2-Day Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara Tour from Arusha

Descend into Ngorongoro Crater, then track tree-climbing lions at Lake Manyara

A 2-day guided tour from Arusha that takes you into Ngorongoro Crater on day one and Lake Manyara National Park on day two, with hotel pickup, all park fees, a driver-guide, meals and overnight accommodation included. You descend the crater rim at dawn to spot wildlife on the crater floor, then spend the second day searching for the tree-climbing lions Lake Manyara is known for.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Visit Ngorongoro Crater

• Pick up from hotel
• Briefing
• Drive to Ngorongoro Crater

Day 2: Explore Lake Manyara National Park

• Visit Lake Manyara National Park

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Arusha.
• entry to Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Lake Manyara National Park.
• a driver-guide speaking your choice of English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language.
• breakfast and dinner.
• one night's accommodation at Nsya Lodge.

Times

• Every day 06:00

Another time? ›

Information

Days and times Every day Departs at 06:00 Another time? ›

Group Up to 15 3 private ›

Live guide English, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. You can choose from 16 pickup points.

Book up to 1h before

Ages Adult (16 to 54 years) · Senior (55 to 90 years) · Youth (11 to 15 years) · Child (7 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 6 years)

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 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.

Good to know

Low physical effort Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with back problems

Operated by Nature Bound Africa

The experience

The tour starts with early pickup from your hotel in Arusha. After a short briefing, the drive to Ngorongoro Crater takes the morning, and you descend into the conservation area where the crater floor holds one of Africa's densest concentrations of large animals. Lions, elephants, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest share the grassland and acacia woodland. The crater's walls rise 2,000 feet around you. You spend the afternoon exploring the floor before returning to the rim for the night at Nsya Lodge.

Day two moves to Lake Manyara National Park, where the landscape shifts to woodland and open water. The park's signature wildlife is the tree-climbing lions, a behavior unique to this reserve, and the day is built around spotting them in the acacia canopy. The park also holds large herds of buffalo, elephants and baboons, and the lake itself draws flamingos and other water birds. Your guide navigates the park roads, stopping where animals are active.

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Arusha, all national park entry fees, your driver-guide, breakfast, dinner and one night's accommodation are included. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language depending on availability. Children from age one are welcome, though the early starts and long driving days suit older children better. Vegetarian meals can be arranged if you advise at booking.

Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 3 verified traveler reviews

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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: Youth (11 to 15 years); Child (7 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 6 years).

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 24 h before the start.

What animals will I see in Ngorongoro Crater?

Ngorongoro Crater holds lions, elephants, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest on its floor, concentrated in one of Africa's most wildlife-dense areas. The crater's enclosed ecosystem means animals stay within the rim, making sightings frequent during the day you spend there.

Why are Lake Manyara's lions famous?

Lake Manyara National Park is home to tree-climbing lions, a behavior rare in Africa and unique to this reserve. Your guide will search for them in the acacia canopy during day two of the tour.

How early does the tour start on day one?

Hotel pickup happens early in the morning so you reach Ngorongoro Crater in time to descend and spend the afternoon on the crater floor. The exact pickup time depends on your hotel location in Arusha.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Arusha, entry to both national parks, your driver-guide, breakfast, dinner and one night at Nsya Lodge are all included. Gratuities and airport taxes are not.

Can I request vegetarian meals?

Vegetarian options are available. Let the operator know at booking if you need them, and mention any other dietary requirements so they can arrange your meals in advance.