The Serengeti and Ngorongoro are two of the most iconic and awe-inspiring national parks in Africa, attracting millions of tourists each year. Located in Tanzania, these parks are home to an incredible array of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo), as well as countless other species of animals, birds, and plants. However, the best time to visit the Serengeti and Ngorongoro is a crucial factor to consider, as it can greatly impact the quality of your safari experience. In this article, we will delve into the best time to visit the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, exploring the factors that influence the timing of your visit and providing valuable insights to help you plan your trip.
Weather and Climate
The Serengeti and Ngorongoro are located in the tropics, with a climate that is characterized by two distinct seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season, which typically runs from June to October, is the best time to visit the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, as the weather is dry and sunny, making it ideal for game viewing. The wet season, which runs from November to May, is characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity, making it challenging to spot animals and enjoy the outdoors.
Here’s a breakdown of the weather and climate in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro:
| Month | Temperature (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Humidity (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 20-25 | 0-10 | 40-50 |
| July | 20-25 | 0-10 | 40-50 |
| August | 20-25 | 0-10 | 40-50 |
| September | 20-25 | 0-10 | 40-50 |
| October | 20-25 | 0-10 | 40-50 |
| November | 20-25 | 10-20 | 60-70 |
| December | 20-25 | 20-30 | 70-80 |
| January | 20-25 | 20-30 | 70-80 |
| February | 20-25 | 10-20 | 60-70 |
| March | 20-25 | 0-10 | 40-50 |
| April | 20-25 | 0-10 | 40-50 |
| May | 20-25 | 0-10 | 40-50 |
The Great Migration
The Great Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet, with over a million wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes migrating from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara in Kenya in search of greener pastures. The migration typically takes place between June and August, with the wildebeest giving birth to their calves in the Serengeti in February and March. The migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with the animals crossing rivers, valleys, and plains in search of food and water.
Here’s a breakdown of the Great Migration:
- June: The wildebeest begin their migration from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara.
- July: The wildebeest continue their migration, with the zebras and antelopes following close behind.
- August: The wildebeest reach the Maasai Mara, where they give birth to their calves.
- September: The wildebeest begin their return journey to the Serengeti.
- October: The wildebeest reach the Serengeti, where they spend the dry season.
Best Time to Visit the Serengeti and Ngorongoro
The best time to visit the Serengeti and Ngorongoro depends on your interests and what you want to experience. If you want to see the Great Migration, the best time to visit is between June and August. If you want to see the Big Five, the best time to visit is between December and March. If you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit is between April and May or between September and November. (See Also: Is Now a Good Time to Visit California – Best Travel Season)
Here’s a breakdown of the best time to visit the Serengeti and Ngorongoro:
| Month | Best Time to Visit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| June | Great Migration | The wildebeest begin their migration from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara. |
| July | Great Migration | The wildebeest continue their migration, with the zebras and antelopes following close behind. |
| August | Great Migration | The wildebeest reach the Maasai Mara, where they give birth to their calves. |
| September | Great Migration | The wildebeest begin their return journey to the Serengeti. |
| October | Great Migration | The wildebeest reach the Serengeti, where they spend the dry season. |
| December | Big Five | The weather is dry and sunny, making it ideal for game viewing. |
| January | Big Five | The weather is dry and sunny, making it ideal for game viewing. |
| February | Big Five | The weather is dry and sunny, making it ideal for game viewing. |
| March | Big Five | The weather is dry and sunny, making it ideal for game viewing. |
| April | Low Season | The weather is hot and humid, making it challenging to spot animals. |
| May | Low Season | The weather is hot and humid, making it challenging to spot animals. |
| June | Great Migration | The wildebeest begin their migration from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara. |
Things to Do in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro
There are countless things to do in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, including:
- Game viewing: The Serengeti and Ngorongoro are home to an incredible array of wildlife, including the Big Five, as well as countless other species of animals, birds, and plants.
- Safari: Take a guided safari tour to explore the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, with expert guides who will help you spot animals and learn about the local ecosystem.
- Camping: Spend the night under the stars in a tented camp, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.
- Walking safaris: Take a guided walking safari to explore the Serengeti and Ngorongoro on foot, with expert guides who will help you spot animals and learn about the local ecosystem.
- Hot air balloon rides: Take a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, with breathtaking views of the African wilderness.
- Visiting local communities: Visit local communities to learn about their culture and way of life, and to support sustainable tourism.
Accommodation in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro
There are countless options for accommodation in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, including:
- Lodges: Stay in a luxurious lodge, with comfortable rooms and amenities such as pools, restaurants, and bars.
- Tented camps: Stay in a tented camp, with comfortable beds and amenities such as en-suite bathrooms and hot showers.
- Camping: Spend the night under the stars in a tent, with basic amenities such as toilets and showers.
- Guesthouses: Stay in a guesthouse, with comfortable rooms and amenities such as breakfast and dinner.
- Hotels: Stay in a hotel, with comfortable rooms and amenities such as pools, restaurants, and bars.
Getting to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro
There are several ways to get to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, including:
- Flights: Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, and then take a charter flight or drive to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
- Drives: Drive from Arusha or other nearby towns to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, with breathtaking views of the African wilderness.
- Shuttles: Take a shuttle bus from Arusha or other nearby towns to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, with affordable prices and convenient schedules.
Recap
The best time to visit the Serengeti and Ngorongoro depends on your interests and what you want to experience. If you want to see the Great Migration, the best time to visit is between June and August. If you want to see the Big Five, the best time to visit is between December and March. If you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit is between April and May or between September and November. (See Also: Best Time To Visit Pismo Beach Ca – Ultimate Guide)
There are countless things to do in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, including game viewing, safari, camping, walking safaris, hot air balloon rides, and visiting local communities. There are also countless options for accommodation, including lodges, tented camps, camping, guesthouses, and hotels.
Getting to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro is relatively easy, with flights, drives, and shuttles available from Arusha and other nearby towns.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to visit the Serengeti and Ngorongoro?
A: The best time to visit the Serengeti and Ngorongoro depends on your interests and what you want to experience. If you want to see the Great Migration, the best time to visit is between June and August. If you want to see the Big Five, the best time to visit is between December and March. If you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit is between April and May or between September and November.
Q: What are the best things to do in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro?
A: There are countless things to do in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, including game viewing, safari, camping, walking safaris, hot air balloon rides, and visiting local communities.
Q: What are the best options for accommodation in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro?
A: There are countless options for accommodation in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, including lodges, tented camps, camping, guesthouses, and hotels. (See Also: Why Autumn Is The Time To Visit Switzerland – Experience The Magic)
Q: How do I get to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro?
A: There are several ways to get to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, including flights, drives, and shuttles from Arusha and other nearby towns.
Q: What is the cost of a trip to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro?
A: The cost of a trip to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro depends on several factors, including the time of year, type of accommodation, and activities. However, a budget-conscious traveler can expect to pay around $1,000-$2,000 per person for a 7-day trip, while a luxury traveler can expect to pay around $5,000-$10,000 per person for a 7-day trip.