at Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge.
- Special activities & services
- When we last visited Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge, we felt that it was a really welcoming lodge that had a number of facilities geared towards families. This includes all of the games, cots and even high chairs which were designed to look like giraffes! Be aware that there are no specialised babysitting services.
- Equipment
- They have cots and high chairs available.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes
- Notes
- When we last visited Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge, we felt that it was a really welcoming lodge that had a number of facilities geared towards families. This includes all of the games, cots and even high chairs which were designed to look like giraffes!
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Farmhouse Lodge
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
75% success
75% success
75% success
75% success
75% success
57% success
50% success
43% success
38% success
25% success
13% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is 24-hour electricity at Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge and there are plugs in all of the rooms so that guests can charge their devices. Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge has a back-up generator if needed.
- Communications
- Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge has internet which is available to guests. There is intermittent mobile phone reception around the lodge. There are phones in the rooms, which are for internal use only.
- TV & radio
- The lodge has a TV in the conference room.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- Bottled drinking water is supplied.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is a first-aid kit in reception and the nearest hospital is in nearby Karatu.
- Dangerous animals
- Moderate Risk
- Security measures
- Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge has a gated entrance, and there are Askaris on duty 24/7.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers dotted around the lodge and in all of the rooms - members of the staff have been trained how to use them.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Mountain biking
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- All items of clothes can be washed here – please note that there is an additional cost for this.
- Money
- Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge cannot offer any kind of currency exchange.
- Accepted payment on location
- When you settle your tab at Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge, you can pay using US dollars, pounds sterling, Tanzanian shillings and euros cash. You can also use Visa and Mastercard; there is no surcharge for card payments. Please note that AMEX is not accepted.
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Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Farmhouse Lodge.
Excursions from Farmhouse Lodge
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Farmhouse Lodge. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Crater Rim Walk
Half day - two hour walk
For some fantastic views, and the chance to see flora and fauna up close, take a walk along the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. Led by an experienced safari guide and accompanied by an armed ranger, you will be able to take in the scale and beauty of the landscape from a different perspective.
More about Crater Rim Walk
Empakaai Crater Hike
Half day, two - three hour walk
Spend a half day hiking through the Empakaai Crater, in the Highlands area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), led by an experienced guide and accompanied by a ranger.
More about Empakaai Crater Hike
Lake Manyara Safari
Half-day or full-day
Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park makes a great safari destination. Here, along with elephant herds and plains game, you’ll find jungle-like forests that are home to blue monkeys, a soda lake tinged pink by flamingos and some of Tanzania’s best birding.
More about Lake Manyara Safari
Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway
Usually one hour
Experience the forest of Lake Manyara National Park from a whole new perspective – high up in the trees. The first suspended walkway in Tanzania, it stretches underneath the canopy for 370m between the mahogany and fig trees, giving intrepid visitors a unique view of the surrounding flora and fauna.
More about Manyara Treetop Walk
Mto Wa Mbu Village Walk
Two to three hours
Discover the nuances of day-to-day life in the large Tanzanian village of Mto Wa Mbu with a knowledgeable local guide. This is not a village set up for tourists – Mto Wa Mbu is a real community and offers a chance to see a side of Tanzania that many visitors pass by.
More about Village Walk
Olduvai Gorge visit
One - two hours
See for yourself the renowned archaeological site of Olduvai (or Oldupai) Gorge, which lies en route between the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park. Famed for the discoveries of early hominin remains as well as the Laetoli Footprints, the site offers beautiful views, an engaging museum and potentially the opportunity to visit an active dig.
More about Olduvai Gorge visit
Olmoti Crater walk
Half day - two to three hour walk
Follow an ancient Maasai cattle trail on this private hike up the Olmoti Crater, led by an experienced guide and accompanied by an armed ranger. The crater may not compete in size with the neighbouring Ngorongoro Crater, but the birding is good, the mountain views wonderful, and the array of ferns is a botanist’s dream.
More about Olmoti Crater walk
Safari in Ngorongoro Crater
Typically a full day
To drive into the Ngorongoro Crater is to immerse yourself in a renowned wildlife park. Prides of lion and clans of hyena patrol amongst herds of zebra, wildebeest and Thomson’s gazelle, whilst flocks of crowned cranes keep out the way of jackals. Come for elephants with big tusks, too. And then there are the rhino…
More about Ngorongoro Crater safariOther lodges in Ngorongoro Crater
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Plantation Lodge
A relaxed base between Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara, Plantation Lodge has lush grounds and offers good value and high standards.
Gibbs Farm
Located not far from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Gibb's Farm has comfy rooms, homegrown food and strong community links
Lemala Ngorongoro
Lemala Ngorongoro is a small, comfortable tented camp on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater with lovely walking in the vicinity.
Entamanu Ngorongoro
Opened in 2016, Entamanu Ngorongoro is a small camp high on the Crater rim with views towards the crater and the plains of the Serengeti.
Crater Lodge
The ultra-luxurious Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is perched in a spectacular location on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater.
The Highlands
The Highlands is a unique camp near Olmoti Crater, north of Ngorongoro, offering drives, walks and cultural visits from a beautiful remote setting.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Situated on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, with outstanding views, the Sopa Lodge is a somewhat dated, international-style hotel.
Rhino Lodge
Rhino Lodge is a simple, good-value lodge with a great location near the crater rim, in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Rhotia Valley Ttd. Lodge
Rhotia Valley is a simple lodge with a strong commitment to the local community, including a children's home, which guests may visit.
Ngorongoro Serena
The large, hotel-like Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge sits on the western rim of Ngorongoro Crater and has stunning views of the caldera.
Bougainvillea Lodge
Bougainvillea Safari Lodge provides an economical base from which to visit Lake Manyara or the Ngorongoro Crater.
The Manor
The Manor is a smart, family-friendly Cape-Dutch-style lodge, offering high-quality service and food in very comfortable surroundings.
Neptune Ngorongoro
Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge is a smart hilltop lodge with log-style cottages set close to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Wildlife Lodge
Stay at the Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge while on road safari in Northern Tanzania's spectacular Ngorongoro Crater area.
Crater's Edge
Craters Edge is an intimate luxury property on the north-eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Lion's Paw
Located on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, this camp has stunning panoramic views down onto the crater floor. A five minute drive to the nearest descent gate allows for early access into the crater, maximising on avoiding the large crowds
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp
A small tented camp, located on the eastern side of the Ngorongoro Crater rim, with a five minute drive to crater descent gate.
Ngorongoro Fly-Camp
Explore the remote northern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater on a two-day hike and spend the night in this small fly-camp.
Country Lodge
Country Lodge is conveniently located on the edge of Karatu and provides a comfortable base for exploring Ngorongoro Crater or Lake Manyara.
When to go to Ngorongoro Crater
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Farmhouse Lodge in Ngorongoro Crater
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Ngorongoro Crater in January
January marks the start of the short dry season. The Ngorongoro Crater floor is teeming with wildlife, offering excellent game viewing opportunities. The calving season for wildebeest begins in the nearby Ndutu Plains, attracting predators and providing exciting wildlife spectacles. Birdlife is vibrant, with both resident and migratory species present. The Lerai Fever Tree Forest is lush, attracting elephants and various bird species.
While the crater can be busy due to the New Year period, it quietens down later in the month. The Olduvai Gorge archaeological site is less crowded, allowing for a more intimate exploration of human evolution history. January offers good value for visitors, with pleasant weather and diverse wildlife sightings across the conservation area.
- Variable weather: clear, dry, or rainy
- Calving season in Ndutu Plains begins
- Excellent time for birding in the crater
- Great Migration gathers in southern areas
- Busy early month, quieter towards the end
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Ngorongoro Crater in February
February in Ngorongoro Conservation Area is characterised by warm, dry weather, making it an ideal time for game drives and hiking. The Ngorongoro Crater remains a wildlife hotspot, with large herds of zebras, wildebeests, and gazelles on the crater floor. The calving season continues in the Ndutu Plains, offering incredible opportunities to witness newborn animals and intense predator activity.
Birdwatching is excellent, especially around Lake Magadi, where flamingos and other water birds congregate. The Empakaai and Olmoti Craters provide serene hiking experiences with stunning views. February is also a great time to visit Maasai villages, as the dry weather makes travel easier. The Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli Footprints sites are less crowded, allowing for a more in-depth exploration of these significant archaeological areas.
- Hot and dry weather in the conservation area
- Peak of wildebeest calving in Ndutu Plains
- Crater and southern areas busy with tourists
- Lush green landscapes throughout the region
- Increased predator activity due to calving
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in February
Ngorongoro Crater in March
March sees the beginning of the long rainy season, though exact timing varies yearly. The Ngorongoro Crater remains accessible, with lush vegetation attracting diverse wildlife. As migratory animals start to disperse, game viewing can become more challenging but rewarding. The wildebeest migration may still be visible in parts of the conservation area. Lake Magadi and other water sources become increasingly important for wildlife, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities. The Lerai Fever Tree Forest is particularly beautiful during this time.
March is ideal for visiting the Olduvai Gorge, as the slightly wetter conditions can reveal fossils and artifacts. Cultural experiences at Maasai villages continue to be enriching. Some lodges may start to close for renovations, so it's advisable to check availability in advance.
- Hot with building humidity before rains
- Wildlife viewing varies as rains approach
- Quieter tourist season with lower rates
- Good for birding with migrant species present
- Great Migration begins to move northward
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Ngorongoro Crater in April
April is usually the wettest month in Ngorongoro area, with heavy rains transforming the landscape. The Ngorongoro Crater floor becomes a lush paradise, with wildflowers blooming across the grasslands. Wildlife viewing can be challenging due to the dense vegetation, but patient observers can witness unique behaviours. Lake Magadi swells, attracting numerous water birds, including flamingos. The Lerai Fever Tree Forest is at its most verdant, providing shelter for various animals.
April is an excellent time for photography, with dramatic skies and vibrant landscapes. The Olduvai Gorge and other archaeological sites may have limited access due to rain. While some lodges close during this period, those that remain open offer significantly reduced rates, making it an affordable time to visit for budget-conscious travellers willing to brave wetter conditions.
- Heavy rains with impressive thunderstorms
- Some lodges may close due to accessibility
- Lowest rates and very few other tourists
- Lush, green landscapes in the crater
- Not the best time game viewing due to dispersal
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in April
Ngorongoro Crater in May
As the month of May progresses, there begins a gradual decrease in rainfall, though the landscape remains lush and green. The Ngorongoro Crater floor is teeming with life, as animals take advantage of the abundant vegetation. Birdwatching is exceptional, particularly around Lake Magadi and the Lerai Fever Tree Forest. The Empakaai and Olmoti Craters offer stunning hiking experiences, with waterfalls and streams at their most impressive, though it can be muddy and slippery underfoot. Wildlife viewing improves as the month progresses and vegetation begins to thin.
May is an excellent time to visit the Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli Footprints, as the slightly damp conditions can reveal hidden fossils. Cultural visits to Maasai villages provide insights into how local communities adapt to seasonal changes. With fewer tourists, May offers a more intimate safari experience and the opportunity to enjoy Ngorongoro's beauty in relative solitude.
- Heavy rains continue with dramatic skies
- Quiet month, ideal for avoiding crowds
- Crater floor lush and green with long grass
- Wildlife more dispersed, fewer sightings
- Lower prices make safaris more affordable
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in May
Ngorongoro Crater in June
June marks the beginning of the dry season in Ngorongoro, with clearer skies and cooling temperatures. The Ngorongoro Crater becomes a wildlife haven as animals concentrate around remaining water sources. Game drives in the crater offer excellent opportunities to spot the Big Five. The Ndutu Plains start to dry out, concentrating wildlife and making them easier to spot.
Birdwatching remains rewarding, especially around Lake Magadi. The Lerai Fever Tree Forest provides a beautiful backdrop for wildlife photography. June is an ideal time for hiking in the Empakaai and Olmoti Craters, with comfortable temperatures and clearer trails. The Olduvai Gorge and other archaeological sites are easily accessible. As the shoulder tourist season begins, lodges reopen and offer a wide range of accommodation options.
- Variable weather: clear, dry, or some rain
- Wildlife starts to concentrate near water
- Parks still green but grass getting shorter
- Moderate visitor numbers in the crater
- Good value with shoulder season prices
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
Ngorongoro Crater in July
July is a prime month for visiting Ngorongoro, with dry weather and excellent wildlife viewing. The Ngorongoro Crater floor is bustling with activity as large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles graze on the short grass. Predator sightings, including lions and hyenas, are frequent. Lake Magadi attracts numerous flamingos and other water birds. The Lerai Fever Tree Forest provides shade for elephants and various bird species.
July is perfect for hiking adventures to the Empakaai and Olmoti Craters, offering breathtaking views. The Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli Footprints sites are easily accessible, providing fascinating insights into human evolution. Cultural visits to Maasai villages are particularly rewarding. However, the excellent conditions mean the area can get crowded, especially in the crater, so early bookings are essential.
- Dry and warm days, chilly mornings/evenings
- Excellent wildlife viewing in the crater
- Peak tourist season with high visitor numbers
- Higher prices due to prime conditions
- Book well in advance for crater lodges
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Ngorongoro Crater in August
August in Ngorongoro offers superb safari conditions with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. The Ngorongoro Crater remains the focal point, with dense wildlife populations and excellent visibility. Predator sightings are frequent, with lions, leopards, and cheetahs often spotted. Lake Magadi is a hive of activity, with large flocks of flamingos creating a pink spectacle. The Lerai Fever Tree Forest provides a picturesque setting for wildlife photography.
August is ideal for exploring the Empakaai and Olmoti Craters on foot, with stunning vistas and diverse flora. The Olduvai Gorge and other archaeological sites offer fascinating excursions. However, August is peak season, so the crater can be crowded, and advance bookings are crucial for accommodations and activities.
- Dry weather continues, chilly mornings
- Superb wildlife viewing opportunities
- Very busy, especially in the crater area
- Advance booking essential for accommodations
- Consider exploring less crowded areas
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Ngorongoro Crater in September
September in Ngorongoro offers excellent safari conditions as the dry season continues. The Ngorongoro Crater floor teems with wildlife, concentrated around remaining water sources. This month provides some of the best opportunities to spot the Big Five in close proximity. Lake Magadi attracts numerous flamingos and other water birds, creating spectacular scenes. The Lerai Fever Tree Forest is a haven for elephants and various bird species.
September is ideal for hiking adventures to the Empakaai and Olmoti Craters, with clear skies offering breathtaking views. The Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli Footprints sites are easily accessible, providing fascinating insights into human evolution. Cultural visits to Maasai villages remain rewarding. While still part of the high season, September tends to see slightly fewer visitors than July and August, especially as the month progresses, offering a more relaxed safari experience.
- Fantastic wildlife viewing continues
- Parks slightly quieter than peak months
- Crater floor becomes drier, less vegetation
- Cool mornings and evenings, warm days
- Prices remain high due to good conditions
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Ngorongoro Crater in October
October in Ngorongoro is nearing the end of the dry season, providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The Ngorongoro Crater floor is teeming with animals concentrated around diminishing water sources, offering frequent sightings of lions, elephants, and rhinos. Lake Magadi becomes a crucial water source, attracting diverse birdlife. The Lerai Fever Tree Forest provides essential shade for wildlife.
October is ideal for hiking in the Empakaai and Olmoti Craters, with clear skies offering stunning views. The Olduvai Gorge and other archaeological sites are easily accessible. With fewer tourists than peak months, October offers a balance of excellent wildlife viewing and more moderate visitor numbers.
- Mostly dry with chance of occasional storms
- Excellent game viewing in drier landscape
- Lower visitor numbers than earlier months
- Very good time to visit the crater
- Consider hot air balloon safaris for views
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Ngorongoro Crater in November
November in Ngorongoro typically sees the start of the short rains, bringing new life to the area. The Ngorongoro Crater floor begins to green, attracting diverse wildlife. Game viewing remains good, with animals still concentrated around water sources. Lake Magadi and other water bodies start to fill, attracting migratory birds. The Lerai Fever Tree Forest becomes lusher, providing shelter for various species.
November offers unique photographic opportunities with dramatic skies and rejuvenated landscapes. Cultural experiences at Maasai villages provide insights into seasonal adaptations. November can offer great value for money, with the chance to experience both dry and wet season conditions.
- Variable weather: clear, dry, or some rain
- Parks quieter, prices lower than peak season
- Good wildlife sightings as short rains begin
- Early migrants arrive in the crater area
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Ngorongoro Crater in December
December in Ngorongoro brings a mix of short rains and dry periods, creating a dynamic environment. The Ngorongoro Crater floor is lush and green, attracting diverse wildlife. Game viewing is excellent, with good chances of spotting the Big Five. Lake Magadi fills further, hosting numerous flamingos and water birds. The Lerai Fever Tree Forest is vibrant with new growth.
December marks the beginning of the wildebeest arriving into the nearby Ndutu Plains, attracting predators. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding with both resident and migratory species present. The Olduvai Gorge and other archaeological sites offer fascinating excursions between rain showers. While the festive season brings more visitors, early December can offer good value. Advance booking is essential for the holiday period.
- Variable weather with occasional rain
- Good game viewing in the crater
- Quiet early month, very busy end of month
- Prices rise sharply for holiday period
- Great Migration starts returning to the south
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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