2-Day Tanzania Safari: Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater

Two days, two parks, one route through Tanzania's richest wildlife zones

A 2-day safari from Arusha visits Tarangire National Park on day one, then Ngorongoro Crater on day two, with private transportation, a live guide, lodge accommodation and meals included. Day one brings a full game drive through Tarangire's elephant herds and baobab trees. Day two descends into the crater for Big 5 viewing before returning to Arusha by early evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire Safari

• Pick-up from Arusha at 6:00 AM
• Depart for Tarangire National Park
• Game drive in Tarangire
• Hot picnic lunch inside the park
• Continue afternoon game drive
• Drive to lodge in Ngorongoro Highlands
• Dinner and overnight at lodge

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater and Return

• Early breakfast and depart at 6:30 AM
• Descend into Ngorongoro Crater
• Morning game drive for Big 5 viewing
• Hot picnic lunch at Hippo Pool
• Afternoon game drive and ascend crater
• Return to Arusha by 3:30 PM

The experience

Tarangire National Park opens the itinerary with a 6 AM pickup from Arusha and a full day of game drives starting at 8:30 AM. The park is known for its massive elephant concentrations and scenic baobab landscape. You'll watch for lions, giraffes, zebras and other wildlife across the morning and afternoon. A hot picnic lunch arrives inside the park with river views, and you stay overnight at Marera Valley Lodge in the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Day two begins at 6:30 AM with an early breakfast before heading to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The descent into the crater drops over 600 meters into what is often called Africa's "Garden of Eden." The morning game drive offers some of the continent's best chances to see the Big 5 (lions, elephants, buffalo, leopard and the rare black rhino) all within the crater's enclosed ecosystem. Lunch arrives at midday near a hippo-filled waterhole. After a final afternoon game drive, you ascend the crater and drive back to Arusha, arriving in the early evening.

Private transportation runs throughout both days, and your guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or German. Children from age 3 are welcome. Breakfast is included each morning. Lunch is a hot picnic both days. The itinerary assumes moderate physical fitness for the long driving days and the crater descent, though the game drives themselves are conducted from a vehicle.

What’s included

• Private transportation throughout both days.
• breakfast each morning.
• hot picnic lunch in Tarangire on day one and at Hippo Pool on day two.
• one night accommodation at Marera Valley Lodge.
• parking fees.
• live guide in your choice of English, Spanish, Italian, French or German.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 to 96 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Social Adventure Safari

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks five languages, so choose the one your group understands best at checkout. The fixed two-day schedule fits both parks into a single trip from Arusha without the time commitment of a longer safari, and the early return on day two leaves your evening free.

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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 (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

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

Tarangire is famous for its elephant herds, and you'll also spot lions, giraffes, zebras and baobab-dwelling wildlife throughout day one. Ngorongoro Crater on day two offers excellent chances to see the Big 5 (lions, elephants, buffalo, leopard and the rare black rhino) all within the crater's contained landscape.

How much time do I actually spend on game drives each day?

Day one includes a full game drive in Tarangire starting at 8:30 AM, with a midday lunch break, then an afternoon drive before you head to the lodge. Day two begins with an early breakfast at 6:30 AM, then a morning game drive in the crater, lunch at a hippo pool, and a final afternoon drive before ascending and driving back to Arusha by 3:30 PM.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to arrange separately?

Private transportation, breakfast each morning, hot picnic lunches both days, lodge accommodation and parking fees are all included. International flights are not included and must be arranged separately.