The Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania is run by its own authority, and Maasai pastoralists live alongside the wildlife. Its centrepiece is Ngorongoro Crater with abundant resident game, and the area also holds major archaeological sites.
- Country
- Tanzania
- Type
- Reserve
- Approx. area
- 8,292 km²
- Best time
- January to February and June to September
- Suggested stay
- 1–2 days
- Main gateway airport
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Big Five
- Present
- Malaria
- Malaria area: see a travel doctor
Why go to Ngorongoro
- Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest intact, unflooded volcanic caldera
- Good chances of black rhino on the crater floor
- Olduvai Gorge museum and the Laetoli footprints
- Hikes to Empakaai and Olmoti craters
- Maasai pastoralism alongside wildlife
Best time to visit Ngorongoro
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Ngorongoro is January to February and June to September.
Dry season; nights on the crater rim are cold and can drop below 10°C.
Migration herds reach the Ndutu plains inside the conservation area for calving season.
Long rains, wettest in April; resident wildlife stays in the crater year-round.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10–23 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
| February | 10–23 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
| March | 10–22 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| April | 11–21 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| May | 10–20 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| June | 8–19 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| July | 8–19 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
| August | 8–20 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
| September | 8–21 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| October | 9–22 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
| November | 10–22 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| December | 10–22 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | busy |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Ngorongoro includes lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, black rhino, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas, flamingos, gazelles, eland, ostriches and birdlife.
Things to do
Getting there
The crater rim is reached by road from Arusha via Karatu, about 4-5 hours from Kilimanjaro airport; Lake Manyara airstrip is relatively close.
Trips to Ngorongoro
Plan by travel style
- Ngorongoro for families
- Ngorongoro for a honeymoon
- Ngorongoro for photographers
- Ngorongoro for a first safari
- Ngorongoro on a budget
- Ngorongoro for luxury travel
Compare with
- Ngorongoro vs Lake Manyara
- Ngorongoro vs Nyerere
- Ngorongoro vs Ruaha
- Ngorongoro vs Serengeti
- Ngorongoro vs Tarangire
- Ngorongoro vs Masai Mara
Travelling to Ngorongoro from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Ngorongoro?
Generally January to February and June to September. Dry season; nights on the crater rim are cold and can drop below 10°C.
How many days do I need in Ngorongoro?
Most visitors spend 1 to 2 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Ngorongoro?
The crater rim is reached by road from Arusha via Karatu, about 4-5 hours from Kilimanjaro airport; Lake Manyara airstrip is relatively close.
Is there malaria in Ngorongoro?
Yes, it is in a malaria-risk area. See a doctor or travel clinic well before your trip.
Sources: Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority · NCAA - Tourism attractions · Climates to Travel - Ngorongoro
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.