Ngorongoro (Tanzania) and Serengeti (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Ngorongoro | Serengeti | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Tanzania |
| Type | Reserve | National park |
| Approx. area | 8,292 km² | 14,763 km² |
| Best time | January to February and June to September | January to February and June to September |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| Big Five | Present | Present |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Ngorongoro | Serengeti |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Ngorongoro if
- you want hiking and cultural visits
- you hope to see flamingos
Choose Serengeti if
- you are travelling in May to August and December
- you want hot-air balloon flights
- you hope to see crocodiles
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Ngorongoro or Serengeti?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Serengeti is stronger in May to August and December.
When is the best time for each?
Ngorongoro: January to February and June to September. Serengeti: January to February and June to September.
Sources: Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority · NCAA - Tourism attractions · Climates to Travel - Ngorongoro · TANAPA - Serengeti National Park · TANAPA - About Serengeti · Climates to Travel - Serengeti
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.