2 Day Tarangire & Ngorongoro Safari.
This Two-day trip plan to Tanzania involves exploring the two northern circuit parks.
- Tarangire National Park & Ngorongoro Crater.
Overview.
This 2-day safari offers an ideal escape for travelers short on time but eager to experience the best of Tanzania’s natural wonders. The itinerary covers Tarangire National Park, renowned for its vast elephant population and iconic baobab trees, and the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often hailed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” These two destinations promise travelers an unforgettable encounter with diverse wildlife in awe-inspiring landscapes. A perfect balance of adventure and discovery, this tour packs plenty of highlights into a short timeframe, ensuring a rich experience with memories to last a lifetime.
What to Expect
Day 1: Tarangire National Park
- The journey begins with a drive from Arusha to Tarangire, where you’ll spend the day exploring one of Tanzania’s most picturesque parks. Known for its ancient baobab trees and expansive plains, Tarangire is home to large elephant herds and a diverse array of wildlife, including lions, leopards, giraffes, and zebras. Travelers will witness these majestic animals as they roam through the park’s stunning landscapes, with plenty of time for photography and wildlife observation. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the park’s breathtaking scenery, making this day a truly immersive experience in Tanzania’s wilderness.
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater
- On the second day, you’ll venture into the Ngorongoro Crater, a unique natural sanctuary with one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. The crater floor offers a stunning mosaic of habitats—grasslands, swamps, and lakes—that support a rich diversity of animals, from the Big Five to flamingos. Travelers will descend 600 meters into the crater to experience this microcosm of East African ecosystems, with an opportunity to see lions, black rhinos, and various other species up close. After a morning game drive and a picnic lunch at one of the crater’s viewpoints, the tour concludes with a scenic drive back to Arusha.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Morning Pickup: Your adventure begins early with a pickup from your hotel in Arusha. After a short briefing, you’ll drive approximately 2 hours to Tarangire National Park.
Morning Game Drive: Enter Tarangire National Park, famous for its vast elephant herds, ancient baobabs, and diverse wildlife. You’ll spend the morning exploring the park’s landscapes and spotting animals like elephants, lions, zebras, wildebeests, and possibly even leopards.
Picnic Lunch: Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch within the park, taking in the surroundings as animals roam nearby. The open-air lunch provides a perfect break while staying immersed in nature.
Afternoon Game Drive: Continue exploring Tarangire’s unique environment, with a chance to see more wildlife and bird species as you explore different areas of the park.
Evening Transfer to Lodge/Camp: As the sun begins to set, exit the park and drive to your nearby lodge or campsite for a well-deserved dinner and a relaxing evening under the stars.
- Overnight: Tarangire Lodge or Camp (Options available based on budget and preference)
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration and Return to Arusha
Early Breakfast & Departure: After an early breakfast, head toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, approximately 1.5 hours from Tarangire.
Descent into the Crater: Upon arrival, descend into the 600-meter-deep Ngorongoro Crater, an ecosystem teeming with wildlife. The crater floor, spanning about 260 square kilometers, hosts habitats from grasslands to lakes, providing an exceptional backdrop for animal sightings.
Morning Game Drive: Begin exploring the crater’s diverse wildlife. This is one of the few places in the world where you can see all members of the Big Five in one day. Keep an eye out for lions, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos, as well as zebras, hyenas, and the occasional cheetah.
Picnic Lunch by a Scenic Spot: Stop at a picturesque location on the crater floor to enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by stunning scenery and, often, views of grazing animals.
Afternoon Game Drive and Ascent: Continue your game drive through the crater, where you may spot flamingos and hippos in the lakes and waterholes. Ascend back up the crater rim in the afternoon to conclude your visit.
Return to Arusha: Depart from Ngorongoro and enjoy a scenic drive back to Arusha, with an expected arrival in the early evening.
- End of Safari: Drop-off at your hotel in Arusha, concluding the unforgettable 2-day safari experience.
Include and Not- Included
Included in the 2-Day Tanzania Safari Adventure:
- Accommodation: 4 nights in carefully selected luxury lodges or tented camps, as per the itinerary.
- Meals: All meals mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
- Transport: Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing and photography.
- Professional Guide: An experienced, English-speaking safari guide from Safarhino Adventures.
- Park Fees: Entrance fees to all national parks visited, including Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, and Lake Manyara.
- Ngorongoro Crater Transit Fee: Fee for descending into the crater.
- Game Drives: Daily game drives as outlined in the itinerary.
- Drinking Water: Bottled water available during game drives.
- Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Not Included in the 2-Day Tanzania Safari Adventure:
- International Flights: Round-trip airfare to and from Tanzania.
- Travel Insurance: Highly recommended, covering trip cancellation, medical, and evacuation.
- Visa Fees: Tanzania tourist visa fees.
- Optional Activities: Balloon safari, cultural visits, or any activities not specified in the itinerary.
- Alcoholic & Soft Drinks: Drinks not included in meals at lodges and camps.
- Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and camp/lodge staff.
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, and other personal purchases.
This 2-day safari is an ideal introduction to Tanzania’s natural beauty, offering a convenient yet in-depth experience of two famous parks. Whether you’re on a brief holiday or adding it to a larger itinerary, this trip promises an unforgettable adventure in one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife destinations