2-Day Tanzania Safari to Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater

2 Days Round trip from At Airport/Hotel Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Massive elephant herds roaming among giant baobab trees in Tarangire
02 Prime game viewing along the Tarangire River amid dense predator populations
03 Descend 600 meters into the world's largest intact volcanic caldera
04 Excellent chance to spot the Big Five in Ngorongoro Crater, including rare black rhinos
05 See flamingos, hippos, and other water birds at Lake Magadi on the crater floor

Experience two of northern Tanzania's most iconic safari destinations on this 2-day journey from Arusha. Explore Tarangire National Park, a dramatic landscape of ancient baobabs and river valleys known for massive elephant herds, dense predator populations, and over 500 bird species. Then descend 600 meters into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a dense and enclosed haven offering an excellent chance to see abundant wildlife in a single day. From riverbed game viewing to flamingos and hippos at Lake Magadi, this short safari packs in remarkable scenery and wildlife.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park

Languages English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Tarangire National Park Safari

Following an early breakfast, your driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel in Arusha and set off for Tarangire National Park with a packed lunch. Enjoy a full day of game viewing amidst Tarangire's iconic baobabs and elephant herds before heading to your lodge in the late afternoon for dinner and your overnight stay.

Day 02

Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Drive

After an early breakfast, you will descend over 600 meters into the crater to view wildlife. Supported by a year-round water supply and fodder, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area supports a vast variety of animals, including herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, eland, warthog, hippo, and giant African elephants.

Another big drawcard to this picturesque national park is its dense population of predators, including lions, hyenas, jackals, and ever-elusive leopards, which sometimes require a trained eye to spot.

We will visit Lake Magadi, a large but shallow alkaline lake in the southwestern corner, which is one of the main features of the crater. A large number of flamingos, hippos, and other water birds can usually be seen here. Late in the afternoon, drive back to Arusha.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from At Airport/Hotel 3 cities · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park fees (for non-residents)
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
All taxes/VAT
Round-trip airport transfer
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (on all days)

What's Not Included

International flights (from/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (tipping guideline: US$20.00 pp per day)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

Luggage Rules: Soft-sided duffel bags only (strict 15 kg / 33 lbs limit per person for bush flights). Hard-shell suitcases do not fit in safari vehicles or light aircraft.
Clothing & Colors: Wear neutral earth tones (khaki, beige, olive). Avoid dark blue/black (attracts tsetse flies) and bright colors. Camouflage clothing is illegal.
Weather & Dress Code: Layer up. Mornings and evenings, especially in Ngorongoro Crater, are cold, but afternoons get hot. Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees) when traveling through local towns and villages.
Plastics Ban: Single-use plastic carrier and shopping bags are strictly banned in Tanzania; use reusable bags or packing cubes.
Passport & Visa: Your passport must have 6+ months validity and 2 blank pages. A visa is available online (e-Visa) or on arrival at main airports ($100 USD for US citizens, $50 USD for most others).
Yellow Fever: A certificate is required only if arriving from or transiting (>12 hours) through a Yellow Fever endemic country.

Know before you go

Safari Packing Essentials Summary
- Documents & Cash: Valid passport (6+ months validity), Tanzania Tourist Visa (cash/e-Visa), official inbound travel insurance policy ($44 USD), Yellow Fever card (if transiting endemic zones), and post-2013 crisp USD bills.
- Luggage Rules: A soft-sided duffel bag is required (max 15 kg / 33 lbs per person for bush flights + small daypack). Hard suitcases are strictly prohibited.
- Clothing: Neutral safari tones (khaki, tan, olive). Avoid dark blue/black (attracts tsetse flies) and bright colors. Pack breathable shirts, lightweight trousers, swimwear, a sun hat, and a warm jacket/fleece for cold crater mornings.
- Footwear: 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes/sneakers and 1 pair of sandals/flip-flops.
- Electronics & Optics: Binoculars (8x42/10x42), telephoto camera (200-400mm+), headlamp/flashlight for unlit camps, dust bags, and spare batteries/memory cards.
Health & Hygiene: High-SPF sunscreen, DEET insect repellent, malaria prophylaxis, and a basic personal medical kit.