About Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
The 97-room Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is an international-style hotel positioned on the eastern edge of Tanzania's ...
... UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater, with stunning views over the Crater. Most guests spend one or two nights at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge. It is close to the very quiet eastern road into the Crater, which sees less traffic than the more popular road on the western side.
For travellers looking for something intimate, stylish and authentic, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is not the right place. However, it has a great feeling of space, the staff are very friendly and the views are magnificent. The lodge has quick access down to the Crater floor and it is great for families with younger children who would make the most of the pool, as well as for those travelling on a bit of a budget.
Our view
For travellers looking for something intimate, stylish and authentic, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is not the right place. However, it has a great feeling of space, the staff are very friendly and the views are magnificent. The lodge has quick access down to the Crater floor and it is great for families with younger children who would make the most of the pool, as well as for those travelling on a bit of a budget.
Country manager: Tanzania
Accommodation
97 rooms
Children
Fine for all ages
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
23 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 24 pictures of Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge to get the candid view.
View galleryNgorongoro Sopa Lodge: Our full report
The 97-room Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is an international-style hotel positioned on the eastern edge of Tanzania's ...
... UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater, with stunning views over the Crater. Most guests spend one or two nights at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge. It is close to the very quiet eastern road into the Crater, which sees less traffic than the more popular road on the western side.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is part of the Sopa chain, which also includes the Serengeti Sopa Lodge and Tarangire Sopa Lodge.
Unfortunately, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge closed during the Covid-19 pandemic, and there is no firm date for re-opening. Please ask us at Expert Africa for any further information.
The 97 bedrooms at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge are set in large two-storey rondavels, separate from the main building. Each rondavel houses four bedrooms, two downstairs and two upstairs, all with views overlooking the crater. The rooms are spacious, spotlessly clean and have a large en-suite bathroom. All are semi-circular in shape and entered via a lobby furnished with a cupboard and a writing desk, as well as a minibar that is filled on request. All the bedrooms are carpeted and have two queen-size double beds, a dressing table, a stool and a hairdryer. There is also central heating, which is very welcome up on the crater rim as it can get very cold at certain times of the year due to the altitude. A glass-enclosed balcony, with two rocking chairs, has stunning views over the Crater. Some interconnecting rooms are designed for families travelling together.
Although the bedrooms are fairly dated, the bathrooms have been renovated and have cream-coloured wall and floor tiles. There is a single basin on top of a vanity unit with a mirror above, a flush toilet and a spacious walk-in shower. Branded toiletries are also provided.
It is also worth noting that this is one of the best properties in the area in terms of disabled access. The lodge has a couple of wheelchairs on site, plenty of ramps and slopes, as well as a fully adapted room, with wider doors, a low bed and a wet room.
The central areas of Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge are all within one large glass-fronted building, which is shaped as two rondavels adjoined by a central well-lit atrium. These house the cavernous reception area – composed of a broad semi-circular polished dark-wood desk attended by uniformed concierge staff – an internet room and a vast curio shop, which sells a wide variety of souvenirs, from fabrics and guidebooks to wooden carvings large and small.
A short staircase leads to a small sunken lounge, with the entrance to the dining room on one side, and the lounge/bar on the other.
The dining room is dotted with tables and chairs and able to seat around 200 people. The dining chairs are comfortably cushioned and match the blue of the carpet. In the centre of the room is an open fireplace which is now decorative only. Over half of the room is glass-fronted, to make the most of the spectacular views.
The lounge and bar at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is exactly the same shape as the dining room, and shares its views through the glass windows. The lounge has a central fireplace, polished wooden floors, a long wooden bar and brown and cream leather sofas clustered around coffee tables. It's spacious and cosy yet, like the rest of the lodge, the décor is certainly dated.
Above the lounge is a multi-functional space that can be used for conferences and also has a small number of sofas around a TV. There is a sizeable balcony where private dinners or drinks can be held.
In front of the main building is a swimming pool, which is surrounded by well-manicured lush green grass and wooden sunloungers with a view right out over Ngorongoro Crater. The pool here is the only one on the crater rim, and although it can be bracing, it's a great addition to the property. On a grassy level below, there are a number of campfire spots, perfect for enjoy sundowners looking out over the Crater.
Most guests spend two nights at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, whose main activities are half-or full-day visits into Ngorongoro Crater. The lodge is close to the very quiet eastern road into the Crater and sees less traffic than the more popular road on the western side. It also means that you start your game drive on the opposite side of the basin and, as a result, you can enjoy a few hours with relatively few other vehicles.
Visitors might also want to spend a day visiting Empakaai Crater, which is only a 90-minute drive from the lodge. With a diameter of only 6km, Empakaai is smaller than Ngorongoro, but equally beautiful. Spend a full day here and you can walk down onto the crater floor to look out for birds and monkeys in the forest, and on a clear day you can see Lake Natron and Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.
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 Ngorongoro Crater. If you are able to spend three nights, you could also spend a full day walking in the beautiful Empakaai Crater.
- Directions
- Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is located on the quiet eastern rim of Ngorongoro Crater, near the lesser-used eastern decent and ascent road. It takes about an hour to drive to the lodge from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area gate and around 90 minutes from Manyara Airstrip.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- When we last visited the Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge in February 2018, we didn't have a chance to stay for a meal. However, we did have a long chat with the manager about the menus. Special dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice.
Breakfast is a varied buffet-style selection of cereals, breads, fruit and yoghurt. There are also a number of juices to choose from, as well as tea and coffee. You can have a cooked breakfast, with bacon, sausage, mushrooms and tomatoes, and eggs cooked at your table to your liking.
Many of the guests decide to head into the Crater for a full day, so take a packed lunch with them. This will typically consists of sandwiches, a snack such as a samosa or piece of barbecued chicken, fruit and a muffin.
Those staying at the lodge for lunch will be served a buffet that is geared to different appetites. Alongside the likes of sandwiches, croque monsieurs and salads, there are more substantial meals such as pasta, stew or curry.
Dinner is a larger three-course meal with a soup starter, a main course – with chicken, red meat, fish and vegetarian options – and a choice of three desserts. If the hotel is busy then dinner will be a buffet with a wide selection of hot and cold dishes to choose from.
There is a coffee shop in the lobby area providing free tea and coffee all day. Specialty coffees, which are available late afternoon, can be purchased at an additional cost. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- On request.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included. You can expect to pay approximately US$4 for a beer, US$30 for a bottle of house wine and $2 for a soft drinks. Tea and filter coffee are complimentary throughout the day but speciality coffees, such as cappuccino or espresso, cost extra. In the afternoon, complimentary cake and cookies are served at the little coffee shop.
Each room is provided with two bottles of water a day for drinking and brushing teeth.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- There are no age restrictions at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge which makes this larger international style property a good choice for families travelling with children. There is a swimming pool for children to enjoy in between game drives.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Tanzania
- Walking
- A stay at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge will allow you the chance to organise a walk in the Crater highlands. These will offer some stunning views and allow you the chance to see some flora and fauna on foot.
- See ideas for Walking in Tanzania
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.
- Special activities & services
- A childminder can be arranged through housekeeping, but parents should be aware that carers don't have professional qualifications. There is no cost for this, but a tip would be welcome.
- Equipment
- Cots and highchairs are available.
- Generally recommended for children
- We would recommend Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge for families. There is plenty of space here for children and the pool offers something to keep them occupied when you are not out on safari.
- Notes
- Parents should note that the lodge is not enclosed, and game does come into the grounds, so children should be supervised at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Ngorongoro Sopa 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
83% success
80% success
33% success
25% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- The generator is on 24 hours a day and guests can charge their batteries at any time.
- Communications
- There is intermittent cellphone reception at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, but you can make international calls from the phones at reception at around US$6 per minute. WiFi is available in the main building and by the pool, but not in the rooms. There's an internet room with three computers, where you can surf the web.
- TV & radio
- There is a television in the upstairs Rhino Room which can be used on request.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- All bathrooms are fully plumbed in. Hot water available from 5-8am and 5-8pm. Cold water available 24 hours a day.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge has an on-site person trained in first-aid for minor cases. The nearest hospital is in Karatu, a 90-minute drive away.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- There are askaris (guards) around the property day and night. Guests are escorted to and from their rooms after dark.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in the main areas as well as outside the bedrooms.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is an extra charge at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, costing around $1-2 per item.
- Money
- Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge can exchange small sums of money in US dollars, euros and pounds sterling. There are electronic safes in all of the rooms.
- Accepted payment on location
- You can pay in cash using pounds sterling, US dollars, euros and Tanzanian shillings. You can also use Visa, Mastercard and Amex at no extra cost.
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Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.
Excursions from Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Ngorongoro Sopa 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.
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.
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 Ngorongoro Sopa 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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