About Gibb's Farm
Originally built by German settlers in 1929, Gibb's Farm is one of Northern Tanzania's oldest guesthouses.
Located half way between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater, it's surrounded by tropical gardens and has great views over a coffee-plantation.
Gibb's Farm is a peaceful and friendly retreat halfway between Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. It has retained its charm and many original features, while renovating its rooms to a very high standard in recent years. Strong ties with the local community, high-quality food, a wide choice of activities for energetic travellers, as well as tranquility if you’re seeking rest and relaxation, make Gibbs Farm a brilliant option in this area.
Our view
Gibb's Farm is a peaceful and friendly retreat halfway between Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. It has retained its charm and many original features, while renovating its rooms to a very high standard in recent years. Strong ties with the local community, high-quality food, a wide choice of activities for energetic travellers, as well as tranquility if you’re seeking rest and relaxation, make Gibbs Farm a brilliant option in this area.
Tanzania expert
Accommodation
17 cottages and 2 two bedroom Farmhouses
Children
Great for all ages
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Mountain biking
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Gibb's Farm
43 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 67 pictures and 2 videos of Gibbs Farm to get the candid view.
View galleryGibb's Farm: Our full report
Originally built by German settlers in 1929, Gibb's Farm is one of Northern Tanzania's oldest guesthouses.
Located half way between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater, it's surrounded by tropical gardens and has great views over a coffee-plantation.
On arrival, guests are led from the reception area, through the gardens, to the original farmhouse. This lovely old building still retains its colonial feel with low, beamed ceilings and polished-stone floors dotted with rugs. A couple of separate lounges with sofas, armchairs and coffee tables – some with a wood-burning stove or an open fire – create cozy areas to unwind after a busy day on safari.
There's also a separate room displaying work by a local artist who can often be found painting at his easel on the verandah. There is always a resident artist who stays at Gibb's Farm who tends to stay for about three months at a time. The artwork is displayed throughout the farmhouse and in the guest cottages too – many of which is also for sale.
There is a small, well-stocked bar, but you can also order your drinks from the friendly, attentive, staff, so there's no need to leave the comfort of your armchair by the fire!
The recently extended dining room is split over two levels and has green painted floors and high-beamed ceilings. Large windows make this area light and airy and offer varying views of the coffee plantations and hills beyond. There are many secluded areas outside where meals can be had, either behind the restaurant under a gazebo, or outside on the verandah under a shady umbrella. Most of the fruit, vegetables and herbs provided at Gibbs Farm are freshly picked from their own ten acres of organic gardens.
The well-stocked gift shop has a particularly good assortment of souvenirs and curios, ranging from local jewellery to wooden carvings, artwork, local maps and wildlife books. They even sell Gibb's Farm homegrown organic Arabica coffee.
The outside areas at Gibb's Farm are extensive. There are various well-tended gardens, including a herb garden, a cactus garden, a rose garden, a medicine garden and an enormous vegetable garden, birdlife is abundant as a result. Expect to see (or hear) tropical boubous, African pygmy kingfishers and golden-winged sunbirds to name a few.
Stone pathways lead from the main house, through the gardens, to the 17 one-bedroom cottages and 2 two-bedroom Farmhouses. Although the rooms are fairly close together, careful planting ensures they're completely private. The cottages are spacious and bright and fitted with high-quality furniture. They have been designed to reflect the history of the farm, with polished eucalyptus-wood floors, tongue-and-groove boarding painted a pale green, beamed ceilings and stone walls.
Each cottage has an entrance lobby with a vase of freshly picked flowers, a lounge area with comfortable armchairs in front of a fireplace and two queen-size beds with cream linen and colourful cushions. French doors lead out onto a private balcony with views over the gardens, or the coffee plantations beyond. There is a central stone fireplace which is built into the wall separating the bathroom and the bedroom – this keeps the cottages really cozy.
The bathroom, separated by a sliding door, has a large indoor shower, a separate bath, double basins and an enclosed toilet. A huge carved stone bath sits in front of a large window with lush planting outside. Double doors lead from the bathroom to a private outdoor shower.
There is a lovely 25 x 4 meter swimming pool with stunning views overlooking the farm, a conversion of one of the stables into a delightful gym and yoga studio. While a selection carefully curated spa treatments are available, future plans include a holistic spa facility.
Gibb's Farm makes a great base from which to take part in various activities. The main reason for staying here is to visit Ngorongoro Crater and/or Lake Manyara National Park, both of which are about a two-hour drive away. However, there are plenty of local activities in the immediate vicinity of the farm too. There are walks and mountain biking, as well as evening talks by their resident naturalist. Spa treatments are also currently available within the comfort of your own room. You can choose to take part in as much or as little as you like.
Gibb's Farm is immediately adjacent to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and shares a mile-long boundary with it. See the satellite map of the area to see the clear division between the farming areas here, and the deep, dark green of the conservation area. Guided nature walks cross this green line into the primary forest. On a previous visit, we did a lovely two-hour walk up the hillside to a spectacular waterfall and an 'elephant cave', where the elephants of the forest dig for minerals. We were charged US$17 entry into the conservation area, plus a little extra to tip the guide. The pace is quite gentle, but there are some steeper areas. The guide was knowledgeable, friendly and very enthusiastic.
Geographics
- Location
- Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- We recommend a minimum two-night stay, preferably three nights, in order to experience everything that Gibb’s Farm and the surrounding area has to offer.
- Directions
- Gibbs Farm is a two-hour drive from Arusha, or a 30-minute drive from Manyara airstrip.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- Gibb's Farm is a working farm and takes their farm-to-table ethos seriously. The majority of the food served at Gibb's is fresh and homegrown – everything is organic and the animals are reared free-range. The result is some of the freshest food we have been fortunate to come across. Gibb’s Farm is a great choice for foodies.
On our recent visit, we were treated to a fantastic buffet Breakfast of muffins, fruit, cereals, yoghurts and then a cooked breakfast, with a choice of eggs, sausage, bacon and tomato to choose from.
Lunch was five courses, starting with a greek salad, followed by an entree course of grilled baby carrots with hummus, followed by cauliflower and broccoli soup. For the main course we enjoyed the farm vegetables and rice noddle stir-fry, this was followed by desert and we tucked into the delicious dark chocolate and coffee mousse with berry compote and coffee ice cream.
Dinner was again five courses. We started with melon, cucumber, tomato and avocado slices with some feta cheese and balsamic dressing. The entree was beetroot gnocchi with carrot puree and roast zucchini, this was followed by creamy coffee and oyster mushroom soup which worked and was delicious! For the main course we had the red snapper with tempura maki rolls. Our meal was finished off with a trio of refreshing sorbets. Everything was really beautifully cooked and fresh. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is available
- Drinks included
- Most drinks are included at Gibbs Farm, however premium wines and spirits are extra.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- At Gibb’s Farm, children of all ages can learn about farming, help with cows and pigs, go on guided walks, mountain biking or play in the garden during Tanzania family holidays. Cots and highchairs are provided.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Tanzania
- Walking
- Gibb's is well situated for those who enjoy walking. You can choose from guided or unguided walks in the area: a farm walk, a garden walk, a village walk, the Ngorongoro Forest Walk or a farm walk. There are walks to suit all tastes, ages and levels of fitness.
- See ideas for Walking in Tanzania
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome at Gibb's Farm.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions here.
- Special activities & services
- Gibb's Farm can arrange a childminder, however parents should note that they are not qualified childminders and are members of staff at Gibb’s.
Children can wander around the farm and help milk the cows and feed the pigs. Since opening their new yoga studio, Gibb's Farm offers kid's yoga practices, as well as guided night walks, cooking followed by early dinner. - Equipment
- Both cots and highchairs are available at Gibb's Farm.
- Generally recommended for children
- Children would very much enjoy the grounds at Gibb's Farm. There is a lot of space for them to run around in. They can learn about the farm, feed the animals and learn how to grow vegetables. Gibb's Farm has a very child friendly feel to it.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Gibbs Farm
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Gibb's Farm 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
100% success
100% success
100% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is 24 hour electricity and plugs and UBS adaptors in the room so that guests can charge their camera batteries. There is a back up generator on the property.
- Communications
- There is good cellphone reception and free WiFi is available throughout the property – please note that some rooms have better signal than others. Gibb's Farm will be introducing in room telephones. In keeping with the style of the farm, these telephones will be vintage rotary dial.
- TV & radio
- There is a TV area, where children can enjoy a movie night. Future plans include the construction of a "room of requirement", which will allow for business conferences.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- Bottled water is supplied in all of the rooms for drinking.
Sustainability
The Home of Organic Food
Continuing the legacy of founders Margaret and Jim Gibb, environmentally-friendly initiatives at Gibbs Farm still exist today to preserve the natural surroundings and the African culture and community. What sets the lodge apart is the farm life experience that provides guests with home grown organic products and allows them to become part of an authentic Tanzanian community project.
The ‘farm-to-table’ cuisine achieved through a home-grown array of organic fruit and vegetables and locally raised meats make Gibbs Farm be regarded as one of the best safaris for culinary experiences. Brightening up visitors’ mornings, home grown Arabica coffee is served with organic milk freshly supplied by Gibbs’ heard of cows. During the mid-afternoon heat, guests can enjoy afternoon tea in one of the eight gardens on estate filled with indigenous plants, whilst experiencing impeccable service that reveal the authentic Tanzanian hospitality. Furthermore, Gibbs sees sustainability as a partnership between staff, locals and tourists, and offers many activities that allow visitors to partake in its sustainable efforts. For example, guests can engage in the extensive work with the local community during the morning bread making ritual, or can join the chefs each morning as they harvest fresh organic produce from the 10-acre fruit and vegetable garden.
Over the years we’ve been very impressed by the dedication with which Gibbs Farm has worked to conserve their environment and operate very sustainably – and we’re really pleased that this has led to them receiving various accolades and awards in recent years.
See more great sustainability projects in Tanzania
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is a first-aid kit and some of the staff are trained in how to use it. The nearest doctor and clinic is in Karatu, a 15-minute drive away. They also have links to the flying doctor service in Nairobi.
Quadbike warning: quad-biking is sometimes available as an activity from Gibb's Farm. As with any potentially dangerous activity, it’s vital that you take responsibility for ensuring that you have adequate travel insurance prior to getting involved. Be aware that some insurances cover quad-bike activities only for bikes with lower engine ratings: check such clauses particularly carefully before you get on a bike. - Dangerous animals
- Moderate Risk
- Security measures
- There are askaris (watchmen) on duty day and night.
- Fire safety
- All rooms have fire extinguishers
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Mountain biking
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- A full laundry service is available at an extra charge of between $1-$4 US dollars per item.
- Money
- All the cottages have an electronic safe.
- Accepted payment on location
- Gibb's Farm accepts Visa and Mastercard, usually at no extra cost. American Express is not accepted. Please note that cash is not accepted for payments, and only in the case of tipping.
Plan and book your trip with Expert Africa
All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.
Talk to an Expert
Call or email us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
Gibb's Farm's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Gibbs Farm.
Excursions from Gibbs Farm
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Gibbs Farm. 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.
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.
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 Gibbs Farm 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
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire me