Best Time to Visit Ngorongoro Crater 

There are a few different seasons in Ngorongoro Crater and they all have their benefits and drawbacks. The best time for you to visit depends on your budget, your preferred weather, and which animals you most want to see. 

Here is a breakdown of the different seasons in the crater and what you can expect from each!

Guide for Visiting Ngorongoro Crater By Month 

Check the month you’re planning to visit Ngorongoro Crater below and see if it’s the best time to come! Each month has its pros and cons as well as different things to offer. 

January 

January is the best time to visit the crater if you want to see the calving season. During this month, the wildebeests are breeding and babies are being born. The most common place to witness this is on the plains right before you enter the crater. 

You will also be able to see baby wildebeests taking their first steps. Many people love to come during this month if they’re interested in the mating and birthing of wildebeests. 

February 

February is often a dry month between the two rainy seasons. If you are trying to get to Ngorongoro Crater before the rain begins, February is a good choice. It’s a good month for general wildlife viewing as hyenas and lions are better spotted at this time. 

March, April, and May 

These three months see the most rainfall in Ngorongoro Crater. It’s not the best time to visit the crater for those that are coming to see wildlife as many of the animals, including the Big 5, migrate out of the crater. 

The animals are also harder to see because the vegetation is thick creating perfect hiding spots. 

However, there are some pros to visiting the crater during these rainy months. Ngorongoro Crater is absolutely stunning during this time because the dry grassland turns into a lush green space. 

This is also considered the off-season so there are fewer tourists. Safari and accommodation rates are lower and you don’t have to deal with large crowds. 

June 

June is the first month of the dry season in Ngorongoro Crater. The rainy season has just ended so June is a relatively quiet month with not as many tourists as the other months in the dry season. 

Since the weather is cool, it’s a great time to visit for those that prefer colder weather. Many people also choose to climb Kilimanjaro in June because of the cooler weather. You can always combine a northern circuit safari including Ngorongoro Crater with your summit to the tallest mountain in Africa. 

July and August 

These two months are the most popular time to visit Ngorongoro Crater. Accommodation is often full and the park can get crowded with visitors and safari vehicles. 

By the time July comes around, the vegetation is thin and the crater is open grassland. While it might not be as pretty as the greenery in the wet season, the open prairies make it extremely easy to see wildlife. 

Many of the animals gather around watering holes so you can spot several animals at the same time. 

July and August are the most common months to see lions, rhinos, buffalos, leopards, and elephants. 

September 

September is part of the dry season and attracts many tourists, but fewer than the previous months. You’ll still find accommodation rates high during this month. 

There is quite a bit of dust during this time since the dry season has been ongoing for a few months. The grasslands are yellow and the vegetation is very thin. 

You’ll be able to spot animals from very far away, especially if you have your binoculars. 

October 

October is often a dry month, but the rainy season can start early. If you come in the middle or end of October, you are likely to see some rain, but not enough to interfere with your wildlife viewing activities. 

November and December 

November and December are known as the “short rains” months. It will rain almost every day, but only for a few hours in the afternoon. The rain during these months is short and should not bother your plans. 

Migrant birds start to come to Ngorongoro Crater in November. Many bird watchers start to come to the conservation area during this time to see bird species from Europe and North Africa. 

When is the Best Time to Visit Ngorongoro Crater? 

As you can see, every month is different. Not sure when to come to Ngorongoro Crater? Here is a quick list to help you decide:

• Best time for general wildlife viewing: June through October

• Best time to avoid rain: July through September 

• Best times to see migratory birds: November and December 

• Best time for travellers on a budget: March through May 

• Best time to see the lush greenery: March through May 

• Best time to see wildebeests calves: January 

• Best time for bird viewing: January through May 

Most travellers come during the dry season as most visitors’ main goal is to see the Big 5. However, coming during other parts of the year can help you save money and see the crater as a green paradise. 

Visiting Ngorongoro Crater 

Ngorongoro Crater is ready to welcome you all year round. Wildlife viewing is possible no matter which month you visit. To make your experience unforgettable, our Tanzania Safaris guides are ready to welcome you and show you all the best that Tanzania has to offer!