Olmoti CraterOlmoti Crater at a Glance
About Olmoti Crater
Olmoti Crater is a volcanic crater located in the Ngorongoro highlands of northern Tanzania, within the Arusha Region. It is one of several extinct volcanic features in the highland landscape and is recognized for its steep rim and grassy interior.
The crater offers highland scenery with a rim that provides panoramic views and a crater floor that supports grassland and seasonal water bodies. Hikers and visitors in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area sometimes make short excursions to view the rim and internal features.
Olmoti formed through volcanic activity and now exists as part of the broader Ngorongoro volcanic highland system, which includes other calderas and crater features shaped by past eruptions.
Geographically it sits within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania, north of the main Ngorongoro Crater and within the upland zone that transitions to the East African Rift highlands.
- Ngorongoro highlands: Part of the highland volcanic landscape of the Ngorongoro area, it is visited by people travelling through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and nearby lodges.
Best Time to Visit Olmoti Crater
Visitation is easiest in the dry season when roads are more reliable; the crater is located within a protected conservation area with permit requirements.
Weather & Climate near Olmoti Crater
Olmoti Crater's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 4°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1155 mm/year), wettest in April with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 6° - 16° | 11° | 121 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.0 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.2h |
| February | Good | 6° - 17° | 12° | 108 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.1 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.1h |
| March | Acceptable | 8° - 17° | 12° | 164 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.2 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Poor | 7° - 15° | 11° | 239 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 2.1 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.9h |
| May | Acceptable | 7° - 13° | 9° | 82 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 1.9 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.8h |
| June | Good | 5° - 13° | 8° | 16 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 1.8 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.8h |
| July | Very Good | 4° - 13° | 6° | 8 mm | some cloud | 73% | 3.1 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.8h |
| August | Very Good | 5° - 14° | 8° | 13 mm | some cloud | 69% | 2.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.9h |
| September | Very Good | 5° - 15° | 9° | 24 mm | some cloud | 63% | 2.4 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Very Good | 6° - 16° | 11° | 74 mm | partly cloudy | 65% | 2.3 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.1h |
| November | Acceptable | 7° - 15° | 11° | 150 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.3 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.2h |
| December | Acceptable | 8° - 15° | 12° | 156 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.4 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.2h |
How to Get to Olmoti Crater
Olmoti lies within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area; access requires park permits and is normally arranged via safari operators. Drives from Arusha or Karatu typically require 4x4 vehicles and experienced guides familiar with conservation-area regulations.
Tips for Visiting Olmoti Crater
- The Olmoti Crater sits within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area - park permits and an experienced driver/guide are required.
- Combine a visit with other nearby Ngorongoro attractions for efficient logistics; roads can be rough and require 4x4 vehicles.