Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a conservation area situated west of Arusha in the Crater Highlands area of Tanzania.
With a remarkable concentration and diversity of wildlife and ecosystems, Tanzania delivers some of the most impressive natural spectacles. Get close to the great migration, the slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater as well as the mountains and plains of Ruaha.
A land of grassy plains, rift-formed lakes and pinnacle-like volcanoes, Tanzania’s exciting landscape is carpeted with wildlife to match. The Serengeti – with its iconic migration – and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater capture the most attention. But Tanzania’s appeal extends far beyond these, with baobab-strewn Tarangire, wild Selous and remote Katavi as different as they are beautiful.
What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.
Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.
Generally, most places are quite humid and wet, although the north around the Serengeti can experience a brief dry season. This makes it a much quieter time to visit and see rhinos.
It remains a good time to head to the Serengeti and the north as it experiences a brief dry season.It is also one of the driest months in Zanzibar, so a great chances to spend some time on the quiet beaches.
The start of the long rainy season, as humidity builds. Some lodges close and roads can become impassable. The landscapes are lush but it makes wildlife harder to spot.
The wettest month, with uncomfortably high levels of humidity, so we advise against travel at this time.
The rain continues with uncomfortably high levels of humidity, so we advise against travel at this time.
The start of the dry season and one of the best months to visit. Clear skies dominate despite the lush landscapes, and it is a fantastic time to see thousands of wildebeest migrate in the Serengeti.
The driest and coolest month across the country. A popular time to travel, so heading to the south and west of the country is a good option. You can see all the wildlife that you can get in the northern parks but also chimpanzees.
Peak season, as the land dries up and makes spotting wildlife much easier. Spot elephants in Tarangire, or relax on the pristine white sandy beaches of Zanzibar. Just make sure to book well ahead as this is the busiest time of year.
After the European school holidays are finished, it is quieter. The great weather remains though, with less mosquitoes around too due to the low humidity. The water visibility improves and you can enjoy diving and snorkelling too.
Temperatures rise a little, as does the chance of a shower or two. The landscape is at its driest before the start of the rainy season, creating fantastic opportunities to see elephants in the sun-baked open plains.
A quiet time of year as the short rainy season starts. The rains are usually overnight but it can rain in the day too. Plenty of game can still be spotted in the Serengeti, but if you are searching for drier weather it is a good time to head south to the Selous.
The short rainy season continues throughout much of the country, but there is still plenty of game viewing in the Serengeti and it is peak season in Zanzibar. It can get very busy over the festive season so it is worth booking in advance.
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
The lodges and camps of Tanzania are of a very high standard and each is unique, ranging from simple tented camps to elaborately constructed lodges, each with their own idiosyncrasies and particular flair.
Although much fuss is made of the wildebeest migration in Kenya, the truth is that the migration stays in Tanzania for most of the year. That being said, there is much more to a Tanzania safari holiday than just the migration.
Cotton layers, such as t-shirts, a light fleece, shorts and a pair of long trousers are the key items. The temperature can vary quite a bit from the early morning game drive to the heat of the day. It is best to avoid bright colours for a safari. Footwear should include a pair of sandals or flip flops and some walking shoes (trainers would be fine).
Moving in a clockwise pattern, the wildebeest migration enters Tanzania in late October. It then moves south through the Serengeti until the herds build up on the short grass plains of Ndutu in the south by January. Here they drop their calves throughout February, before the rains come in late March. The herds then head north-west to cross the Grumeti River in June before continuing north to cross the Mara River in July — completing the cycle.
Haven’t found what you’re looking for?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. A curiosity of the world and of you, and your passions. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?