Ngorongoro (Tanzania) and Tarangire (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Ngorongoro | Tarangire | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Tanzania |
| Type | Reserve | National park |
| Approx. area | 8,292 km² | 2,850 km² |
| Best time | January to February and June to September | July to October |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| 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 | Tarangire |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Ngorongoro if
- you are travelling in January to February and April
- you want hiking and cultural visits
- you hope to see black rhino, hippos and flamingos
Choose Tarangire if
- you are travelling in July to November
- you want night drives and hot-air balloon flights
- you hope to see oryx and kudu
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Ngorongoro or Tarangire?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Ngorongoro is stronger in January to February and April. Tarangire is stronger in July to November.
When is the best time for each?
Ngorongoro: January to February and June to September. Tarangire: July to October.
Sources: Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority · NCAA - Tourism attractions · Climates to Travel - Ngorongoro · TANAPA - Tarangire National Park · SafariBookings - Tarangire climate · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.