When to go to the Ngorongoro Crater. When Is the Best Time to Visit Ngorongoro Crater?

When vacationing in Tanzania, the goal is usually to go on a safari, to the beach, or both. As a general rule, the best time to visit Tanzania on safari is between July and October, when the weather is dry and sunny. As the parks dry out, the shrubs grow less dense, making the animals easier to identify, but also forcing them to concentrate near the surviving water holes.

Short rains fall in November (which can sometimes last into December, January, and March) before the long rains of April and May. However, December, January, and February remain ideal months to visit Tanzania.

Ngorongoro is actually a year-round attraction. Because the stunning and dramatic crater rim surrounds an area of around 20 x 20 kilometers, the animals are present at all times. It can get very busy during the peak season months of July and August; however, there may be less tourists during the wet season. However, the crater is very amazing to see, so we can honestly state that it will always be crowded, but don’t let that stop you from checking it off your list.

One thing to keep in mind is that the temperature around the crater is around 10 degrees colder than the rest of Tanzania; you will need to wrap up at night because it can be as cold as 8 degrees between June and September. Rainfall is often similar to the classic November short rains, with short bursts in January, less in February, and then increasing again for the long rains in March, April, and May. However, as previously indicated, the crater is an excellent year-round safari destination.