Tarangire & Ngorongoro: Safari Tour with Local Guide

Summary

Safari adventure in Tarangire and Ngorongoro with meals

You’ll travel from Moshi through Tarangire’s elephant herds and into Ngorongoro Crater’s wildlife-rich landscapes with a local guide by your side. Expect game drives in pop-up vehicles, nights at friendly campsites with meals included, plus airport pickup and drop-off — all arranged so you can focus on those moments you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

“If you see the dust, look for elephants,” our driver Joseph grinned as we bumped along the road out of Moshi. He was right — not even twenty minutes into Tarangire National Park, there they were: a slow-moving herd, trunks sweeping the dry riverbed. The air smelled like warm earth and something sweet I couldn’t place. I’d read about the big herds here, but seeing them up close — honestly, it felt different. There were wildebeest too, and zebras flicking their tails at flies. Joseph pointed out a gerenuk (I had to ask him twice how to say it), its neck stretched impossibly high. Lunch was under an acacia tree, just sandwiches and fruit, but everything tasted better outside.

We spent the night at Haven Nature Campsite in Karatu — basic but friendly, with a campfire that crackled late into the evening. Someone nearby played a radio quietly; I remember falling asleep to unfamiliar Swahili songs mixed with the sound of insects. Next morning started early (I’m not really a morning person), but breakfast was hot and strong coffee helped. The drive to Ngorongoro Crater took maybe half an hour, mist hanging over the rim as we checked in at Loduare gate. Descending into the crater felt like dropping into another world — suddenly green everywhere, flamingos scattered across a lake like tiny pink dots.

I lost track of time watching a lioness nudge her cubs right beside our vehicle. Joseph got a call on his radio about a black rhino sighting; we sped off, everyone craning their necks for a glimpse before it disappeared into tall grass. It’s funny how quiet everyone gets when something rare shows up — just cameras clicking and someone whispering “there!” I didn’t expect to feel so much just sitting still, waiting for animals to move or not move at all.

After lunch back at camp (rice and vegetables this time), we stopped briefly in Mto wa Mbu for some shopping — lots of bright fabrics and carved animals I almost bought but didn’t have space for. The drive back toward Kilimanjaro International Airport was sleepy; I watched the light change out the window and tried to memorize every detail before heading home. Still think about that lioness sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Moshi to Tarangire National Park

• Drive from Moshi to Tarangire National Park
• Game drive in Tarangire
• Overnight at Karatu campsite

Day 2 — Karatu to Ngorongoro Crater

• Drive from Karatu to Ngorongoro Crater
• Explore Ngorongoro Crater wildlife
• Drive back to Karatu for dinner and accommodation

Top questions

How long is the safari tour from Moshi?

The tour lasts 3 days including travel from Moshi to Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater.

Are meals included during the safari?

Yes, all meals are included while on tour.

Is transportation private?

Yes, private transportation is provided throughout the safari.

Where do we stay overnight?

You stay at Haven Nature Campsite in Karatu both nights.

Does this safari include pickup from my hotel?

The tour includes pickup from Moshi and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport.

What animals can I expect to see?

You may spot elephants, lions, wildebeest, zebras, rhinos, buffaloes, antelope species, and more.

Is this safari suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it is suitable for all physical fitness levels as most activities are game drives.

Are park fees included in the price?

All fees and taxes are included in your booking price.

What’s included

Your experience includes private transportation from Moshi with an expert local guide, entry fees for Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, two nights’ accommodation at Haven Nature Campsite Karatu with all meals provided daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner), plus airport drop-off after your final day’s activities.