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

A. Bhayani

Review for entamanu

Warm Hospitality, Extraordinary Setting

A wonderful stay at Nomad Entamanu Ngorongoro. Manager Good Luck and Dafoy runs a fantastic team Likoko took great care of us during meals, and our safari guide Masaa created a memorable crater breakfast picnic while expertly helping us spot wildlife and all migratory birds. We also appreciated Mok...

S. Korioth

Review for entamanu

Stunning Place

Absolutely stunning place! Even in rainy season it was beautiful

D. De Luca

Review for entamanu

Lovely Cosy Cabins

Lovely cosy cabins on the ridge of the Ngorongoro crater, delicious food and excellent service, nice walks around.

Q. Favier

Review for entamanu

Wonderful Lodge Experience

I had a wonderful time at the lodge, everything makes you feel at home. Opening the curtains in the morning over the crater and having the visit of animals was a lovely surprise. I wish to visit again.

S.-J. Hughes

Review for entamanu

Exceptional Team, Loved Stay

Exceptional team, location and absolutely loved our stay! We will absolutely be returning.

B. Cadish

Review for entamanu

Fabulous Safari Stay

What a fabulous place to stay on safari! The staff, food and service are amazing! Everyone is so friendly and accommodating and the lodge itself is beautiful. Very spacious, homey and comfortable, and tastefully decorated. Best of all, the location is ideal. It's close enough to the crater entrance ...

FAQs

What vaccinations or health precautions do I need?

Yellow Fever vaccinations are required if you are arriving from endemic countries. Other recommended vaccinations include tetanus, diptheria, polio, hepatitis A and typhoid. You will also need to consider hepatitis B and malaria prevention medicines. In all cases, you must seek advice from your medical professional.

Is Tanzania a good honeymoon destination?

Absolutely. Wild, remote and deeply romantic. We believe a safari honeymoon strikes the perfect balance of adventure and calm. No two days are ever the same and what better way to kick off married life.

What to wear on Safari in Tanzania?

Pack lightweight is the first tip. Next neutral colours are great - khaki, beige and olives - however not every item needs to be khaki by any means. There is no harm in a splash of colour in the bush. Long sleeves and trousers are a necessary addition to protect you from the sun and insect or mosquitoes in the evening. You are on the move a lot so always have a pair of comfy, sturdy shoes whether that be walking boots, trainers or safari style boots. This is especially important if you are embarking on a walking safari. Bring a light, warm jacket for those early mornings and sometimes even a beanie may be required depending on the time of year. Finally, do bring a good hat - wide brimmed or just a baseball cap - needed to protect you from the African sun.

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!

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.

Are there age restrictions for safaris?

Yes, some camps have minimum age limits, in camp and especially on walking safaris. But there are many brilliant private or family properties that can tailor the age restrictions.

How many days is enough for a Tanzania safari?

Many people underestimate how immersive a safari experience is. Time in the bush can be tiring – most mornings you will be up before sunrise as the wild wakes up your day continues into long evenings spent under the stars. If you’re travelling with children, we always recommend a private guide and exclusive vehicle (included as standard with Nomad) that means a lie in here and there is always possible. 

There is no rule for the number of days on safari but we would recommend taking your time in each location and not rushing through safari parks. Give yourselves time to stop and immerse yourself in the area. Many travellers consider a pit stop at the beaches of Zanzibar or Mafia Island to re-charge post safari and before they head back to the real world.

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