Best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater or Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.  Forming a spectacular bowl of about 265 square kilometres, with sides up to 600 meters deep; it is home to approximately 30,000 animals at any one time. 

Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most likely areas in Tanzania to see the endangered Black Rhino, as a small population is thriving in this idyllic and protected environment. It is currently one of the few areas where they continue to breed in the wild. Your chances of encountering leopards here are also good and fabulous black-manned lions.  Many flamingos are also attracted to the soda waters of Lake Magadi.

When to go

Dry season/High season (from June to October): This is the best time to visit Ngorongoro because it is the dry season whereby animals gather at water pools and holes and this makes it easier for people who visit Ngorongoro for game-watching.

The April to May rainy season is often considered the green season and it’s one of the best times to visit the Ngorongoro Crater as there are far fewer visitors and the crater is wonderfully lush and green compared to the dusty dry-season landscape.