About The Manor
The Manor is a luxury lodge located on the Shangri-La Coffee Estate; it covers 6km² of the Ngorongoro Highlands, ...
... adjacent to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Most visitors will probably use this as a place to eat and sleep – while driving into the Ngorongoro Crater during the day for their main activity.
The Manor is a graceful, peaceful and charming lodge with friendly and very professional staff. This is a luxurious base for exploring the Ngorongoro Crater, and perhaps Lake Manyara. We really liked the Afro-European architecture of The Manor, which is unlike any of the other plantation-style lodges in Tanzania. The mix of natural tones, classic furniture, polished wooden floors and traditional architecture – not to mention touches like the butler service per five guests, complimentary sherry in every room and a bubble bath awaiting you on your return from the crater – results in a smart colonial style that works well.
Our view
The Manor is a graceful, peaceful and charming lodge with friendly and very professional staff. This is a luxurious base for exploring the Ngorongoro Crater, and perhaps Lake Manyara. We really liked the Afro-European architecture of The Manor, which is unlike any of the other plantation-style lodges in Tanzania. The mix of natural tones, classic furniture, polished wooden floors and traditional architecture – not to mention touches like the butler service per five guests, complimentary sherry in every room and a bubble bath awaiting you on your return from the crater – results in a smart colonial style that works well.
Tanzania expert
Accommodation
20 rooms
Children
Good for children
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Horse-riding
Mountain biking
Private activities
Traveller reviews of The Manor
5 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 The Manor to get the candid view.
View galleryThe Manor: Our full report
The Manor is a luxury lodge located on the Shangri-La Coffee Estate; it covers 6km² of the Ngorongoro Highlands, ...
... adjacent to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Most visitors will probably use this as a place to eat and sleep – while driving into the Ngorongoro Crater during the day for their main activity.
The Cape Dutch homestead style means you might be forgiven for thinking you were in the South African Cape winelands of the nineteeth century rather than Tanzania.
The Manor's main areas are inside the beautiful manor house, with traditional gables and wooden sash windows. A high-ceilinged central atrium, with large double doors at each end, separates the lounge from the dining room.
The main atrium and lounge at The Manor is dotted with dark-wood furniture, Persian rugs, sumptuous sofas, and huge flower arrangements. There is a large fireplace and even a grand piano. A small bar with leather high stools sits to one side of the lounge, and on the other is a small shop selling stunning Tanzanite jewellery. Outside the lounge is a large patio with tables and chairs under shady umbrellas where guests can sit and enjoy a drink with views over the gardens.
On the other side of The Manor's central hall is the dining area, which is simply but stylishly furnished with pale gold high-backed upholstered chairs.
Downstairs is a full-size billiards room and TV/cinema room (bring your own DVDs), as well as a room where wine tastings are offered. If you wanted to arrange a private dinner the large wooden dining table in this space is often used.
Adjacent to the manor house, brick paths lead to the swimming pool in a walled garden with a few sun-loungers and umbrellas. (The paths can be slippery after rain: they look great, but take care.) There is a covered patio area here, with sofas, where guests can enjoy lunch. Beside the pool is a spa with two massage rooms, where the resident therapist offers a selection of massages, manicures and pedicures. There is no additional charge for spa treatments for guests on honeymoon packages.
The 18 similar rooms at The Manor (12 of them with king-size beds, 6 with twin beds) are dotted throughout the gardens in ten cottages. All have views over the surrounding coffee plantation and the rolling green hills of the escarpment beyond. Also decorated in the smart Cape Dutch style, each room has its own private courtyard and deck (with seating, recliners and table), a comfortable lounge, a central fireplace – welcome in the evenings during the cooler months of the year in July and August – and high-quality dark-wood period furniture. The rooms are carpeted and have large king-size or twin dark-wood beds covered in crisp, white linen and rich red bedcovers and cushions. Tall travellers will want to know that the beds are built in the sleigh design, with footboards. Every room also has a delightful rocking chair, and there's a modest-size digital safe in each room too.
Each of the spacious and stylish en-suite bathrooms has under-floor heating, a freestanding claw-foot bath, huge rainfall shower, twin basins and a separate toilet. Bath gowns, slippers and high quality toiletries are provided.
One of the rooms is suitable for mobility-impaired guests, as it has no step.
Apart from the standard rooms, there is also a separate family cottage, known as the Stable Cottage, which sleeps six. There's a double bedroom and a twin bedroom downstairs, both en-suite, as well as a separate lounge. Up a wooden staircase, in the eaves, is a child-friendly area with a spacious carpeted twin-bedded room with skylights. Opposite the bedroom is a children's playroom with a TV (DSTV satellite channels) and DVD player, games, a sofa and cushions on the floor. There is even a children's bathroom with kiddie-sized toilet, basin and low shower. The Stable Cottage has floor-standing fans, though they are rarely needed.
For most people, activities at The Manor focus on visits into Ngorongoro Crater or Lake Manyara National Park – either with your own vehicle and safari guide, or with one of the Manor's four vehicles and one of the guides based here. Mountain bikes are also provided for the more energetic who wish to cycle with a guide through the nearby hills and villages. And it's also possible to do a tour of the coffee plantation followed by a coffee tasting.
As well as the immaculate grounds and buildings to enjoy, the Manor has its own stables and pony for children to ride. Guests are able to go out for a ride through the coffee plantations accompanied by an instructor. It is also possible to combine a horse ride with a picnic lunch – which is served to you in the grounds of The Manor. During the day the horses are released into a paddock when they are not out riding. Note that the Expert Africa team members who have visited don't claim any expertise in assessing the horses, riding equipment or the quality of the riding instruction here.
Geographics
- Location
- Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- Spend two nights at the Manor to have a full day exploring Ngorongoro Crater and its surrounding conservation area. The Manor is a sister lodge to Tarangire Treetops and Migration Camp, it is of a similar high quality with great food and service, and makes a great combination with Tarangire National Park and the Serengeti.
- Directions
- The Manor is 40 minutes by road from Manyara airstrip, 2 hours and 45 minutes by road from Arusha and about 40 minutes from the Crater rim.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- When we last visited The Manor, we did not stay to eat. However, we had a look at the menus for the day and this is what guests would have had:
A special breakfast menu included pancakes, toasted brioche, a selection of omelettes, a full English breakfast with all the trimmings, French toast or a ploughman's platter with a selection of cheeses, cold meats and pickles. There was also the option of homemade muesli, cereals, fruit and various breads. There's a fine conservatory off the dining room which makes a perfect breakfast venue.
If you're in the lodge for lunch you'll find it's an à la carte menu, that changes daily. On our visit the menu offered salads, pasta dishes, a tortilla wrap, a vegetarian dish, beef burger, fish cakes or sirloin steak. Desserts included fresh-fruit salad, or apple-and-banana pie topped with home-made ice cream. Lunch could be served in the dining room, on the patio, or by the pool.
Thee silver service, five course dinner consists of appetizers, soup of the day, and then a choice of two starters, three main courses (red/white meat, fish, or a vegetarian option) followed by a choice of three desserts.
Most of the food served at The Manor is grown on their farm and is very fresh. We were told that there rarely have to purchase vegetables as they are able to produce enough in their own garden. Timings and dining locations are all flexible depending on the guests wishes. Nothing seems like too much trouble here – all you have to do is ask! - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Yes, there's room service available.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are usually included, except for premium cellar wines and champagne.
Special interests
- Riding holidays
- The Manor has its own stables with three resident horses, as well as a pony for children to ride. Rides are normally done through the coffee plantation surrounding The Manor. The cost for this (July 2013) is US$30 per person per hour.
- See ideas for Riding holidays in Tanzania
- Luxury
- The Manor blends a Cape-Dutch homestead with classic architecture and luxurious Afro-European décor. Expect high ceilings, large fireplaces, Persian rugs and sumptuous soft furnishings. The tranquil surroundings and views over the coffee plantation make this an elegant choice.
- See ideas for Luxury in Tanzania
Children
- Attitude towards children
- The Manor happily welcomes children of all ages.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions.
- Special activities & services
- The Manor can arrange child minding with their house keeping staff, though parents should be aware that the staff have no formal training in child care.
- Equipment
- Baby cots and high chairs are available.
- Generally recommended for children
- There is an electric fence around the property to protect guests from game, and there is a lot here to occupy children, from the swimming pool to pony riding and even croquet. That being said, the property has a very elegant and adult atmosphere, and so we feel that it would be best suited to well-behaved mature children.
- Notes
- The Manor has some larger rooms with a lower veranda, which is great for small families with younger children. Larger families with older children may prefer the family cottage, which has three bedrooms.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from The Manor
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at The Manor have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is a backup generator.
- Communications
- The Manor has good cellphone coverage, but there are no fixed-line phones in the rooms, only an internal phone service. WiFi is available in the main area and guests can use the office laptop free of charge.
- TV & radio
- The Manor has a small cinema with a TV.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- Unlimited bottled drinking water is supplied to guests.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The managers at The Manor are first-aid trained, and there are doctors at the good FAME Hospital a ten-minute drive away in Karatu.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- There are askaris (guards) around The Manor throughout the day and night. There is also an electric fence around the property to keep animals out.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers beside all the fireplaces and a fire hose is shared between every two rooms. Frequent fire-training of staff takes place.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Horse-riding
Mountain biking
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is included at The Manor, and if given to the staff in the morning it is returned the same day. Clothes are machine washed.
- Money
- It is usually possible to exchange small amounts of currency and an exchange rate is received from their head office in Arusha when required.
- Accepted payment on location
- The Manor will accept cash in British pounds, euros, US dollars and Tanzanian shillings. They will also accept MasterCard, Visa and Amex at no additional charge. They do not accept travellers' cheques.
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The Manor's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of The Manor.
Excursions from The Manor
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at The Manor. 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
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.
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.
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 The Manor 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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