Central Plains

Highlights

  • Best Known For

    • Good viewing of the rare black rhino
    • Frequent lion & hyena hunts
    • Huge masses of animals
    • Habituated Animals - Up Close Viewing

  • Size

    30 square miles

  • Topography

    Grasslands, Shallow Water Courses, Bare Areas & Ponds

  • Main Species

    Lion, Cheetah, Hyena, Rhino, Elephant, Gazelle, Wildbeest, Zebra, Buffalo, Warthog, Serval Cat

Central Plains

Grasslands dominate the central areas of the Crater and offer tremendous game viewing. Gazelle and buffalo, wildebeest and zebra, elephant and even the rare black rhino live in concentrated numbers on the central plains. With so many prey animals, carnivores are abundant including lions and hyena. Other predators include bat-eared foxes and serval cats. There is a realistic chance to see cheetahs hunting on the open plains while the scattered ponds and waterholes are good places to watch lions rest and lie in ambush.

View Ngorongoro Map Lodging Options Seasonal Highlights Nearby Attractions

Lodging Near Central Plains

Seasonal Highlights

For the Central Plains

Recommended Month to Visit

Month Season Recommended Weather Wildlife Sightings
Jan Green Season YES 60 - 85 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah
Feb Green Season YES 60 - 85 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah
Mar Green Season YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah
Apr Green Season YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah
May Northward Migration YES 56 - 81 F
Mostly sunny
Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah
Jun Beginning of Dry Season YES 56 - 81 F
Mostly sunny
Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah
Jul Dry Season YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny
Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah
Aug Dry Season YES 55 - 81 F
Mostly sunny
Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah
Sep Dry Season YES 55 - 81 F
Mostly sunny
Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah
Oct Dry Season YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny
Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah
Nov Southward Migration YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah
Dec Beginning of Green Season YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah

Attractions Near Central Plains