2-Day Tarangire and Ngorongoro Safari: Big Five in a crater

Descend 600 meters into Africa's most concentrated wildlife zone

A 2-day guided safari tour in Tanzania visiting Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, with expert English-speaking guide, full-day game drives, and hotel pickup from Arusha. Day one focuses on Tarangire's elephant herds and baobab trees along the river. Day two descends into the crater floor to search for the Big Five in one of Africa's highest concentrations of wildlife. Breakfast and dinner are included. The tour accommodates all fitness levels but is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Tarangire National Park Safari

• Depart morning for Tarangire National Park
• Enjoy full-day game drive
• See elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest
• Spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes
• Observe colorful bird species
• Learn about animal behavior and ecosystem

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration

• Have breakfast
• Descend into Ngorongoro Crater
• Explore crater floor and habitats
• Search for the Big Five animals
• See hippos and flamingos at Lake Magadi
• Learn about crater geology and conservation
• Return to Arusha Airport

The experience

Tarangire National Park opens the first day with a full game drive across open savannah and acacia woodlands. The park's primary draw is the Tarangire River, where massive elephant herds, buffalo, zebras, and wildebeest gather, especially during the dry season. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, and various antelope species move through the same landscape. Your guide walks you through animal behavior and migration patterns while you photograph from the vehicle, and bird enthusiasts spot lilac-breasted rollers, hornbills, and ostriches.

Day two takes you to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and natural wonder that sits 600 meters below the rim. The crater floor forms a natural enclosure that concentrates wildlife into a relatively small area: grasslands, swamps, and soda lakes all visible in a single game drive. You search for the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and the rare black rhinoceros), watch hippos in freshwater pools, and see flamingos gathering around Lake Magadi. The geological formation and its role in Tanzania's conservation efforts come through your guide's commentary as you move across the crater floor.

Your guide speaks English, Spanish, French, or German and leads both days. Hotel pickup from Arusha is included, along with breakfast and dinner. You stay at Bougainvillea Safari Lodge on the first night before descending into the crater on the second morning.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Arusha.
• full-day game drives on both days.
• expert guide in your choice of English, Spanish, French or German.
• accommodation at Bougainvillea Safari Lodge.
• breakfast and dinner.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (15 to 50 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Youth (11 to 14 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and German

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 3 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

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Losarea Tours

Is this one for you?This is a shared-group tour led by a professional guide, so you travel with other visitors and follow the guide's pace and route. Choose it if you want expert wildlife knowledge and the logistics handled (the guide manages the timing, the stops, and the search for animals across both parks), and if you're comfortable with a vehicle-based safari rather than walking.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 14 years); Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What animals am I most likely to see on the Tarangire River during this safari?

Tarangire's river draws large groups of elephants, buffalo, zebras, and wildebeest, especially in the dry season. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, and antelope species also move through the park's acacia woodlands and open savannah.

Why is the Ngorongoro Crater special for wildlife viewing?

The crater floor is a natural enclosure that creates one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. The grasslands, swamps, and soda lakes are small enough that a single game drive can show you multiple species, including the rare black rhinoceros, hippos, and flamingos around Lake Magadi.

Does the tour include meals and accommodation?

Breakfast and dinner are included on both days. You stay at Bougainvillea Safari Lodge on the first night before the crater descent on day two.

Is hotel pickup from Arusha included?

Yes, hotel pickup from Arusha is included in the tour price.