About Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Occupying a spectacular spot right on the rim of the Crater, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is undoubtedly one of ...
... the most opulent lodges in Tanzania. Combining architectural hints of traditional Maasai homesteads with interior styles borrowed from European stately homes, the present lodge was built in 1995.
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is a unique property. For some it is completely over the top and out of place; for others it's the height of luxury. The whole Maasai-meets-baronial-manor concept is extraordinary; the food, service, rooms and general facilities are excellent; and the location is outstanding, with stunning views over what many regard as the world's top wildlife area. But it's also one of the most costly lodges in Africa.
Our view
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is a unique property. For some it is completely over the top and out of place; for others it's the height of luxury. The whole Maasai-meets-baronial-manor concept is extraordinary; the food, service, rooms and general facilities are excellent; and the location is outstanding, with stunning views over what many regard as the world's top wildlife area. But it's also one of the most costly lodges in Africa.
Tanzania expert
Accommodation
30 rooms
Children
Possible for all children; best for 8+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
27 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 61 pictures and 1 videos of Crater Lodge to get the candid view.
View gallerySafaris visiting Crater Lodge
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you
Avocet Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This luxurious safari explores three iconic African reserves from exclusive lodges in unbeatable locations. A very high standard of food, care and guiding ensure that you can focus on this amazing experience.
Visiting Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and 1 other area
US$10,520 - US$15,860 per person
Secretary Bird Fly-in Safari
8 days • 4 locations • 1 country
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Chosen for comfort and relaxation as much as for its range of activities, this safari makes for a leisurely trip featuring stunning accommodation and swift access to many of northern Tanzania’s best wildlife regions.
Visiting Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti and 2 other areas
US$14,030 - US$18,080 per person
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge: Our full report
Occupying a spectacular spot right on the rim of the Crater, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is undoubtedly one of ...
... the most opulent lodges in Tanzania. Combining architectural hints of traditional Maasai homesteads with interior styles borrowed from European stately homes, the present lodge was built in 1995.
Crater Lodge is currently in the process of planning a large refurbishment, which is expected to take a period of 24 months. The lodge will be closed from the 16th January 2025 to the 15th January 2027. Please ask us at Expert Africa for any further information.
On arrival don’t be fooled by the unassuming appearance of the lodge from the outside. Inside, grand antiques, gilded mirrors and local art compliment each other dramatically, resulting in a contemporary, smart, theatrical atmosphere. Crater Lodge isn't to everyone's taste: some will regard it as completely over the top, and not at all in keeping with the safari experience and local surroundings. However, if you're looking for something exceptionally special, and completely decadent, then it may be perfect.
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge comprises three separate intimate camps – North Camp (12 rooms), South Camp (12 rooms) and the smaller Tree Camp (6 rooms). Each has its own separate dining and lounge area, which helps to maintain a small and exclusive feel – even though the lodge has 30 rooms altogether. On our most recent visits in October 2018 we had no strong preference for any of the three camps: each is similarly stylish and shares an excellent quality of service and high standards.
North and South camps are set slightly higher up the hill than Tree Camp and are mirror images of each other. Tree Camp, however, sits literally on the edge of the Crater and – as the name suggests – is built amongst the trees, with views uninterrupted by other buildings. That said, the higher location of North and South lend a better perspective, and they also have larger rooms and a greater overall feeling of opulence.
The main lounge for each of the North and South camps is divinely decorated with wood-panelled walls, large beaded chandeliers, raw silk curtains and inviting velveteen sofas. The roofs are brilliantly crafted from banana leaves (a motif created by the designers, Chris Brown and Diane Fox), while Persian rugs adorn the floors and fresh roses are set out daily. Outside each, an expanse of decking is decorated with terracotta pots filled with Maasai spears, and a large fireplace provides the perfect setting for pre-dinner drinks as the moon rises over the Crater rim.
Tree Camp is similar in style but not quite so obviously extravagant. The décor is still artistic and imaginative, but without the same rather camp 'boudoir' flair. The snug atmosphere of its communal area is balanced by floor-to-ceiling windows – with a stupendous, uninterrupted view across the Crater – and a terrace below that is a truly amazing place for breakfast. Tree has a more rustic feel to it than North and South, being built around a strangler fig – but the thick velvet and fur, and crystal decanters, mean that you might be forgiven for thinking you've entered a stately home.
The large rooms, or manyattas, in all three of Crater Lodge's camps are essentially similar, except that two of them can be connected to create a vast suite, ideal for a family. Decorated with rich colours, chandeliers and wood-panelled walls, each room has a fireplace in the corner that is usually lit in the evenings by your personal butler. This makes it feel incredibly cosy at the end of a long day out on safari. In each room, a (Read more about the manyattas… ).
However, it isn't just the aesthetics of the lodge that are spectacular; the service is also top-class, and staying here we felt very spoilt. Each room is assigned its own personal butler, who is on hand should you want anything. While some people may be put off by the idea of having someone to wait on them, the reality is quite subtle. These butlers aren't ever-present servants; rather, they offer a high level of personal service, and a lot of the time you may not even notice their presence. But it does mean that when you arrive back after a long game drive, you may find someone standing in the car park with your preferred drink ready for you on a tray, and a bubble bath waiting for you in your room; or return from dinner to find you electric blanket switched on. It simply serves to enhance the luxury safari experience further.
The shop at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge stocks a fine array of high-quality curios, as well as clothes, toiletries and postcards. There's a fascinating and productive workshop right behind the shop which can be freely visited, and Maasai ladies doing beading often sell their wares outside. Since late 2016, there's also a bespoke jewellery shop, where custom-made tanzanite pieces can be commissioned.
Although you might expect to find a swimming pool at Crater Lodge, it's rather too cold at this 2,400m (7,900ft) altitude to swim. The climate does suit wine storage, however, and there's a well-stocked wine store: an ideal space for small private drinks receptions and dining, as well as wine-tasting sessions. The store also doubles as a TV projection room, on request. As an alternative type of relaxation to swimming, there is a variety of spa treatments on offer, with massages taking place in guests' manyattas (for an additional cost).
In terms of activities, the greatest draw is to head down into the Ngorongoro Crater, either with one of the knowledgeable lodge guides or with your own private driver-guide booked through Expert Africa. The lodge uses closed-sided safari vehicles designed for game viewing, with pop-top roofs. The drive from the lodge to the descent road and down to the Crater floor takes about 40 minutes and departure times are very flexible. You may wish to take a packed breakfast and return for lunch, or perhaps have breakfast at the lodge and take a packed lunch with you, returning in the late afternoon. To maximise your time on the Crater floor you can also go for an all-day drive.
While games drives in the Crater are the main reason to stay here, guests can also visit the Olduvai Museum or perhaps hike the Olmoti or Empakaai craters. Back at the lodge, it is also possible to take a short 30–60-minute walk with the on-site naturalist between North Camp and Tree Camp to find out about the various species of plant and wildlife. There is a suggested donation of US$20 for this, all of which funds the planting of seedlings in the Crater conservation area; by late 2016, 60,000 trees had been planted as part of this initiative so far.
Near Tree Camp, there's a sundowner spot where Maasai dancers sometimes perform by arrangement at an additional cost (usually US$60 per person). Blankets are laid out on the grass and it's a fine way of spending an hour before the sun goes down.
If you are looking for something a bit more relaxing, why not opt for one of the lodge’s in-room spa treatments. A 75 minute full body massage is priced from $130, and a 30 minute back and neck massage is $60.
Finally, if you're thinking of getting married on safari, Crater Lodge retains a qualified minister to perform the legal ceremony, and a Maasai blessing can be conducted, at additional cost.
Geographics
- Location
- Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- Stay two nights in order to spend at least one day exploring the Crater floor, but you could easily stay for three nights and have a day just to enjoy the lodge and its amazing view.
- Directions
- Most visitors to Ngorongoro Crater Lodge fly to Lake Manyara Airstrip, from where it is a two-hour drive to the lodge.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- On all of our stays at the lodge, we found the food to be well portioned and of a very high standard. Since farming is not allowed in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and there isn't even a small organic garden at the lodge, everything is trucked in from Arusha. However, that's not to say they don't take great care over their sources: Brown's cheeses from Nairobi, Kenyan beef and local lamb from a Tanzanian farm, and fish from Lake Victoria are all on the menu.
Breakfast is a buffet of fresh bread, cereals, fresh fruit, dried fruit and yoghurt. You will then be offered a cooked breakfast – choose from a hearty full English breakfast, eggs Benedict, boiled eggs or perhaps smoked salmon and scrambled eggs if available. There's also often an interesting 'treat of the day'.
You might choose to take a packed lunch with you into the Crater, which will include delicious sandwiches or wraps, fruit and perhaps a pastry or cake of some sort. These packed lunches are perfect to keep you going whilst out on a busy day of safari.
If you are at the lodge for lunch, there is usually a refreshing buffet featuring a selection of salads, cold meats, light vegetarian choices such as falafel and a number of tasty dressings. There is also fresh bread or chapattis served with dips.
Tea and biscuits are on offer in the late afternoon. Later, there is time to freshen up after your activity, before gathering in the lounge area or on the decking at around 7.00pm, for a drink and a chat with the lodge managers, senior guides and fellow guests. This is entirely informal in terms of clothing (no dinner dress required!).
At your leisure you can then move to your table, where you will be seated for dinner, to the accompaniment of suitably unobtrusive music. Dinner is an impressive three- or five-course meal, with a choice of dishes for each course. One evening, we enjoyed bean and vegetable soup, followed by roasted tomato and basil tart, then a choice of four mains including one vegetarian and one local dish (on one stay we went for roast leg of lamb with barley, on another the baby whole chicken). For dessert, we were served white chocolate mousse with a passion-fruit coulis, rounded off with a cheeseboard!
On our visits to Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, dinner has often been accompanied by an entertaining performance from some of the lodge's team who sang a number of African classics, as well as some written specially for guests at the lodge: there's always an excuse to perform and get the guests dancing! - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Ngorongoro Crater Lodge will happily provide room service. They can also set up private lunches on your veranda on request, but it would be a bit too chilly to do this for dinner.
- Drinks included
- Almost all drinks are included, except for some cellar wines, certain spirits and champagnes.
UV-treated water is supplied for guests to drink, with bottled water available on request.
Special interests
- Honeymoons
- Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is set right on the rim of the Crater. The views create a spectacular backdrop for this romantic property, where you'll enjoy fantastic service, extremely luxurious rooms and delicious food. It's a great choice for a honeymoon to Tanzania.
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Tanzania
- Wellbeing
- With your own personal butler, crystal chandeliers, claw-foot bathtubs and roses adorning most of the rooms, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is an incredibly special lodge for relaxing in Tanzania. Massages can be done in your room.
- See ideas for Wellbeing in Tanzania
- Luxury
- Crater Lodge offers impressive interiors where gilded mirrors, chandeliers and sumptuous Persian rugs complement intricate wood paneling and traditional artwork. The result is a grand, opulent, theatrical atmosphere – all on the edge of one of Africa’s iconic landscapes.
- See ideas for Luxury in Tanzania
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Ngorongoro Crater Lodge recommends that children should be over the age of 5 to stay here, although children of all ages are welcome.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Tree Camp is for adults only. While both North and South camps welcome children of all ages, they advise that the lodge is best suited to mature children over the age of 5.
- Special activities & services
- The lodge runs a 'Wild Child' programme, with warrior-training sessions involving spear throwing, bow skills, fire making, and woodcarving, and beading with the ladies from the shop. The nature walk around the lodge and tree planting with JJ, the enigmatic naturalist, are highly recommended for children. Children’s menus are available and separate meals can be arranged, including in their rooms, with the option for parents to eat at the normal time.
- Equipment
- Baby cots and high chairs are available.
- Generally recommended for children
- Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is a very smart safari lodge, with a mature atmosphere, and some families with young children might not feel comfortable here. Dinner is quite a formal occasion, so is not ideal for younger children. Having said that, there were some children staying on our last visit and the staff will do their utmost to ensure they have an enjoyable stay. Two butlers are assigned to families to facilitate this.
- Notes
- Please note: big game – especially buffalo – wanders around the lodge constantly. In addition there are a number of balconies, decks and walk ways so children need to be closely supervised at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Crater Lodge
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Ngorongoro Crater 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
100% success
100% success
67% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Power is available 24/7 and there are plenty of sockets in the rooms. If all guests are out on game drives and the lodge is empty, the generators will be turned off.
- Communications
- There is cellphone reception at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge and free WiFi throughout, with complimentary internet access in the shop.
- TV & radio
- There is no TV or radio in the rooms at the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, but a big screen can be erected in the wine store for special occasions and sporting events.
- Water supply
- Transported in
- Water supply notes
- Spring water from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is supplied to the lodge tanks and tested quarterly. The lodge recycles its own water on site.
All bathrooms are fully plumbed in.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is an on-site doctor at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, and a dispensary for guests and staff. The lodge vehicles have first-aid kits. Karatu Hospital is a 45–60 minute drive away.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- There are Maasai watchmen around the lodge for security and at night you will be escorted between your room and the main areas due to the presence of wildlife. The lodge's main gate is closed between 11.00–6.00am but there is a 24-hour gateman. The property is patrolled at night by local police to track the movements of anything dangerous around the lodge, such as buffalo.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in the rooms and main areas; each member of staff has been trained in how to use them and there is a fire evacuation plan on the back of each room door.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is included – it is machine washed and ironed, and will be returned to you the next day. A quicker one-day service is available if specifically requested, but it is important to note that they will use a tumble-drier to dry the clothes, so it should not be used for delicate items.
- Money
- Guests may obtain cash in US dollars or Tanzanian shillings against a credit card, but the lodge will make a 5% surcharge, or 10% for Amex. There is a US$200 limit per person.
- Accepted payment on location
- You can settle any extras using US dollars and euros cash, or with Amex, Visa or Mastercard. There is no charge for the use of credit cards unless you want a cash advance.
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Ngorongoro Crater Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Crater Lodge.
Excursions from Crater Lodge
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Crater Lodge. 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.
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 Crater 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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