2-Day Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater Safari with Big Five Game Drives

2 Days Round trip from Arusha Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Full game drive in Tarangire National Park, known for giant elephant herds and ancient baobab trees
02 Look for lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, and abundant birdlife across Tarangire's varied habitats
03 Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest intact volcanic caldera
04 Enjoy a picnic lunch by the Hippo Pool during a wildlife-rich crater game drive
05 Strong chances to spot the Big Five, including the endangered black rhinoceros

Set off from Arusha on a classic 2-day Tanzania safari that combines the wild beauty of Tarangire National Park with the legendary wildlife haven of the Ngorongoro Crater. Travel in a comfortable 4x4 Land Cruiser with a professional guide, enjoying immersive game drives through baobab-studded plains, riverine habitats, and the world's largest intact volcanic caldera. From Tarangire's famed elephant herds and rich birdlife to the crater floor's remarkable animal density and Big Five opportunities, this short safari packs in unforgettable sightings and a picnic lunch in the heart of the wilderness.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Arusha, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Tarangire Safari Among Elephants and Baobab Trees

Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Arusha. Meet your professional safari guide and travel in a comfortable 4x4 Land Cruiser toward Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania's most rewarding wildlife destinations. The drive takes approximately 2.5-3 hours and passes through Maasai villages and scenic countryside.

Upon arrival, enjoy a full game drive through the park, famous for its enormous elephant herds, centuries-old baobab trees, and the life-giving Tarangire River.

After a picnic lunch inside the park, continue exploring different wildlife habitats in search of lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, impalas, warthogs, and, with a little luck, elusive leopards and cheetahs. Tarangire is also a paradise for bird lovers, hosting more than 550 bird species throughout the year.

Leave the park in the late afternoon and drive to your lodge or tented camp near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy dinner, relax, and prepare for the unforgettable crater safari on the following day.

Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp near Ngorongoro
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 02

Ngorongoro Crater Big Five Safari and Return to Arusha

After an early breakfast, drive to the rim of the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's most famous wildlife destinations. Descend 600 meters into the world's largest intact volcanic caldera for an exciting game drive.

The crater is home to an incredible concentration of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, hyenas, jackals, flamingos, and the endangered black rhinoceros, making it one of the best places in Tanzania to spot the legendary Big Five.

Enjoy a picnic lunch beside the scenic Hippo Pool before continuing your game drive across the crater floor. Your expert guide will help you discover the diverse ecosystems and explain the area's fascinating wildlife and conservation history.

In the late afternoon, ascend from the crater and begin the drive back to Arusha. Arrive in the early evening and be dropped off at your hotel or the airport, marking the end of your unforgettable 2-day Tanzania safari adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 3 cities · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Professional English-speaking safari guide with extensive knowledge of Tanzania's wildlife and national parks.
Private or shared 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing and photography.
Pick-up and drop-off in Arusha (hotel, airport, or agreed location).
All national park entry fees for Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Ngorongoro Crater service fee.
Full-day game drives as outlined in the itinerary.
One night's accommodation at a carefully selected lodge or tented camp near Ngorongoro.
Meals as specified in the itinerary (1 Breakfast, 2 Lunches, and 1 Dinner).
Bottled drinking water throughout the safari.
Picnic lunch inside the national parks.
Government taxes and VAT.
Safari briefing before departure.
Binoculars available in the safari vehicle (shared use).
Basic first-aid kit carried in the safari vehicle.
Emergency communication equipment carried by the guide.
Wildlife spotting and interpretation by a licensed professional safari guide.

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights.
Tanzania visa fees (where applicable).
Travel and medical insurance (strongly recommended).
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, and souvenirs.
Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and additional snacks not specified in the itinerary.
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Tips and gratuities for the safari guide, driver, and lodge staff.
Accommodation before or after the safari in Arusha (unless booked as part of the package).
Airport transfers outside the scheduled itinerary (unless arranged in advance).
Personal hiking or safari equipment.
Additional meals not listed in the itinerary.
Medical expenses and emergency evacuation costs not covered by personal travel insurance.
Any increase in government taxes, park fees, or conservation fees imposed after the booking is confirmed.
Costs arising from delays, flight cancellations, force majeure events, or circumstances beyond the tour operator's control.

What to bring

Valid passport and travel documents.
Comfortable lightweight clothing in neutral colors.
Warm jacket or fleece for early morning game drives.
Comfortable closed walking shoes.
Hat or cap for sun protection.
Sunglasses.
Sunscreen (high SPF).
Insect repellent.
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards.
Binoculars (optional but recommended).
Personal medications.
Reusable water bottle.
Small backpack or daypack.
Cash (USD or Tanzanian Shillings) for tips, drinks, and personal purchases.

Know before you go

A valid passport is required for all international travelers.
Tanzania visa requirements vary by nationality; please check before traveling.
This safari departs from Arusha. Pick-up is available from hotels, lodges, or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) upon request.
The safari involves extended game drives on unpaved roads; a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, as animals roam freely in their natural habitat.
The best wildlife viewing is during the dry season (June to October), although the safari operates year-round.
Please inform us in advance of any dietary requirements or food allergies.
Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult.
Bring your camera and binoculars for the best wildlife viewing experience.
Travel insurance covering medical emergencies and trip cancellations is highly recommended.
Temperatures can vary from cool mornings to warm afternoons, so layered clothing is recommended.