About Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge
Perched high on a hill overlooking the valley of the seasonal Rhotia River, Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge is ...
... a simple and friendly camp in a good location between the Ngorongoro Crater and the Rift Valley Escarpment. Aside from being a good-value base to explore the surrounding area, the lodge has a noticeably positive impact on the local community through its work with a nearby children’s home – and guests can see this work first-hand.
We loved the relaxed, well-integrated feeling here. There’s a good sense of management and staff working well together. Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge is certainly not the place to come for luxury, but it is rustic and homely. If you're seeking a simple, functional lodge, in a good location, with a real community slant, this could suit you well.
Our view
We loved the relaxed, well-integrated feeling here. There’s a good sense of management and staff working well together. Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge is certainly not the place to come for luxury, but it is rustic and homely. If you're seeking a simple, functional lodge, in a good location, with a real community slant, this could suit you well.
Tanzania expert
Accommodation
15 tents
Children
Good for children with correct supervision.
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Mountain biking
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge
14 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 29 pictures of Rhotia Valley Ttd. Lodge to get the candid view.
View galleryRhotia Valley Tented Lodge: Our full report
Perched high on a hill overlooking the valley of the seasonal Rhotia River, Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge is ...
... a simple and friendly camp in a good location between the Ngorongoro Crater and the Rift Valley Escarpment. Aside from being a good-value base to explore the surrounding area, the lodge has a noticeably positive impact on the local community through its work with a nearby children’s home – and guests can see this work first-hand.
Built in 2007, Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge is part of the “Rhotia Valley Project”, which supports people from the local community. The project’s motto is “two hills, one goal”: the lodge sits on one hill and directly opposite on another hill is the Rhotia Valley Children's Home. Both were set up by Dutch couple Joris (“George”) and Marise Koch. As medical practitioners, they used to come out to the area for seminars, and took an active interest in contributing to their local community, eventually deciding to establish their own project.
The lodge provides employment in the community: all members of staff are from the local area. On top of this, 20% of the nightly rate is goes directly to the children's home. At present, this is home to 38 children and young people aged between 4 and 20 (mostly orphaned by AIDS or road accidents). The project also employs some teachers at the home and helps 12 other children from the local village with school fees and uniform.
Guests at the lodge can visit the children's home in the evening to see how it runs, and to meet the children the project is helping. This visit really made our stay at Rhotia Valley special, as we could see the great work they are doing for the local community. We strongly encourage you to visit the children’s home if you have time.
The concept of the Rhotia Valley is raw and simple; it certainly doesn't have a polished or luxurious feel – but this is not what it is aiming to achieve.
There are 15 permanent tents, each suspended under a thatched roof on wooden decking. Some have views over the woodland, while others look down onto the cultivated valley below. Tents #4, 6, 10 and 12 are doubles and tent #7 is a triple. Tent #16 is a primarily used as a honeymoon tent as it set away a little. The rest are twins apart from #8 and 9, which are a family unit comprising a double and a twin.
In keeping with the simple style of the lodge, the tents are modest and functional. Inside you'll find double or twin beds, a luggage rack, a wicker chair or daybed, with a few colourful throws, and a printed canvas hung behind the beds. Note that the twin room beds are almost adjoining, so if you are not very familiar with each other, two separate tents may be preferable! Despite its slightly chilly location in the evening (the lodge is at an altitude of 1,700m), the tents feel cosy, with hot water bottles and blankets provided.
Towards the back of each tent, the en-suite bathroom also is functional rather than stylish. A low bamboo divide separates the flush toilet from a shower and small basin. Hot water is always available, but the lodge is trying to be water conscious, providing guests with a bucket to collect cold shower water while waiting for the hot water to come through!
There’s a rustic charm to the central areas of the lodge. The main communal area is a large, airy, brick-and-thatch structure, with lots of wicker furniture. The lounge and dining section of this area has a lovely large brick fireplace, a good spot to warm up after dinner, when it can get quite chilly. Blankets and braziers are provided for particularly cold nights. There are plenty of tables and chairs laid out, and an open kitchen where you can watch your dinner being prepared by the very friendly chefs. Outside, a large wooden bar made from local eucalyptus wood is a great place to sit and watch the sun set over the valley below.
Near reception (a rust-coloured shipping container) is a small oval-shaped swimming pool, surrounded by sunloungers. The pool looks out over the valley and gets nicely warm during the day, despite the altitude, so is a good spot to relax.
Most guests at Rhotia Valley use it as a base to explore the Ngorongoro Crater or Lake Manyara with their own private driver guide, but activities can be arranged from the lodge. These include a hike along the crater rim; usually they'll drive you there, then it's a six-hour hike back through the forests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a park ranger and their own guide. You can walk to the village with a member of staff, take a local guide to learn about the uses of native plants, or experience the everyday life of farmers in the area.
Geographics
- Location
- Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- Stay two or three nights here as a base to explore the surrounding area.
- Directions
- Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge is about 15 minutes' drive off the main road from Arusha to the Ngorongoro Crater. However it can easily take twice as long after rain.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- We found the food to be tasty, homely and hearty. Special requests and allergies can be catered for with advance notice.
Breakfast is served until 10.00am: usually a continental selection of cereals and fruit, followed by eggs cooked to order.
Lunch at the lodge is usually two or three courses, but many guests take a picnic lunch and head out on a full-day game drive.
Dinner begins at 7.30pm and is usually three courses. Meals are freshly prepared, with most of the vegetables and all the herbs grown in the lodge's extensive vegetable garden. We enjoyed fresh tomato soup, followed by roasted beef with rice and vegetables, and chocolate cake desert. There's a nice 'bush dinner' area on a little platform near the 'Honeymoon Tent' #16.
The bread made at their own bakery here is used not just in the lodge but in the children's home. The lodge also runs a a coffee shop on a nearby ridge which provides more local employment. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is possible at Rhotia Valley, although this would need to be arranged in advance as there are no phones in the rooms.
- Drinks included
- All drinks are cost extra. Expect a beer to cost around $3, a glass of wine $4 and soft drinks around $2. There is free tea and coffee in the dining/lounge area.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- Rhotia Valley is a wonderful option for families. There are no age restrictions. Guests have the opportunity to visit the children's home associated with the lodge. It's a great opportunity for children to become involved with the local community.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Tanzania
- Cultural Experiences
- Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge has had a noticeably positive impact on the local community through its establishment of a nearby children’s home – and guests can see this work first-hand.
- See ideas for Cultural Experiences in Tanzania
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome.
- Property’s age restrictions
- No age restrictions.
- Special activities & services
- The lodge can provide special meals for children, and their timings are flexible.
- Equipment
- The lodge doesn't provide any cots, highchairs or special equipment for children, but football games with the local children can be quite a feature.
- Generally recommended for children
- Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge is a good option for families, as guests are given the opportunity to interact and play with children from the children's home associated with the lodge. It's a great opportunity for children to become involved with the local community.
- Notes
- The tents are raised up on wooden platforms, so are not suitable for very young children. The pool is unfenced and there is no lifeguard on duty. Wildlife can wander through the camp so be vigilant.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Rhotia Valley Ttd. Lodge
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Rhotia Valley Tented 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
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0% success
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Communications
- Power supply notes
- The generator is on from 6.00-9.00pm and a battery bank stores power for use during the rest of the day. They also use solar panels. There are sockets from which you can charge batteries in the tents, but the electricity in the lounge/dining area is stabilised, and therefore better for charging.
- Communications
- WiFi access is charged at US$5 per device per day.
- TV & radio
- There is no TV or radio for guests, but the staff TV can be shared on special occasions such as major sporting events.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- A new borehole supplies all the lodge’s water– up to 15,000 litres per hour. This water is treated and used for drinking water (the government water agency in Moshi tested it and found it to be perfectly drinkable even before treatment). You can also buy plastic bottled water if you prefer.
Sustainability
Providing shelter to underprivileged children
Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge is quickly becoming a community-based lodge where guests play a significant role in the development of neighbouring villages.
The core priority is building and investing into securing housing for underprivileged children. The social project of ‘Children’s Home’ offers shelter, clothes, food and education, and for many the lodge has become a second-home. Every day after serving breakfast, 40 children hop on in the Zebra Children School Bus and go to school. Their after-school programme includes activities such as soccer, games or arts and crafts in which guests are also encouraged to participate and act as mentors to the younger ones. Monthly revenues from the lodge contribute directly to the running costs of supporting the ‘Children’s Home’ initiative (food, fuel and staff).
The lodge also works closely with local communities, schools and businesses from the local areas. Rhotia Valley provides employment opportunities – in the lodge, the bakery and dairy farm as well as the Coffee Corner (a new training centre) – resulting in a rate of 90% of staff being employed from local villages. This provides tourists the opportunity to interact with people from various backgrounds, and to share unique experiences or learn how to cook local dishes and indulge in traditions aimed to keep the local culture alive.
See more great sustainability projects in Tanzania
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Rhotia Valley is run by doctors, so you're already in good hands. They have all the basics here, but usually go to Dr Frank at the FAME clinic in Karatu if anyone needs more urgent or serious attention.
- Dangerous animals
- Moderate Risk
- Security measures
- Askaris (Maasai guards known as walinizi ) are on duty throughout the day and night. The lodge is partly fenced and there are two nice dogs who can distinguish between guests and intruders.
- Fire safety
- There are sand buckets by each tent, and one fire extinguisher for every three tents. They are occasionally checked by the fire department.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Mountain biking
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- They lodge can do laundry, at extra cost, and not including underwear.
- Money
- Guests may store valuables in the safe at reception (inside the shipping container).
- Accepted payment on location
- Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge accepts Visa and MasterCard with a 3% surcharge. They also accept cash payment in US dollars,,pounds sterling, euros and Tanzanian shillings.
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Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Rhotia Valley Ttd. Lodge.
Excursions from Rhotia Valley Ttd. Lodge
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Rhotia Valley Ttd. Lodge. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Crater Rim Walk
Half day - two hour walk
For some fantastic views, and the chance to see flora and fauna up close, take a walk along the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. Led by an experienced safari guide and accompanied by an armed ranger, you will be able to take in the scale and beauty of the landscape from a different perspective.
More about Crater Rim Walk
Empakaai Crater Hike
Half day, two - three hour walk
Spend a half day hiking through the Empakaai Crater, in the Highlands area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), led by an experienced guide and accompanied by a ranger.
More about Empakaai Crater Hike
Lake Manyara Safari
Half-day or full-day
Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park makes a great safari destination. Here, along with elephant herds and plains game, you’ll find jungle-like forests that are home to blue monkeys, a soda lake tinged pink by flamingos and some of Tanzania’s best birding.
More about Lake Manyara Safari
Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway
Usually one hour
Experience the forest of Lake Manyara National Park from a whole new perspective – high up in the trees. The first suspended walkway in Tanzania, it stretches underneath the canopy for 370m between the mahogany and fig trees, giving intrepid visitors a unique view of the surrounding flora and fauna.
More about Manyara Treetop Walk
Mto Wa Mbu Village Walk
Two to three hours
Discover the nuances of day-to-day life in the large Tanzanian village of Mto Wa Mbu with a knowledgeable local guide. This is not a village set up for tourists – Mto Wa Mbu is a real community and offers a chance to see a side of Tanzania that many visitors pass by.
More about Village Walk
Olduvai Gorge visit
One - two hours
See for yourself the renowned archaeological site of Olduvai (or Oldupai) Gorge, which lies en route between the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park. Famed for the discoveries of early hominin remains as well as the Laetoli Footprints, the site offers beautiful views, an engaging museum and potentially the opportunity to visit an active dig.
More about Olduvai Gorge visit
Olmoti Crater walk
Half day - two to three hour walk
Follow an ancient Maasai cattle trail on this private hike up the Olmoti Crater, led by an experienced guide and accompanied by an armed ranger. The crater may not compete in size with the neighbouring Ngorongoro Crater, but the birding is good, the mountain views wonderful, and the array of ferns is a botanist’s dream.
More about Olmoti Crater walk
Safari in Ngorongoro Crater
Typically a full day
To drive into the Ngorongoro Crater is to immerse yourself in a renowned wildlife park. Prides of lion and clans of hyena patrol amongst herds of zebra, wildebeest and Thomson’s gazelle, whilst flocks of crowned cranes keep out the way of jackals. Come for elephants with big tusks, too. And then there are the rhino…
More about Ngorongoro Crater safariOther lodges in Ngorongoro Crater
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Plantation Lodge
A relaxed base between Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara, Plantation Lodge has lush grounds and offers good value and high standards.
Gibbs Farm
Located not far from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Gibb's Farm has comfy rooms, homegrown food and strong community links
Lemala Ngorongoro
Lemala Ngorongoro is a small, comfortable tented camp on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater with lovely walking in the vicinity.
Entamanu Ngorongoro
Opened in 2016, Entamanu Ngorongoro is a small camp high on the Crater rim with views towards the crater and the plains of the Serengeti.
Crater Lodge
The ultra-luxurious Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is perched in a spectacular location on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater.
The Highlands
The Highlands is a unique camp near Olmoti Crater, north of Ngorongoro, offering drives, walks and cultural visits from a beautiful remote setting.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Situated on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, with outstanding views, the Sopa Lodge is a somewhat dated, international-style hotel.
Rhino Lodge
Rhino Lodge is a simple, good-value lodge with a great location near the crater rim, in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
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.
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 Rhotia Valley Ttd. 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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