2-Day Safari: Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater from Arusha

Track the Big Five across two parks and eat lunch yards from hippos

This 2-day safari from Arusha combines Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area in a single trip. Day one takes you through Tarangire's dry-season river crossings where elephants, lions, zebras and wildebeest converge. Day two moves to Ngorongoro's caldera for cape buffalo, rhino and hippo, with a picnic lunch at the hippo pool before the return to Arusha.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

• Drive from Arusha to Tarangire
• Game drive in Tarangire National Park

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater and return

• Visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Picnic lunch by hippo pool
• Return to Arusha

The experience

Tarangire National Park is where Tanzania's largest elephant population gathers, especially during the dry season when the Tarangire River becomes the only reliable water source across the region. As herds of wildebeest and zebra move in to drink, lions, leopards and hyenas follow. The park becomes a working display of predator and prey. Baobab trees dot the landscape between the animals, and your guide navigates the park's less-crowded routes compared to the Serengeti's main circuits.

Day two shifts to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where the caldera's verdant plains hold cape buffalo, rhinoceros and hippopotamus. The picnic lunch happens by the hippo pool, a rare setup that lets you eat within yards of these massive herbivores while they graze and move through the water. The drive back to Arusha closes the loop after two days of continuous game viewing.

Pickup from Arusha is included, and your guide speaks English throughout. Children from age five are welcome on this tour. Dinner is provided on the first night, and the itinerary is built for travelers who want two major parks without committing to a longer safari.

What’s included

• Game drives through both parks with an English-speaking guide.
• dinner on the first night.
• picnic lunch by the hippo pool on day two.
• parking fees.
• and hotel pickup from Arusha.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 to 90 years) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Signature Safari

Is this one for you?This is a shared tour with a guide, so you travel with other guests and follow a set itinerary through both parks. It suits travelers who want two major parks in minimal time without arranging their own transport or navigation, and who are comfortable with a full day of driving and game viewing on each of the two days.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What animals am I most likely to see in Tarangire National Park?

Tarangire is home to Tanzania's largest elephant population, and during the dry season the Tarangire River draws massive herds of wildebeest and zebra to drink. Lions, leopards, hyenas, buffalo and countless bird species are also present, and the park's baobab trees are scattered throughout the landscape.

What happens at the hippo pool lunch in Ngorongoro?

You eat a picnic lunch by the hippo pool inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area caldera, positioned close enough to watch hippopotamuses graze and move through the water while you have your meal.

How does the 2-day itinerary compare to longer safaris in Tanzania?

This tour packs two major parks (Tarangire and Ngorongoro) into a single overnight trip from Arusha, designed for travelers with limited time. Longer safaris typically add the Serengeti or spend more days in one park. This one prioritizes variety and quick access to both destinations.

Do I need previous safari experience for this tour?

No previous experience is needed. The tour suits all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy due to the vehicle travel and terrain involved.