Ngorongoro Crater Best Time to Visit

Ngorongoro Crater best time to visit is something to look out for, and put into consideration as you plan out your ultimate Ngorongoro Crater safari. With the Ngorongoro Conservation Area wildlife especially animals remaining in the steep-walled Ngorongoro Crater all throughout the year, the question of when is the best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater is less about maximizing your game viewing experience given you can see them all throughput the year, it is more about how many more other travelers and safari vehicles you would want to share the Ngorongoro Crater with.

High visitor numbers should be expected during the dry season which runs in the months of majorly July to September, also the peak season of travel, and again in December to February which is also the calving season following the November rains which leave the ground lush and green.

Keeping this in mind therefore, the main rainy season in the months of April to May is considered as the best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater as there are fewer tourists in the crater floor, and the Ngorongoro Crater is particularly lush and green, bringing forth amazing scenic views unlike during the dusty landscape in the dry season.

Ngorongoro Crater Best Time to Visit
Game Drives in Ngorongoro

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a beautiful Tanzania safari destination that tourists visit every other day for amazing Tanzania safari experiences. It is in Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania that you shall get to see all the big 5 animals. The big 5 in Ngorongoro Crater include elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards and the rare rhinos, among so many other Ngorongoro Crater animals. The beautiful scenery, birds in Ngorongoro Crater all rewarding travelers with amazing safari experiences while on Ngorongoro Crater safaris.

There are two seasons in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with each presenting its own pros and cons. Depending on what your preferences are, you can visit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area anytime of the year.

The Dry Season in Ngorongoro Crater

The dry season in Ngorongoro Crater falls in the months of late June to September, and December to February. The dry season in Ngorongoro Crater has the animals gathering in the few water pools available, thereby easing animal viewing as travelers get to see more animals almost at once. The large numbers of animals in the few water pools has the predators taking advantage of the occurrence by pouncing on the unsuspecting herbivores; it is thus one of the best times to watch the predators in play. The dry season also has the grass short and thin, thus easing animal viewing while on Ngorongoro Crater drives. Also, the roads and paths in the Ngorongoro are easy to manoeuvre as they are intact. These are the pros of the dry season in Ngorongoro Crater and why some consider the dry season as the best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater.

On the low however, the dry season in Ngorongoro Crater is also when the peak season of travel falls, thus attracting more and more tourists; – this results into crowding in the Ngorongoro Crater. Also, Ngorongoro Crater accommodation is highly priced during the peak season, thus heightening the safari price. Though it is a dry and sunny season, the temperatures in the early morning and evenings after sunsets have the temperatures dropping considerably, this being quite cold. Irrespective of the weather, it is best to consider packing warm clothing for such times.

The Wet or Rainy Season in Ngorongoro Crater

The wet season in Ngorongoro Crater is experienced in the months of November to December, and March to May. November is when the “short rains” are experienced, while the long rains are experienced in the months of March to May. During this time of the year, the grass is lush and green, overgrown that animal viewing would be hindered, and the roads are quite slippery and muddy.

Given that Ngorongoro Crater animals are residents throughout the year, travelers can thus see animals while on Ngorongoro Crater safaris all throughout the year, irrespective of the season.

Ngorongoro Crater Best Time to Visit
Rhinos in Ngorongoro

Travelers after budget Ngorongoro Crater safaris can however visit Tanzania in this time of the year for unparalleled game viewing, and scenic views of the conservation area and the landscape, given the scenic lush and green. The accommodation during this time of the year is also cheaper as most Ngorongoro Crater lodges and camps do offer discounted rates to attract more guests.

Birding in Ngorongoro Crater is also best done in the months of November through May, when there are migratory birds in Ngorongoro Crater thus increasing on the diversity of birds in Ngorongoro Crater.

The wet season in Ngorongoro crater also has fewer travelers on Ngorongoro Crater safaris given it is a low season of travel. This therefore is a great time to visit Ngorongoro Crater given that there are fewer crowds.

Ngorongoro Crater is a beautiful and great Tanzania safari destination to go to for unforgettable Tanzania safari experiences, on Ngorongoro Crater safaris. Irrespective of the season of visit, you shall get to enjoy amazing game viewing experiences. Get in touch with a reputable tour operator to help create one of the most amazing Ngorongoro Crater safari experiences.

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