Tanzania is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your activities.
For wildlife safaris, the dry seasons from June to October offer excellent game viewing, including the Great Migration in the Serengeti.
January to February is ideal for witnessing the calving season. For Mount Kilimanjaro treks, the best conditions are from January to March and June to October.
Beach lovers visiting Zanzibar will enjoy the dry months of December to February and June to October.
The Ngorongoro Crater is an awe-inspiring natural wonder and the best location in Tanzania to see the Big Five. However, due to its global fame and stunning beauty, the Crater can become quite crowded, particularly during peak seasons. For this reason, we recommend a two-night stay before heading to the Serengeti for a more private and serene safari experience.
No trip to Northern Tanzania is complete without a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater. It is not only one of the most breathtaking wildlife destinations in the world but also a fantastic opportunity to engage with the Maasai people, who have a rich cultural heritage.
The Ngorongoro Crater, together with its surrounding highlands, is one of Africa’s most scenic regions. The area’s volcanic craters create spectacular backdrops and provide fertile grazing grounds that support a dense and diverse wildlife population. The Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world, boasts the highest concentration of big game in Africa, including the Big Five and numerous predators. It is no surprise that this region ranks among the continent’s top safari destinations.
Visitors can choose to stay at lodges on the Crater rim, offering phenomenal views, or in nearby Karatu, where accommodations are less crowded and more intimate. Karatu also features better-value lodges and a variety of activities, such as walking and mountain biking.
How to Get There
What to Do
The Ngorongoro Crater is a year-round destination. However, the dry season (June to October) offers excellent wildlife viewing, while the wet season (November to May) brings lush landscapes and fewer crowds.
A two-night stay is recommended to enjoy the Crater’s highlights while avoiding the busy atmosphere.
The Crater is home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—along with cheetahs, hyenas, and a wide variety of plains game.
Yes, the surrounding areas provide opportunities to meet and learn about the Maasai culture, adding a cultural dimension to your safari.
Absolutely! You can explore the area through walking safaris, mountain biking in Karatu, and cultural visits to nearby Maasai villages.
Staying on the rim provides stunning views and proximity to the Crater, while Karatu offers a quieter setting with more affordable and intimate lodges, as well as additional activities.
Obtaining a Tanzania visa is simple and convenient. You can apply online via the Tanzania eVisa Portal, at a Tanzanian embassy, or on arrival at major entry points such as airports and border crossings.
Requirements typically include a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, a completed application form, and payment of the visa fee.
A single-entry tourist visa costs $50 for most nationalities, while US citizens pay $100 for a multiple-entry visa.
The eVisa process usually takes about 10 business days for approval.
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