About Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
The Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is a 75-room hotel, built in 1996, with a truly outstanding location: ...
... it's built into the western rim of Tanzania's UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater. The lodge is usually used as a base for visits into the crater, and has views of the magnificent caldera from all the bedrooms and most of the public areas.
The Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge doesn't pretend to be anything other than a large hotel. Its design lacks personality and it feels a bit dated. That said it has benefitted from a soft refurbishment and it is comfortable, functional, warm. It is also one of only a handful of lodges right on the edge of Ngorongoro Crater. So whilst its size means it won't be everyone's first choice, its location and affordability will tempt many to stay here.
Our view
The Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge doesn't pretend to be anything other than a large hotel. Its design lacks personality and it feels a bit dated. That said it has benefitted from a soft refurbishment and it is comfortable, functional, warm. It is also one of only a handful of lodges right on the edge of Ngorongoro Crater. So whilst its size means it won't be everyone's first choice, its location and affordability will tempt many to stay here.
Tanzania expert
Accommodation
75 rooms
Children
Best for 6+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
13 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 26 pictures of Ngorongoro Serena to get the candid view.
View galleryNgorongoro Serena Safari Lodge: Our full report
The Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is a 75-room hotel, built in 1996, with a truly outstanding location: ...
... it's built into the western rim of Tanzania's UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater. The lodge is usually used as a base for visits into the crater, and has views of the magnificent caldera from all the bedrooms and most of the public areas.
The lodge incorporates local river stone and wood, but it is predominately made from concrete with dense green creepers clinging to its outside walls. Despite its size the Ngorongoro Serena blends surprisingly well with its surroundings.
The 75 bedrooms at the Ngorongoro Serena are split in to two wings, the left wing with rooms one to 32, and the right wing with rooms 33 to 75. The rooms are fairly small and have: wooden floors, double, twin or triple beds, a desk with a chair and a mirror. Prehistoric cave murals painted on the walls add a bit of character to the otherwise fairly plain rooms. Their best feature is undoubtedly the French doors, which open out to a small balcony providing stunning views of the crater.
There is central heating in all of the rooms and main areas at this Ngorongoro lodge – which is a great comfort on the crater rim. It is often very cold here due to its altitude (2,326m/7,633 feet) and frequent blanketing of damp mist and so the radiators help create a cozy atmosphere. For particularly cold nights hot water bottles are provided.
Between the bedroom and the bathroom, each room at the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge has a small lobby area with a built-in cupboard and a luggage rack. The bathrooms are small but lighter following the recent refurbishment, with double basins below a large mirror, toilet and large walk-in shower. Hairdryers and branded toiletries are also provided. Eight sets of rooms are interconnected, which are convenient for families.
In addition to the standard rooms, there is one suit which is substantially larger and comes with a TV and a spacious bathtub with a shower.
The bedrooms are linked to the main areas of this Serena lodge by wide walkways built of wood and polished stone. There is a large restaurant upstairs, a bar, a TV area, decked outside seating areas and a curio shop. Stone fireplaces have been built into some of these areas – there is one in the reception area and in the dining room – which are welcome in the evenings when it gets cool.
The busy reception area at the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge has white painted walls, a high ceiling and polished wood floors. High-backed, dark wood-and-leather benches are decorated with animals, and spears hang on the walls. Off the main reception area is a small curio shop that stocks a few toiletries, as well as a good range of souvenirs. Just through the reception, tucked into a corner, there are three computers that are connected to the internet and can be used (at an extra cost).
The TV area, bar and restaurant at the Ngorongoro Serena all link into each other and share a burnt orange, olive green and burgundy colour scheme.
The bar has dark polished-wood panelling and a polished green stone floor. Wicker lights hang from iron light fittings and a stone fireplace warms the room from under a circular brass chimney flue. Brightly-striped wooden chairs are placed around small, wooden tables; high-backed leather chairs stand around the bar. Most evenings there is entertainment in the bar such as Maasai dancers or an acrobatic show. There is a 'wildlife seen today' book that allows guests to share their experiences with others. There is also a self-service tea-and-coffee stand tucked into a corner of the bar. These drinks are available all day and are generally accompanied by a few biscuits and cakes at teatime.
Outside the bar, the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge has a decked terrace with magnificent views over the crater – on warm evenings this is a good spot to sit with a drink and take in the stunning scenery.
The Ngorongoro Serena's restaurant is situated above the bar and features animal-stenciled walls, polished cement floors, two fireplaces and stunning views from the panoramic windows.
Most guests staying at the Serena Safari Lodge will arrive with their own vehicle and guide. The lodge also offer a small selection of additional activities, such as a bush breakfast or lunch, although these need to have a minimum of twelve people in order to operate. A two-hour nature walk normally takes place in the afternoon and a forest circle hike, escorted by a park ranger, takes about three hours. There is an additional cost for all of these activities, on our most recent visit in October 2018 a two hour walk cost $40 per person.
Geographics
- Location
- Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- Stay here for at least two nights so that you can spend a full day on safari in the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Directions
- Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is about a four-hour drive from Arusha, or a two-hour road transfer from Manyara airstrip. From the hotel it is only a 30-minute drive to the crater descent road.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- On a recent visit to Ngorongoro Serena Lodge in 2018 we did not stay long enough to sample a meal. However, the manager explained to us that guests can usually expect the following:
Breakfast is a buffet with a selection of fresh fruit and fruit juices, cereals, hot porridge as well as a cooked full English breakfast.
Lunch is a hot-and cold-buffet if the lodge is full, or an à la carte menu if it isn't. You can choose from a large selection of food, including salads, cold meat and vegetarian options. The hot-meal choices change daily.
Dinner, as with lunch, is a buffet or à la carte depending on the occupancy. Again, there is quite a large choice here and it will all be served to your table. As with the hot lunches, the dinner menu also changes daily. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is available at no extra cost.
- Drinks included
- No drinks are included at the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. The last time we visited, a beer cost roughly US$4 and a bottle of water or soda cost about US$2.50. A glass of wine was US$7 and a bottle of wine ranged from US$24–45.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- Ngorongoro Serena is a good-value base, and larger international style property for families travelling with children over the age of 5 years.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Tanzania
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Children below five are not allowed to stay at Serena Safari Lodge.
- Special activities & services
- The lodge can arrange babysitters at a cost of around US$5 for the evening, although parents should note that the carers don’t have professional childcare qualifications.
- Equipment
- Cots and highchairs are available and board games and books can be found in the main area.
- Generally recommended for children
- We would recommend the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge for families.
- Notes
- Parents should note that game does come into the lodge grounds, which is not enclosed, and the walkways between the rooms and the main areas are raised so children could fall. We advise that children should be supervised at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Ngorongoro Serena
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Ngorongoro Serena Safari 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.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
67% success
67% success
33% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is 24 hour power supply and guests can charge batteries in their rooms.
- Communications
- There are telephones in all of the bedrooms and two computers linked to the internet that guests can use. Fifteen minutes in the business centre usually costs US$2. Free Wi-Fi is available in the bedrooms as well as the main areas, however the signal is best in the main areas.
- TV & radio
- There is a TV in the hotel lounge.
- Water supply
- Transported in
- Water supply notes
- Two bottles of drinking water are provided to each room daily.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is a first-aid kit at the lodge and a resident doctor is available for guests. There is also a clinic less than 9Km away.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- There is 24-hour security with four guards on duty at any one time.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in all the rooms and main areas and fire hoses in each block.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is not included at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. Items cost roughly between US$1–5. The lodge also offers an express service at no extra cost – if you hand your laundry to reception in the morning, you will get it back the same evening.
- Money
- The lodge will normally exchange US dollars, British pounds, euros and Tanzanian shillings. There is a safe in each of the rooms.
There is a safe in each of the rooms. - Accepted payment on location
- Ngorongoro Serena accepts Visa, Maestro, American Express and MasterCard normally at no extra cost.
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Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Ngorongoro Serena.
Excursions from Ngorongoro Serena
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Ngorongoro Serena. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
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
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.
Farmhouse Lodge
Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge is set on a 750-acres working farm. Close to the NCA gate, it makes a great base for exploring the Crater.
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.
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 Ngorongoro Serena 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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