2-Day Tanzania Safari: Lake Manyara and Tarangire from Arusha

Tree-climbing lions and Africa's largest elephant herds in two days

This 2-day safari from Arusha takes you through Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks with a professional guide, all meals and lodge accommodation included. Day one covers Lake Manyara's shallow soda lake, famous for its tree-climbing lions and massive elephant concentrations. Day two focuses on Tarangire's river and swamps, where the largest elephant herds in Africa gather during the dry season. Children from age 5 are welcome. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and one additional language.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Lake Manyara National Park visit

• Meet guide in Arusha town
• Receive safari briefing
• Travel to Lake Manyara National Park
• Lunch at the lodge
• Game drive in Lake Manyara National Park

Day 2: Tarangire National Park safari

• Breakfast at the lodge
• Morning game drive in Tarangire National Park
• Return to lodge for lunch
• Depart for Arusha town
• End safari and transfer to hotel

The experience

Your guide meets you in Arusha town with a safari briefing before the drive to Lake Manyara National Park. The park sits at the foot of the Great Rift Valley's western escarpment, a shallow soda lake covering two-thirds of its area. Lunch happens at the lodge, then you head into the park for an afternoon game drive. The varied habitat (from the algae-rich lake to the surrounding woodland) draws one of Africa's largest elephant concentrations, the park's tree-climbing lions, and huge flocks of flamingos.

Day two starts with breakfast and a morning game drive through Tarangire National Park, which runs along the Tarangire River through low hills dotted with giant African Baobab trees and vast swamp areas. The river and swamps act as a magnet for wildlife during Tanzania's dry season, and Tarangire is home to some of the continent's largest elephant herds. The park also shelters three rare species: the Greater Kudu, the Fringed-eared Oryx, and the Ashy Starling. After the morning drive you return to the lodge for lunch, then depart for Arusha town, ending the safari in the afternoon.

Breakfast and dinner are included both nights at Kizumba Tented Lodge. All park fees and taxes are covered. The guide typically receives a tip of around $20 per day. Pickup from your Arusha hotel is included, and you'll be returned there at the end.

What’s included

• Professional guide and driver.
• hotel pickup in Arusha and return.
• park entry fees for both Lake Manyara and Tarangire.
• two nights at Kizumba Tented Lodge.
• breakfast and dinner both nights.
• lunch on day one at the lodge and lunch on day two before departure.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (15 to 90 years) · Child (5 to 14 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 72 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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Rupia Adventure

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a structured two-day route through both parks with other travelers and a guide, rather than building your own itinerary or going private.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

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

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years). Under 5: they 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 72 h before the start.

What animals will I see on this 2-day safari?

Lake Manyara holds one of Africa's largest elephant concentrations, tree-climbing lions unique to the park, and massive flocks of flamingos. Tarangire is known for some of Africa's largest elephant herds, plus the Greater Kudu, Fringed-eared Oryx, and Ashy Starling: three rare species found there.

What's included in the 2-day package?

All park entry fees, taxes, breakfast and dinner both nights, accommodation at Kizumba Tented Lodge, and transportation from Arusha are included. Lunch on day one is at the lodge. Lunch on day two is included before your return to town.

How does the schedule work over the two days?

Day one: meet in Arusha for a briefing, drive to Lake Manyara, lunch at the lodge, then an afternoon game drive. Day two: breakfast, morning game drive through Tarangire, lunch at the lodge, then return to Arusha in the afternoon.