Esirwa Campsite - Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Esirwa Campsite is a camp near Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Location
Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit, Tanzania, East Africa
Coordinates
-3.224228, 35.344185
Elevation
2,347m
Activities
camp

PlnrScore: 31/100

Wildlife Near This Lodge

511 species observed within 20 km, 54 mammals, 298 birds.

  • Lion (Mammalia, 279 observations)
  • Plains Zebra (Mammalia, 273 observations)
  • Gray Crowned-Crane (Aves, 230 observations)
  • African Buffalo (Mammalia, 207 observations)
  • Kori Bustard (Aves, 182 observations)
  • Common Hippopotamus (Mammalia, 175 observations)
  • African Savanna Elephant (Mammalia, 163 observations)
  • Black Rhinoceros (Mammalia, 145 observations)
  • Common Wildebeest (Mammalia, 144 observations)
  • Thomson's Gazelle (Mammalia, 139 observations)

Best Time to Visit Esirwa Campsite

The best months to visit Esirwa Campsite are August, September, October, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 22.21°C, rainfall 84.7mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 60.5%
  • February: Great, temperature 22.72°C, rainfall 46.2mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 58.4%
  • March: Great, temperature 22.87°C, rainfall 51.1mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 59.3%
  • April: Good, temperature 21.51°C, rainfall 127mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 71.1%
  • May: Great, temperature 21.03°C, rainfall 39.2mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 65.2%
  • June: Great, temperature 20.58°C, rainfall 1.7mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 56%
  • July: Great, temperature 20.23°C, rainfall 0.9mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 53.3%
  • August: Great, temperature 21.58°C, rainfall 1mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 48%
  • September: Great, temperature 23°C, rainfall 4.7mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 46.2%
  • October: Great, temperature 23.95°C, rainfall 16mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 45.8%
  • November: Great, temperature 22.31°C, rainfall 116.8mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 62.4%
  • December: Great, temperature 22.12°C, rainfall 59.5mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 63.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Esirwa Campsite from the Ngorongoro Crater entrance, and what is the typical travel time to reach the crater floor?

Esirwa Campsite is strategically located just outside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area boundary, offering convenient access to the crater. The drive to the Ngorongoro Crater entrance gate (Lodoare Gate) is typically short, and from there, it takes approximately 45-60 minutes to descend to the crater floor for game drives, depending on road conditions.

What specific facilities and amenities can I expect at Esirwa Campsite, given it's a safari campsite?

Esirwa Campsite provides basic yet essential facilities for an authentic safari camping experience. You can expect designated areas for pitching tents, shared ablution blocks with flush toilets and cold showers, and a communal dining area or campfire spot. Guests are typically expected to bring their own camping gear or arrange for a fully-serviced camping setup through their tour operator.

Is it common to see wildlife directly at Esirwa Campsite, or is it primarily a base for Ngorongoro excursions?

While Esirwa Campsite is primarily a base for exploring the Ngorongoro Crater, its location near the conservation area means wildlife sightings within the camp are possible, though not guaranteed. You might encounter smaller animals like dik-diks, various bird species, or even hear distant calls of larger predators at night, reminding you of your proximity to the wild.

What is the best time of year to stay at Esirwa Campsite for optimal weather and wildlife viewing in the Ngorongoro area?

The best time to stay at Esirwa Campsite and visit Ngorongoro is during the dry season, from June to October, when wildlife is concentrated around water sources and weather is generally clear and cool. The short dry season in January and February also offers excellent viewing opportunities, though temperatures can be warmer.

What safety and security measures are in place at Esirwa Campsite, considering its location near a wildlife area?

Esirwa Campsite maintains basic security measures typical for a wilderness camp, including a perimeter fence or natural boundaries and on-site staff. While the camp is generally safe, guests are always advised to be vigilant, follow staff instructions regarding wildlife, and avoid walking alone outside designated areas, especially after dark.

Other Safari Lodges in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Parks in Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Tanzania

Travel advisory for Tanzania