2-Day Tanzania Safari: Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater

Track the big five across two parks, then descend into Africa's largest intact volcanic caldera.

A 2-day safari from Arusha visits Tarangire National Park on day one, then the Ngorongoro Crater on day two, with private transportation, an English-speaking guide, all park fees, meals and hotel pickup. Day one brings extensive game drives through Tarangire's open grasslands in search of dwarf mongoose, Oryx and generuk, ending at a campsite. Day two descends into the Ngorongoro Crater (a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the highest density of big game in Africa, including all five of the big cats) with a picnic lunch inside the crater before returning to Arusha.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Tarangire National Park Safari

• Meet guide at hotel
• Travel to Tarangire National Park
• Daytime game drive in Tarangire
• Travel to nearby campsite
• Overnight at Kizumba Camp

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration

• Breakfast at campsite
• Depart for Ngorongoro Crater
• Game drive in Ngorongoro Crater
• Picnic lunch in crater
• Continue game drive
• Return to Arusha

The experience

The route starts with hotel pickup in Arusha and a drive north to Tarangire National Park, often overlooked in favor of the Serengeti but holding immense concentrations of game during peak months (July through October) with a fraction of the visitor traffic. Game drives happen from the open roof of the vehicle, giving unobstructed views across the park's different habitats. Tarangire is one of Tanzania's finest birding destinations, and the real prizes (dwarf mongoose, Oryx and generuk) are sightings few visitors encounter. After the day's driving, you stay overnight at Kizumba Camp.

Day two begins with breakfast before departure to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world's largest intact volcanic caldera. The crater and its surrounding highlands form one of Africa's most beautiful regions, with volcanic peaks rising above some of the richest grazing grounds on the continent. The crater floor holds the highest density of big game in Africa: all five of the big cats, black rhino, some of the largest tusker elephants remaining in Africa, plus strong populations of lion, leopard, hyena, wildebeest, buffalo, zebra, cheetah, jackal, serval cat, flamingo and bat-eared foxes. You descend into the crater for a full game drive with a picnic lunch on the crater floor, then climb back up the steep walls in the afternoon to return to Arusha.

Private transportation means the vehicle and driver stay with your group for the full two days, and all park entry fees, meals (breakfast, dinner and a picnic lunch inside the crater) and taxes are included in the price. The guide speaks English and provides commentary throughout the route.

What’s included

• Private transportation with an open-roof vehicle for game viewing.
• English-speaking guide throughout both days.
• all national park entry fees and taxes.
• breakfast and dinner at Kizumba Camp.
• picnic lunch inside the Ngorongoro Crater.
• hotel pickup in Arusha.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (5 to 14 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish

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 48 h

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Rupia Adventure

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so commentary and answers flow naturally for English speakers. The fixed two-day route covers both parks in sequence, which is what fits the full wildlife circuit into a single trip from Arusha without backtracking.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years); Infant (under 5).

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 am I most likely to see in Tarangire on the first day?

Tarangire holds immense concentrations of game during peak months, with strong populations of wildebeest, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, elephant and lion. The park is also one of Tanzania's finest birding destinations. Dwarf mongoose, Oryx and generuk are the rarest sightings and occur infrequently.

Is the Ngorongoro Crater really home to all five of the big cats?

The Ngorongoro Crater holds all five of the big cats (lion, leopard, cheetah, serval cat and caracal) along with the highest density of big game in Africa. Black rhino and some of the largest tusker elephants remaining in Africa are also found here, making it the best place in Tanzania to see the big five together.

How much time do we spend inside the Ngorongoro Crater on day two?

Day two is devoted entirely to the crater. After breakfast in Arusha, you drive to the crater rim, descend to the crater floor for game drives, enjoy a picnic lunch inside the crater, and continue viewing until the afternoon, when you climb back up to return to Arusha.

What is included in the price for the two days?

Private transportation throughout both days, all national park entry fees and taxes, breakfast and dinner at the camp, a picnic lunch inside the Ngorongoro Crater, and hotel pickup in Arusha are all included.

Do I need any experience with safari to join this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available. The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health due to the altitude and driving involved.