Kaldera Tambora

Kaldera Tambora is a protected area in Indonesia.

Kaldera Tambora at a Glance

Location
Nusa Tenggara Archipelago, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.246256, 117.992540
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
April to October (dry season) for Komodo, Sumatra, and Borneo wildlife.

Getting to Kaldera Tambora

Nearest airport: Bandar Udara Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin (SWQ), 69 km away.

Nearest international airport: Bandar Udara Internasional Ngurah Rai (DPS) (DPS), 316 km away.

Weather & Climate in Kaldera Tambora

The warmest temperatures in Kaldera Tambora occur in November, averaging 19.4°C (up to 23.1°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 17.2°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in August with average rainfall of 108.2mm. Average humidity: 87.7%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 19.3°C (rainfall: 339.4mm)
  • February: 19.2°C (rainfall: 308.7mm)
  • March: 19.2°C (rainfall: 416.0mm)
  • April: 18.9°C (rainfall: 242.4mm)
  • May: 18.7°C (rainfall: 185.1mm)
  • June: 18.1°C (rainfall: 137.4mm)
  • July: 17.2°C (rainfall: 128.2mm)
  • August: 17.6°C (rainfall: 108.2mm)
  • September: 18.3°C (rainfall: 137.8mm)
  • October: 19.3°C (rainfall: 152.4mm)
  • November: 19.4°C (rainfall: 263.3mm)
  • December: 19.3°C (rainfall: 351.7mm)

Best Time to Visit Kaldera Tambora

The best months to visit Kaldera Tambora are April, May, June, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 19.27°C, rainfall 339.4mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 95%
  • February: Poor, temperature 19.24°C, rainfall 308.7mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 96.1%
  • March: Poor, temperature 19.16°C, rainfall 416mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 96.1%
  • April: Good, temperature 18.85°C, rainfall 242.4mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 93.6%
  • May: Good, temperature 18.74°C, rainfall 185.1mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 93%
  • June: Good, temperature 18.09°C, rainfall 137.4mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 92.2%
  • July: Good, temperature 17.22°C, rainfall 128.2mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 89.4%
  • August: Good, temperature 17.61°C, rainfall 108.2mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 87.7%
  • September: Good, temperature 18.28°C, rainfall 137.8mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 87.5%
  • October: Good, temperature 19.26°C, rainfall 152.4mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 86.7%
  • November: Good, temperature 19.45°C, rainfall 263.3mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 91.7%
  • December: Poor, temperature 19.26°C, rainfall 351.7mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 94.7%

Wildlife in Kaldera Tambora

Home to 2 recorded species including 1 marine & freshwater, 1 waterbirds.

Recommended Packing List for Kaldera Tambora

Based on average temperature of 18.7°C, typical conditions, humidity 92%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 19°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Kaldera Tambora

9 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Nusa Tenggara Archipelago

Visitor Tips - Kaldera Tambora

The sheer scale of Tambora's caldera is breathtaking, a stark reminder of nature's power. We recommend dedicating time to hike into the crater for an unforgettable perspective. The silence within the caldera, broken only by the wind, is profound.

Gate Times

Access to the national park is generally from sunrise to sunset. While specific gate times for the main entrances are not rigidly enforced, it is advisable to enter and exit during daylight hours. Permits are required for entry and can be obtained at park ranger stations. We recommend arranging these in advance through your chosen lodge or tour operator to streamline your arrival.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and appreciated for excellent service. For guides, we suggest 10-20 USD per person per day. For lodge staff and drivers, a collective tip of 5-10 USD per person per day is appropriate, to be distributed by the lodge management. Rangers accompanying you on walks or specific activities can be tipped directly, around 5-10 USD. Always tip in local currency, Indonesian Rupiah, and present it discreetly at the end of your stay.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Indonesia

Travel advisory for Indonesia

Kaldera Tambora FAQs

What is the optimal time of year to visit Kaldera Tambora for the best hiking conditions and clear views of the caldera?

The dry season, typically from April to October, offers the most favorable conditions for hiking the caldera rim and enjoying unobstructed panoramic views. During these months, rainfall is minimal, making trails less slippery and access easier.

What specific wildlife species can visitors realistically hope to observe within Kaldera Tambora's unique volcanic ecosystem?

While large mammals are often elusive, the area is home to diverse birdlife, including several endemic species, and various primates like macaques. Keep an eye out for deer and wild boar, which inhabit the forested slopes of the caldera.

Aside from the moderate malaria risk, what are the key safety considerations for travelers exploring Kaldera Tambora's volcanic terrain?

It's crucial to be prepared for challenging volcanic trails, which can be steep and uneven; sturdy hiking boots are essential. Always travel with an experienced local guide who understands the terrain and potential hazards, and be aware of the remote nature of the area.

How does Kaldera Tambora's exceptionally low crowding level (1/5) enhance the visitor experience, and what activities are best suited for this environment?

The low crowding ensures a truly immersive and peaceful wilderness experience, allowing for undisturbed contemplation of the dramatic volcanic landscape. Activities like multi-day trekking to the caldera rim, birdwatching, and photography are ideal for appreciating its pristine solitude.

What are the primary logistical challenges and estimated costs for arranging a visit to Kaldera Tambora, given its remote location in Indonesia?

Access typically involves flights to Lombok or Sumbawa, followed by significant overland and potentially sea travel to reach the base. Expect costs for park permits, local guides, porters, and basic accommodation, which can add up due to the remote nature of the journey.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.