2-Day Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater Safari from Arusha

2 Days Round trip from Arusha Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park, famous for large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees
02 Explore Tarangire's rivers, seasonal swamps, and open savannahs rich in wildlife and birdlife
03 Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular safari in one of Tanzania's most celebrated wildlife areas
04 Chance to spot the endangered black rhino alongside lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, and hippos
05 Overnight stay in Karatu with meals included as per itinerary

Enjoy a compact two-day safari that packs in two of northern Tanzania's most celebrated wildlife destinations. From Arusha, venture into Tarangire National Park for a full-day game drive among ancient baobab trees, seasonal swamps, and wide savannahs teeming with iconic animals. On day two, start early for a memorable descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, renowned for its dense concentration of wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and the chance to spot the endangered black rhino. Return to Arusha in the late afternoon with unforgettable sightings and stories.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Luxury

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Arusha, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

From Arusha to Tarangire National Park and Karatu

After breakfast, depart from Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and diverse wildlife. Enjoy a full-day game drive exploring the park's rivers, seasonal swamps, and open savannahs. Look out for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, and many species of birds.

After the game drive, continue to Karatu for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Karatu
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 02

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha

After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular morning game drive. The crater is home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, and, with luck, the endangered black rhino.

Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the crater before ascending and beginning your drive back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast & 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

Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking safari guide
1 night accommodation in Karatu
All park entrance fees
Ngorongoro Crater conservation/vehicle fees
Game drives as per itinerary
Meals as indicated
Bottled drinking water during the safari
Pickup and drop-off in Arusha

What's Not Included

International flights
Tanzania visa
Travel insurance
Tips for the guide and other staff
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Personal expenses
Items not specifically mentioned under "Included"

What to bring

Things to bring on your safari
Clothing
Lightweight, comfortable shirts and trousers.
Neutral-colored clothes such as khaki, beige, brown, and olive green.
A warm jacket for early-morning game drives.
Comfortable walking shoes and sandals.
A hat or cap and sunglasses.
Swimwear if your accommodation has a swimming pool.
Personal essentials
Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).
Insect repellent.
Photography and electronics
A camera or smartphone.
Binoculars for spotting distant wildlife.
Extra batteries and memory cards.
A phone charger and power bank.
A travel adapter compatible with Tanzanian electrical sockets.
A visa or entry authorization, if required.
Travel insurance.
Flight tickets and safari booking confirmation.
- Copies of important travel documents.

Know before you go

Best time to visit
June to October is generally a popular dry-season period for wildlife viewing. January to March can also offer excellent wildlife experiences. The Great Migration moves throughout the year, so the best time depends on where you want to see it.
Weather and temperatures
Mornings and evenings can be cold, especially in Ngorongoro and the highlands. Afternoons can be warm and sunny. Pack layers rather than relying only on summer clothes.
Health and safety
Speak with a travel health professional about malaria prevention, routine vaccinations, and any destination-specific health advice. Follow park rules, stay inside the vehicle unless your guide says it is safe to leave, and never approach or feed wild animals.
Money and payments
Tanzania uses the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). Some lodges and tour operators accept cards or foreign currency, but you should confirm payment arrangements in advance. Carry some local cash for small purchases and tips.
Safari travel times
- Distances can be long, and rough roads may make journeys slower than expected. Some game drives start before sunrise, so be prepared for early mornings and time in a 4x4 safari vehicle.