Ngorongoro Crater

Best Time To Visit

Going on a Ngorongoro Conservation Area Day Trip is ideal throughout the year. Though the grass on the crater floor is short during the dry season (June to September) which makes spotting wildlife a lot easier.

• On the other hand, the wet season, extending from November to May has its own charm.
• While the occasional rain showers make certain areas muddy, the lush landscapes and blooming flora provide a stunning backdrop to your safari adventure.
• Ultimately, the Best Time to Visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area depends on your liking.
• Whether you prioritize wildlife sightings in the dry season or want to experience the dynamic transformations of the wet season.

Here’s a brief comparison between the seasons of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It’ll help you decide which one suits your liking the best.

Season	Dry Season (June - October)	Wet Season (November - May)
Weather	Pleasant temperatures, and clear skies.	Occasional rain showers, lush landscapes.
Wildlife	Easier wildlife spotting at water sources.	Calving period, predators are attracted to herbivores.
Migration	Wildebeest migration is not as prominent.	Wildebeest migration through the area.
Vegetation	Thinned-out vegetation for better visibility.	Lush flora, vibrant blooming during rainfall.
Unique Sight	Opportunity to witness predator-prey interactions.	Circle of life as predators target newborns.
Experience	Excellent for clear wildlife viewing and photography.	Dynamic transformations of the ecosystem are on display.

Best Weather -June to October (Little to no Rainfall)

Worst Weather-March and April (The peak of the wet season)

Getting To Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The city of Arusha serves as the main gateway for a Day Trip to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The best way to get to Arusha is to land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is located around 46 km from the city.

Another alternative is to fly to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), near the city of Dar es Salaam. From there you can fly to Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro International Airport. The following are the estimated distances between Ngorongoro Conservation Area and other Tanzania Safari Vacation destinations:

Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Serengeti National Park – 179 km

Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Tarangire National Park – 218 km

Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Lake Manyara National Park – 59 km

Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Moshi – 292 km

Ngorongoro Conservation Area Fact File

Elevate your Ngorongoro Conservation Area Tour with the following factual pieces of information. They give you a hint of the area’s features and build a foundation for a fantastic Safari Vacation in Tanzania.

a) Park's Timings and Opening Hours – Ngorongoro Conservation Area Tours welcome visitors from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. This timeframe ensures that you have the best opportunity to witness the diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes that the area offers.

b) Permit Requirements - To enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, visitors need to obtain an entrance permit. These permits can be acquired at the park's entrance gates or even online.

c) Park's Purpose – The preservation of its rich wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and the culture of the Maasai people who inhabit the region. This dual focus on nature and culture underscores its significance as a sanctuary of both ecological and human heritage.

d) Languages - Communication at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is enabled through the widespread use of English and Swahili. Both languages are commonly spoken and understood by park staff.

e) Exploring the Park – Exploration during a Day Trip to Ngorongoro Conservation Area primarily takes place through guided safaris conducted in vehicles.

f) Required Vaccinations – Travellers arriving from yellow fever-affected areas are required to have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. This precautionary measure safeguards public health and prevents the spread of the disease. Ensure you're informed about the latest health requirements before your Ngorongoro Conservation Area Day Tour.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area Wildlife

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is renowned as being the best big safari destination in Tanzania. All of the major safari animals that you’d expect can be seen here. Though giraffes are absent in the Ngorongoro Crater because of the crater’s steep ascent.

One of the major Ngorongoro Conservation Area Wildlife highlights is the extensive population of black rhinos. They have a predictable routine of spending nights in the Lerai forest and days in the open grasslands.

Highlighted Wildlife Sightings – Lions, Elephants, Black Rhinoceros, Cheetahs, Leopards, Cape Buffaloes, Wildebeests, Hyenas, and Hippopotamus.

Things To Do In Ngorongoro Conservation Area

From world-class safaris and exhilarating hikes to cultural immersions, the following are our picks of the best Ngorongoro Conservation Area Activities:

Crater Game Drives – This activity included in your Tanzania Safari Itineraries takes visitors on drives through zig-zag roads to see a diverse amount of wildlife including the big five and countless species of herbivores.

Crater Hikes – Guided rim walks along the crater allow visitors to admire the densely forested region covered with tropical trees and a variety of flora and fauna. This is also a great spot for birdwatching.

Cultural Tours – A Ngorongoro Conservation Area Day Tour also offers the chance to visit nearby communities. It’s a great way to learn about the authentic cultures of the local people and their traditions.

Exploring Lake Ndutu – The game-viewing experience at Lake Ndutu is very exciting because of the flat plains ecosystem that lets you see far and wide. The Great Migration herds of animals also pass through this ecosystem, further enhancing the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Tour experience.

Explore the rhythm of the wild on Ngorongoro Conservation Area Safaris! Capture captivating scenes of life and survival amid an ecological masterpiece, that is the spirit of Tanzania Safari Vacations