You want to see lions, elephants, and rhinos all in one place? Ngorongoro Crater is your answer!
The magnificent Ngorongoro Crater – a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife
This amazing place in Tanzania is like a huge natural zoo. But when should you visit? We’ll tell you everything you need to know.
Ready to plan your safari? Call Grey Impala Safaris today at +254 728 630 188 or email us!
What Makes Ngorongoro Special?
Ngorongoro is a big hole in the ground. But it’s not just any hole!
Long ago, a huge mountain exploded. This left a round crater. Today, it’s home to thousands of animals.
Fun Facts:
- The crater is 260 square kilometers big
- It’s home to over 25,000 animals
- You can see all “Big Five” animals here
- Only 70 cars can enter each day
Two Main Seasons You Need to Know
Tanzania has two main seasons. Each one is different.
Dry Season (June to October)
This is when it doesn’t rain much. The grass becomes short. Animals come to drink water at the lakes.
You can see animals easily. The weather is nice. Roads are good for driving.
Example: In August, you might see 50 lions in one day. They gather near the water because it’s the only place to drink.
Leopards are easier to spot during dry season when they rest in acacia trees
Wet Season (November to May)
This is when it rains. The grass grows tall and green. Animals spread out everywhere.
Baby animals are born during this time. Everything looks very beautiful and green.
Example: In February, you might see baby zebras learning to walk. Their moms stay close to protect them.
Zebra families during calving season – January to February is perfect for baby animal sightings
Best Time: June to October (Dry Season)
Most people visit during dry season. Here’s why:
Why Everyone Loves This Time
Animals are easy to find. They all come to the same water spots. It’s like they’re putting on a show just for you!
The weather is perfect. Not too hot, not too cold. You can wear a t-shirt during the day.
Dry Season Numbers:
- You have a 90% chance of seeing lions
- Temperature: 15-25°C (perfect!)
- Rain: Less than 5 days per month
- Road conditions: 95% excellent
Month by Month Guide
June-July: Still green from recent rains. Animals are happy and active.
August-September: The absolute best time! Everything is perfect.
October: Still great, but getting ready for rains to come.
The Downside
More people visit during this time. Hotels cost more money. You need to book early.
Peak Season Costs:
- Hotels: 50-70% more expensive
- Must book 6 months ahead
- More safari cars in the crater
Want to visit during peak season? Book now! Call us today to secure your dates.
Great Value Time: November to February
Smart travelers know this secret. These months are amazing too!
November-December: Short Rains
It rains for a few hours each day. Then the sun comes out. Everything looks fresh and clean.
Fewer people visit. Hotels are cheaper. You get better service.
Example: In November, you might have the whole crater to yourself for an hour. Imagine watching elephants with no other cars around!
January-February: Baby Season
This is when baby animals are born. Thousands of baby zebras and wildebeest everywhere!
Predators like lions get very active. They hunt more because there are many young animals.
Baby Season Facts:
- Over 8,000 wildebeest babies born
- Lion hunting success rate: 30% higher
- Hotel prices: 40% cheaper than peak season
Wildebeest herds during the Great Migration – witness nature’s most spectacular journey
Love baby animals? January-February is perfect for you! Email us for special packages.
Rainy Season: March to May
Many people avoid this time. But it has special magic too!
The Challenges
It rains a lot. Some days you can’t go on safari. Roads become muddy.
Animals spread out. They’re harder to find. Some hotels close.
The Amazing Parts
Everything turns bright green. Flowers bloom everywhere. The crater looks like a garden.
Millions of pink birds called flamingos arrive. They make the lakes look pink!
Example: In April, you might see 100,000 flamingos covering the lake. It’s like a pink carpet on the water!
Rainy Season Benefits:
- Hotel prices: 60% cheaper
- Over 500 bird species present
- Landscape photography: Outstanding
- Crowd levels: 80% fewer tourists
Animals You’ll See All Year
The best thing about Ngorongoro? The animals live there all year. They don’t move away.
The Big Five
Lions: About 60 lions live in the crater. You’ll almost certainly see them.
Elephants: Only male elephants live here. They’re very relaxed and friendly.
Buffalo: Huge herds of up to 3,000 buffalo roam the crater.
Leopards: The hardest to see, but they’re there. Early morning is best.
Rhinos: About 30 black rhinos live here. They’re very rare elsewhere.
Other Amazing Animals
Zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas, and hundreds of bird species. The crater has everything!
Animal Numbers in Ngorongoro:
- 15,000 wildebeest
- 6,000 zebras
- 3,000 buffalo
- 300 bird species year-round
Getting There from Kenya
You live in Kenya? Great! Ngorongoro is your neighbor.
From Nairobi
Fly to Kilimanjaro Airport. Then drive 3 hours to Ngorongoro. Easy!
Or fly to Arusha. It’s closer – only 2 hours by car.
Some people drive all the way. It takes 6-7 hours but you see beautiful scenery.
Example trip: Leave Nairobi at 8 AM. Fly to Arusha at 9 AM. Drive to Ngorongoro. Have lunch overlooking the crater at 1 PM!
Dry Season Travel
Everything is easy. Roads are good. Flights are on time. Hotels are open.
Wet Season Travel
Plan for delays. Bring rain jacket. Choose hotels that stay open. Be flexible with dates.
Need transport from Nairobi? We arrange everything! Call now for transport packages.
How Much Does It Cost?
The price changes a lot depending on when you go.
Peak Season (June-October)
Luxury hotels: $800-1,500 per person per night
Mid-range hotels: $300-600 per person per night
Budget options: $150-300 per person per night
Off-Season (November-May)
Same hotels cost 40-60% less!
Money-Saving Example:
- Luxury lodge in August: $1,200 per night
- Same lodge in November: $600 per night
- You save: $600 per night!
Our Best Advice
After 20 years of taking people to Ngorongoro, here’s what we recommend:
For First-Time Visitors
Go in August or September. Yes, it costs more. But you’ll see everything. The weather is perfect.
For Budget Travelers
Choose November or December. Good weather, fewer crowds, much cheaper.
For Wildlife Photographers
January-February is best. Baby animals everywhere. Great light. Amazing action.
For Adventure Seekers
Try March-May. It’s wild, unpredictable, and very few people do it.
Pro Tip: Book your crater permit early! Only 70 cars allowed per day. Peak season fills up 6 months ahead.
What to Pack
Ngorongoro is high up. It gets cold in the morning and evening.
All Seasons
- Warm jacket for early morning
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Good camera with extra batteries
- Comfortable walking shoes
Wet Season Extra
- Rain jacket
- Waterproof camera bag
- Extra clothes
- Patience for weather delays!
Why Choose Grey Impala Safaris?
We’re based in Kenya, just like you. We know exactly what Kenyan travelers want.
Our guides speak English, Swahili, and local languages. They know where to find animals in every season.
Looking for more safari options? Check out our Masai Mara safari packages to experience Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve.
Want to see Mount Kilimanjaro views? Our Amboseli safari tours offer stunning elephant encounters with Africa’s highest mountain as your backdrop.
We offer:
- Small groups (maximum 6 people)
- Experienced local guides
- All permits and fees included
- Transport from Nairobi
- 24/7 support during your trip
- Photography safari tours for perfect wildlife shots
- Scheduled group tours for budget-friendly options
Ready for your Ngorongoro adventure?
Call us: +254 728 630 188
Email: info@greyimpalasafaris.com
Visit: www.greyimpalasafaris.com
Book now and get 10% off your first safari!
Final Thoughts
Ngorongoro is amazing any time of year. Each season shows you something different.
Pick the time that matches what you want to see. Love baby animals? Go in January. Want perfect weather? Choose August.
Don’t wait too long to decide. The crater is getting more popular every year.
Ready to combine Ngorongoro with other destinations? Consider our East African Discovery Safari that includes both Kenya and Tanzania highlights.
Remember: the best time to visit Ngorongoro is whenever you can go. This place will amaze you no matter when you arrive.
Don’t wait – your adventure starts now!
Call Grey Impala Safaris today and let’s plan your perfect Ngorongoro experience!
Grey Impala Safaris – Your trusted partner for unforgettable African adventures since 2005.