The Best Time to Visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
What is the best time to visit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a frequently asked question by travellers planning their safari in Tanzania. Ngorongoro can be visited at any time of the year, and the best time is determined by individuals’ preferences. It experiences different seasons: the dry season, wet season and calving season, when thousands of wildebeest give birth to calves in the Ndutu plains. All seasons offer exceptional safaris to travellers visiting, whether you are interested in bird watching, game drives, calving season, nature walks, photography or cultural encounters. Ngorongoro is situated in the northern part of Tanzania, famous for hosting the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest caldera. It has a rich biodiversity, home to over 300 animal species, including the African Big Five, lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes and rhinos, making it the best destination for a complete Big Safari in Africa. It also hosts more than 550 bird species, 200 butterfly species and the famous Olduvai Gorge. These attractions attract thousands of travellers each year to explore their wonders.
The Best Time to Visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Dry Season
June to September: These months are commonly referred to as the peak season and the most preferred period by travellers to visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area due to the good weather conditions. During these months, there is little to no rainfall; the roads are dry, which makes it easy to travel in search of various bird species and animals. The vegetation cover is short and scattered, which offers clear views of wild animals and birds in their natural habitats, and photographers will be delighted by capturing stunning images of various animals and birds with clear skies. This is the ideal time for game viewing since the vegetation cover is short. Travellers should be aware that during these months, the accommodation around the crater is quite full and vehicles crowd the area since people across the globe visit to see wildlife along the barren plains.
December to February: These months are known as the short dry season and are famous as the calving season in Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is the best time to visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area because it’s the breeding season for the wildebeest in the Ndutu plains. During these months, thousands of wildebeest have what is known as the “mass birthing” in the Ndutu plains, and nearly half a million calves are born, giving travellers great opportunities to capture excellent photos of the newborns struggling to get on their feet. These months are also excellent for game viewing, especially predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals preparing to hunt the abundant herds.
Wet Season.
October to November: These months are referred to as the short-wet season and are most preferred by travellers who don’t want crowded areas. During these months, the park receives abundant rainfall; the vegetation cover is green, which provides stunning views of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It’s the period when migratory birds migrate from harsh weather conditions in their countries in search of food and good weather conditions. This is the best season to visit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for bird watching and photography. Travellers should be aware that during this period the tracks are muddy, making it challenging to penetrate them, but a 4X4 vehicle can manage.
March to May: This period is known as the low season and is most loved by travellers who don’t want crowds. These months receive enough rainfall; the tracks are muddy and slippery, making it challenging to navigate them. Bird watching is at its peak in this period since it’s easy to see various bird species like forest birds, migratory birds, water birds, savannah birds and the residents, which are rare to find anywhere else. This period favours budget travellers, as most lodges and travel agencies offer discounts during this period.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a year-round destination which provides exciting and diverse safari experiences throughout all seasons. Contact our experienced Safari trip designers, and we will be delighted to assist you in planning your dream African Safari
