2-Day Lodge Safari from Moshi: Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara

Two days in two of Tanzania's richest wildlife zones, sleeping at a lodge between them

A 2-day lodge safari from Moshi that visits Lake Manyara National Park on day one and Ngorongoro Crater on day two, with private 4×4 transport, English-speaking guide, one night's accommodation and all government taxes included. The route changes based on current animal viewing conditions. Children from age 6 are welcome. Flying Doctors insurance is covered.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Moshi/Arusha to Lake Manyara and Karatu

• Collect from hotel in Moshi/Arusha
• Briefing about the safari
• Travel to Lake Manyara National Park
• Explore Lake Manyara wildlife and scenery
• Drive to Karatu for overnight stay

Day 2: Karatu to Ngorongoro Crater and return

• Breakfast at lodge in Karatu
• Drive to Ngorongoro Crater
• Game drive inside Ngorongoro Crater
• Lunch at picnic spot in crater
• Return to Moshi/Arusha by early evening

The experience

The safari starts with hotel pickup in Moshi or Arusha, then heads west to Lake Manyara National Park. The park's shallow alkaline lake draws over 400 bird species, and the surrounding forests and plains hold elephants, giraffes, hippos, wildebeests, impalas, long-tailed Guenon monkeys and baboons. You travel in a private 4×4 with a pop-up roof that opens for unobstructed viewing and photography. Late afternoon, the vehicle turns toward Karatu, where you stay overnight at a mid-range to luxury lodge.

Day two begins after breakfast and heads to Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest caldera at approximately 18 km across. The crater floor holds about 25,000 mammals in a relatively small area: nearly all the large mammals of East Africa, from Grant's and Thomson's gazelles to mountain reedbucks in the forests on the slopes. Hyenas and around 500 bird species inhabit the crater, and the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard) are possible to spot in the few hours spent there. After a picnic lunch at a designated spot inside the crater, the drive returns to Moshi or Arusha by early evening.

The operator adjusts the first-day destination between Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park depending on which offers better animal viewing at the time of your visit. Your guide is English-speaking and travels with you both days. The private vehicle, accommodation, park entry, government taxes and Flying Doctors insurance are all included. You arrange your own drinks and tips.

What’s included

• Private 4×4 vehicle with pop-up roof for wildlife viewing.
• one night's accommodation at a lodge in Karatu.
• English-speaking guide for both days.
• entry to Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.
• picnic lunch on day two.
• Flying Doctors insurance.
• all government taxes.

Information

Lasts 2d, runs every day at 08:00, from US$ 1,246.16 per person, with a live guide in English and as a private tour.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00Another time? ›

GroupPrivate7 group tours ›

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 24 pickup points.

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (17 to 90 years) · Youth (13 to 16 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bujo Tours

Is this one for you?The two-day pace means an early start on day one and an early return on day two, which suits travelers who want to see both parks without committing to a longer safari. If you prefer a slower route or more time in one location, a 3-day or 4-day version covers more ground and allows deeper exploration.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★Exceptional1 verified traveler review

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 16 years); Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What animals am I most likely to see on this 2-day safari?

Lake Manyara holds elephants, giraffes, hippos, wildebeests, impalas and over 400 bird species, while Ngorongoro Crater's 25,000 mammals include the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard), mountain reedbucks, gazelles and around 500 bird species. Both parks have primate-filled forests with monkeys and baboons.

Do I need to be fit for this safari, or is it mostly sitting in the vehicle?

The safari is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You spend most of the time in the private 4×4 with a pop-up roof for viewing. The only walking is at a picnic lunch spot inside Ngorongoro Crater on day two. It is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What's the difference between Lake Manyara and Tarangire on day one?

The operator chooses between Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park depending on which offers better animal viewing at the time of your visit. Lake Manyara is known for its 400+ bird species and primate-filled forests. Tarangire is known for large elephant concentrations and varied wildlife on grassy plains.

Where do I stay on the night between the two days?

You stay at a selected lodge in Karatu, a town between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater. The operator offers mid-range to luxury lodge options. Eileen's Trees Inn is one example.

What time does the safari start and end each day?

Hotel pickup in Moshi or Arusha happens in the morning after a short briefing. Day one ends in late afternoon when you arrive at the lodge in Karatu. Day two starts after breakfast and returns to Moshi or Arusha by early evening.

Is a guide included, and what language does he speak?

Yes, a live English-speaking guide travels with you both days and leads the safari from the private 4×4 vehicle.