2-Day Safari: Tarangire Park and Ngorongoro Crater

Two parks, two days: elephants at Tarangire, then the Big Five in Ngorongoro Crater

This 2-day safari from Arusha covers Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater with a live guide, private transport, accommodation and meals. Day one brings you through Tarangire's herds of elephants, giraffes, lions and over 300 bird species. Day two descends into Ngorongoro Crater to search for lions, elephants, buffalo, leopard and rhino on the crater floor, then returns to Arusha.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

• Pick up from Arusha hotel
• Drive to Tarangire National Park
• Enjoy game drive with picnic lunch
• Drive to campsite
• Dinner and overnight at campsite

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater and return to Arusha

• Early breakfast at campsite
• Drive to Ngorongoro Crater
• Game drive with picnic lunch
• Ascend crater wall
• Drive back to Arusha

The experience

The route splits the Tanzania Northern Circuit into a short, focused itinerary: Tarangire on day one, Ngorongoro on day two. Tarangire National Park opens with a picnic lunch and a full game drive through acacia woodland where elephant herds gather around the river. You'll see giraffes, impalas, buffaloes, zebras and the park's resident lions, plus the 300 bird species that make it a birdwatcher's draw. After the drive, you head to Nsya Campsite for dinner and overnight.

Day two starts before dawn. After breakfast at camp, the drive takes you to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where the crater rim opens onto a 2,000-foot drop to the crater floor. The game drive inside searches for the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffalo, leopard and rhino) along with zebras, wildebeests, hyenas and flamingos. The crater's closed ecosystem concentrates wildlife, so sightings tend to be reliable. Once the drive ends, you ascend the crater wall and return to Arusha by late afternoon.

Private transportation runs the whole route, including pickup from your Arusha hotel and the return at the end. Breakfast and dinner happen at camp. Picnic lunch boxes travel with you both days. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or German, and children from age 5 are welcome.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your Arusha hotel.
• airport transfer.
• all park fees and taxes.
• accommodation at Nsya Campsite.
• breakfast and dinner both days.
• picnic lunch boxes for both game drives.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

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 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportInfant seats available

Operated by Simba Adventures

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or German, so choose the language that matches yours. Children from age 5 travel comfortably, and the tour suits all fitness levels. If you need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle or specialized infant seating, both are available.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

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

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

Tarangire holds large elephant herds, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, zebras and impalas, plus over 300 bird species. The park's river draws animals during the dry season, concentrating wildlife along the water.

Can I see the Big Five in Ngorongoro Crater?

Ngorongoro Crater is one of the few places in Tanzania where all five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino) live in the same enclosed space. The crater's closed ecosystem makes sightings more likely than in open parks.

Is the campsite comfortable for someone who prefers basic lodging?

Nsya Campsite provides overnight accommodation on day one. The operator notes the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though specific amenities at the campsite are not detailed. Ask about facilities when you book.