Tanzania · Safari

2-Day Tarangire and Lake Manyara Safari from Arusha with Big Game

2 Days Round trip from Arusha Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Spot the tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara National Park
02 Explore Lake Manyara, home to over 350 bird species and thousands of flamingos
03 Look for lions, leopards, cheetahs, and other wildlife in Tarangire National Park
04 Admire Tarangire's stunning grassland plains dotted with baobab trees

Experience an unforgettable 2-day safari from Arusha to Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks in northern Tanzania. Spot Lake Manyara's tree-climbing lions, elephants, monkeys, and abundant birdlife, including thousands of flamingos. Continue to Tarangire to admire its stunning grassland plains dotted with baobab trees and look out for lions, leopards, cheetahs, and many more animals. This short safari combines remarkable wildlife viewing with two of Tanzania's most rewarding northern parks.

Meander along bush tracks and explore the lake, home to thousands of flamingos and winding river channels, where you may find elephants drinking and playing in the water.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park

Languages English, German, Italian, Spanish, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Lake Manyara Game Drive

Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport, ideally if you arrive in the morning or afternoon, and begin the journey to Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive. Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes are enough to travel from Arusha to the park, with lunch boxes included.

Meander along bush tracks and explore the lake, home to thousands of flamingos and winding river channels, where you may find elephants drinking and playing in the water. Over 350 bird species and large flocks of more than 2 million flamingos have been observed at the lake. Do not miss the amazing moments of seeing the tree-climbing lions, elephants, and monkeys. You will also get to see hippos, gazelles, warthogs, wildebeest, waterbucks, zebras, hyenas, and baboons.

Later, at the appropriate time, head to Fanaka Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay on a full-board basis.

Day 02

Tarangire National Park Safari and Return to Arusha

In the morning, you will be picked up from the lodge with packed lunch boxes after breakfast, and the trip to Tarangire National Park will begin for a game drive.

In Tarangire, you will see animals including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, reedbucks, the rare black rhinos, and much more. Tarangire National Park features stunning grassland plains dotted with baobab trees and has more than 550 bird species. Some identified birds include mousebirds, hornbills, bateleur eagles, kori bustards, bee-eaters, lilac-breasted rollers, and hamerkops.

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Arusha and dropped off in town for further arrangements, or you will be dropped off at the airport for your outbound flight.

Where this trip takes you

Lake Manyara National Park, tree-climbing lions, Tarangire National Park, baobab-dotted grasslands

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 4 cities · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park fees
All activities
Airport transfer fees
Drinking water
Accommodations
A professional driver/guide
All transportation fees
All taxes/VAT
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)

What's Not Included

International flights (from/to home)
Tips
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Increase of government-imposed taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

Travel Documents

Valid passport
Tanzania visa, available at the airport upon arrival, USD 100 payable in cash only; $50 for residents of the U.K./European Union
Copy of travel and/or medical evacuation insurance
Personal medical/dental insurance cards
Credit card (Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted)
Cash in U.S. Dollars (bills must be crisp, new-format, issued 2016 or later, with no tears)

Essential Gear

Binoculars
Camera and a good telephoto lens, plus a waterproof/dustproof bag
Sunglasses, preferably polarized
Hat for protection from the sun
Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion are provided). Some camps/lodges provide the same.
Hand sanitiser
Basic medical kit, plus malaria tablets and prescription medications
Glasses, if you wear contact lenses
Chargers and extra batteries for electronics such as phones, cameras, and lights

Clothing

Sweater or fleece pullover
Lightweight waterproof hiking shoes or boots
Waterproof sandals
Shirts (golf shirts or T-shirts)
Lightweight long-sleeved shirts
Pair of shorts
Pairs of long pants
Swimsuit, if you will be visiting Zanzibar Island or other water areas
Undergarments and socks; women might consider a sports bra for bouncy jeep rides
Sleepwear
Rain gear, if travelling during the rainy season (March-May and Oct-Dec)

Please note: bright and white colours are not recommended for safari.

General Packing Recommendations

Bring sturdy, soft-sided luggage, which is easier to stow throughout the trip and to carry in our vehicles during transfers.
Carry any necessities, including travel documents, money, medications, and other vital supplies, in your carry-on bag, not your checked luggage.
If you plan to lock your luggage, please use a TSA-approved security device.
Leave expensive jewellery at home. If you would be heartbroken to lose the item, do not bring it along.
Keep cash in more than one place.
A water-resistant daypack to carry cameras and other items is convenient while on game drives. Better yet, let this be your carry-on.
Please avoid bringing hair dryers, irons, radios, and excess clothing or toiletries. All points of this trip are quite casual, and we recommend keeping luggage to the basics. However, you can use them if you bring them along. If any of these items are necessary for you, it is better to ask so we can check with the hotel first.

Baggage Allowance

Please bring soft-sided luggage such as duffel bags, not hard suitcases. Charter flights within Tanzania strictly limit passengers to 44 lbs, including carry-ons, so the key is to pack as light as possible. Most properties provide laundry service at a cost to be paid directly unless otherwise mentioned in the booking.

Logistics