A visit to the Ngorongoro Crater is an experience of a lifetime. There are few places that have wildlife densities and variety on this level. It is not unusual to see the Big Five in one day – and all this in the most amazing setting with a backdrop of the 600m/1,968ft-high crater wall.

The main feature of the Ngorongoro National Conservation Authority is the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive, intact and unfilled volcanic caldera.

It is a breathtakingly beautiful setting and the best place in East Africa to see the Big Five.  It is a great way to start your African safari adventure. However, as one of the world’s most astonishing and renowned natural wonders, the Ngorongoro Crater does get busy, and at times very busy. 

The star attraction of the Conservation Area is the Ngorongoro Crater: an extinct volcano teeming with wildlife often compared to the Garden of Eden. Wildlife viewing in the crater is out of this world. All major animals are easily seen. The only exception is giraffe, which is present in the Conservation Area, but not in the crater because of the steep descent. Elephant are common, including some very big tuskers. All big cats can be spotted, and the density of spotted hyena is quite extraordinary.

Ngorongoro Conservation has a mild, temperate climate. The area experiences two Wet seasons. From October to November are the ‘short’ rains, followed by the ‘long rains’ from March to May. Rainfall is experienced in the form of showers and thunder in the afternoon, yet it would be odd for it to rain the whole day. The crater never gets very hot during the day, but the crater rim gets cold, and it can freeze at night. Warm clothing for early morning game drives is a necessity.

Dry season – June to October

• June, July, August, September & October – Afternoon temperatures are usually around 19°C/66°F on the crater floor. Sunny, cloudless skies are normal, but if the ‘short rains’ arrive early, they could begin in October. It gets cold at night, and it can freeze on the crater rim.

Wet season – November to May

It gets warmer during the day when compared to the Dry season, but mornings are still cold. Afternoon temperatures are usually around 23°C/73°F on the crater floor, while night temperatures are around 6°C/43°F on the crater rim. There is a chance for freezing temperatures.

• November & December – ‘Short rains’ – These rains are highly unlikely to impact your safari as it won’t rain all day. Showers usually happen in the afternoon. The ‘short rains’ last about one month and can occur anytime between October and December.
• January & February – It isn’t possible to guess when it will happen with accuracy, but there is usually a time of dry weather between the Wet seasons.
• March, April & May – ‘Long rains’ – This is when wetness is at its peak. Most days will have rain, but it will not last the entire day. The average maximum and minimum temperatures are 21°C/70°F on the crater floor and 6°C/43°F on the crater rim. April and May could experience colder weather due to cold fronts.