The Ngorongoro Crater offer phenomenal game viewing throughout the year, but particular seasons offer their own special highlights.

Entamanu sits on an extraordinary site in the sharp air of the highlands and there’s nothing tame about this location – the high-altitude sun has some real heat, and the wind can be biting and sometimes noisy. We’ve taken up the challenge to create a camp that makes the most of the extraordinary view while providing warmth and shelter from the elements, while being entirely removable.

The Crater itself takes on a life of its own when it comes to weather patterns. With an altitudinal range of 960m to 3,648m, its climatic zones range from semi-arid to montane forest, and there is often a remarkable difference between the conditions on either side of the Crater, and particularly between the rim (often cold and foggy in the mornings) and the crater floor which is much hotter and often clear. Temperatures on the rim can drop to around or below freezing so warm clothes are a must throughout the year, and it can get windy at Entamanu particularly in July and August.

As its own little microhabitat, the Crater includes a variety of small ecosystems, a saline lake, swamps, plains and forests - and all this supports a population of about 25,000 mammals and an impressive number of bird species. Most of the wildlife never leaves the Crater floor and it has a well-earned reputation as one of the most epic wildlife experiences in Africa. It can get busy with vehicles on the Crater floor, but our location on the rim means we can beat most of the crowds onto the Crater floor in the mornings, and retreat back to our remote corner of wilderness to explore on foot or venture further afield to the less famous but equally impressive sites such as Empakai and Ol Moti.

January – February

March – May

June – October

November – December

Excellent birding and clear skies

Wildlife is generally fantastic throughout the year in the Crater. The Big Five are all here to be seen if you are lucky. During the wetter months the water levels in Lake Magadi rise and attract impressive flocks of lesser flamingos.

This is usually a time of dry weather between the short rains of November and December, and the long rains of April and May. Warm sunny and clear days, with cooler temperatures at camp on the Crater rim, especially if it does rain.
 

Prices from $1,790 per person per night
January – February

Lush green scenery

The 'Long rains' start towards the end of March, and it is when we receive the most rain. Most days will rain, but it very seldom lasts the whole day. Temperatures are around 21°C/70°F on the Crater floor and as low as 6°C/43°F on the Crater rim.
 

Prices from $1195 per person per night
March – May

Migratory birds start to arrive, wildlife gather around waterholes

Wildlife is generally fantastic throughout the year in the Crater. As the season dries out so does the grass on the Crater floor making spotting the more elusive beasts like the serval easier.

The next couple of months are generally warm with afternoon temperatures around 19°C/66°F on the Crater floor. Days are sunny, with cloudless skies. It gets cold at night so warm clothes are a must.

The short rains could start towards the end of October.

Prices from $1,790 per person per night
June – October

Excellent birding

Wildlife is generally fantastic throughout the year in the Crater. The Big Five are all here to be seen if you are lucky.

The 'short’ rains usually occur anytime throughout November and December. Showers generally happen in the afternoon and are relatively short lived. Temperatures are warm during the day and can drop considerably at night.
 

Prices from $1195 per person per night
November – December

Northern Tanzania safaris

Our Northern Tanzania camps are in enviable locations that mean we can take you deeper into this epic wilderness and create life changing experiences.
 

Reviews

M. Mabie

Review for entamanu

Incredible Entamanu Team

We could not recommend Entamanu! The team is amazing — so friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable. We saw so many animals with our guide who knew exactly where to take us and when. The meals are all delicious and the rooms are incredible. Spacious and with the best views. We love it here so much and ...

V. Bonanno

Review for entamanu

Memorable Safari Experiences

Breathtaking views, amazing staff, cooler temperatures and some of the most memorable experiences of our safari. The rooms here are extremely cozy and comfortable. The food is absolutely delicious. The game drive into the crater was incredible, but it was all the time we spent with the local Masai t...

J. Wardell

Review for entamanu

Magical Place Recommendation

We drank wine and played cards on the patio while watching zebras and a giraffe 20m away with a view of the creator in the background. Unbelievable! The team of staff here made it possible. Highly recommend this magical place.

M. & C. Swann

Review for entamanu

Soul Nourishing Comfort

Soul nourishing comfort! Thank you!

F. Swartz

Review for entamanu

Spectacular View and Peacefulness

The warmth of the staff was amazing. The view and peacefulness was spectacular and then the food was so outof this world and well presented!!!!!!

FAQs

Do I need a visa to travel to Tanzania?

Not all travellers into Tanzania require a visa. You must have a single entry tourist visa or business visa, is the general rule but there are country exemptions from this. On the most part, single entry or business visas can be obtained on arrival but we recommend where possible, to process the visa online ahead of travel - just make sure you allow enough time to do so!

When is the green season?

From late November to May. It's a gorgeous time to be in Tanzania - expect dramatic skies, lush landscapes and superb wildlife. Also, less people.

What is the luggage weight limit for internal Tanzanian flights?

Usually it is 15kg per person in a soft-sided bag. This is not a hard and fast rule so do check with your tour operator or aviation company. These are small bush planes, and is a good way of making sure you pack light.

Is English spoken in Tanzania?

Yes, English in widely spoken in Tanzania, especially in camps and by safari guides. Swahili is the main language and knowing a few words and phrases will always earn you a smile.

How long are the drives between camps?

It depends, some are short hops, others can be full-day journeys. Often, the journey is the experience and can become the ultimate game drive as you traverse different areas of National Parks.

What is a typical daily schedule on safari?

Early starts with golden light as the bush awakens, and a fresh cup of coffee by the morning camp fire. Either breakfast in camp or take a bush breakfast to go. Enjoy early morning game drives to observe wildlife before the day gets too hot. In the heat of the day, find a shady spot for a siesta go. After tea, its time for an afternoon foray and sundowners with a view. Evenings are quiet, firelit, and full of stars.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Tanzania?

We advise against drinking the tap water in Tanzania and as such, we provide safe drinking water in all camps and vehicles so guests can remain well hydrated throughout their trip.

Can children go on safari?

A safari with your family is a magical way to spend quality time with your children, immersed in the wilderness and surrounded by wildlife. Time on safari with your family allows all to disconnect from your busy daily lives. Tailor your family safari with a private guide and vehicle plus make sure you look at family specific properties such as Mkombe's House. When inside the national parks, most camps have age restrictions with 8+ being a general guide. 

Much depends on the age of your children, if on the young side then we'd advise not trying to cram too much in to your days but plan your safari in bitesize chunks bringing new excitement around every corner.

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