Tanzania · Safari

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

2 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

Explore the wildlife at Ngorongoro Crater

Witness the enchanting African wildlife at Tarangire National Park

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Witness large elephant herds beneath Tarangire's iconic baobab trees
02 Explore Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest inactive, intact volcanic caldera
03 Look for the Big Five in one of Tanzania's richest wildlife areas
04 Enjoy game drives through two of northern Tanzania's most popular safari destinations

Embark on an unforgettable 2-day adventure through two of Tanzania's most prestigious wildlife destinations. Explore Tarangire National Park, marvelling at its iconic baobab trees and large elephant herds, before enjoying thrilling game drives in search of lions, leopards, and other wildlife. Descend into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest inactive, intact, unfilled volcanic caldera, where you may spot the Big Five amid stunning landscapes. This short safari offers remarkable wildlife encounters and cherished memories from start to finish.

The Tarangire River is the centrepiece of this park, famous for having some of the largest herds of elephants in Africa.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park

Languages English, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Tarangire National Park Safari

Pick up at 8:30 AM from your hotel in Arusha and depart for Tarangire National Park with a picnic lunch for a full-day game drive.
Tanzania's third-largest national park is known for its majestic baobab trees that dot the landscape, dwarfing the animals that feed beneath them.
The Tarangire River is the centrepiece of this park, famous for having some of the largest herds of elephants in Africa. Here, you may see lion, leopard, cheetah, lesser kudu, buffalo, oryx, eland, giraffe, and zebra.
After the game drive, you will head back to your camp or lodge, where a delicious dinner awaits you.

Day 02

Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive and Return to Arusha

On the last day of your safari, you will have an early start.
After a quick breakfast, you will make an early descent at around 6:30 AM into the crater floor.
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest inactive, intact, unfilled volcanic caldera. It has a massive floor of about 260 sq km, with a depth of over 2,000 feet.
The 5-hour game drive on the crater floor will show you plenty of animal action, so keeping your camera ready is definitely recommended. African elephant, buffalo, black rhino, hippos, hyenas, cheetahs, and lions are found here in abundance.
After a picnic lunch at the beautiful Hippo Pool, you will begin a steep ascent to the top exit of the crater. This is the last leg of your safari, with a 4-hour drive left to Arusha.
You will be dropped off at your preferred location in Arusha by 6:00 PM. With an incredible experience and loads of memories to cherish, this is the time to bid goodbye to your team.

Where this trip takes you

Tarangire National Park, baobab trees, Ngorongoro Crater, Hippo Pool

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 (non-residents)
Concession fee / camping fee
Daily game drive
Professional game drive service
Meals as per itinerary
4x4 Land Cruiser
All taxes and VAT
Drinking water while on safari

What's Not Included

International flights
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour (unless mentioned otherwise)
Tips
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary

What to bring

Lightweight, breathable clothing - neutral colours like khaki, brown, and green help blend in with the environment.
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards - the wildlife and landscapes are incredible for photography.
Valid passport, visas, and travel insurance documents.
Local currency (Tanzanian Shillings) - for small purchases.

Know before you go

Before embarking on a Tanzania safari to Tarangire and Ngorongoro, it's essential to be well-prepared and informed. Here's what you need to know before you go:

1. Park Overview:

Tarangire National Park is known for its large elephant herds, baobab trees, and diverse wildlife, especially during the dry season when animals gather around the Tarangire River.
Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in Tanzania to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) in a compact area. The crater also has stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.

2. Best Time to Visit:

Dry season (June to October): the best time for wildlife viewing in both parks, with animals concentrated around water sources.
Wet season (November to May): while there may be fewer tourists, it's still a great time for birdwatching and seeing newborn animals, but expect occasional rain and lush vegetation.

3. Wildlife Encounters:

Tarangire: expect to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, lions, leopards, and various bird species.
Ngorongoro Crater: the crater is rich in wildlife, including the Big Five, hippos, cheetahs, and flamingos around the crater lake.

4. Health and Safety:

Vaccinations: check for recommended vaccinations, such as yellow fever (especially if travelling from a yellow fever-endemic country), and malaria prophylaxis.
Malaria risk: both areas are in malaria zones, so pack and use insect repellent and consider malaria medication.
Altitude: Ngorongoro Crater's rim sits at 2,400 metres (7,800 feet), so some visitors may feel mild effects of altitude. Stay hydrated and take it easy if needed.

5. Park Fees and Permits:

Both parks charge entrance fees, which are generally included in organised tours. If you're visiting independently, ensure you know the current rates.
Ngorongoro also has additional conservation fees that may apply.

6. Cultural Etiquette:

Respect local Maasai and other indigenous communities, who may live or herd cattle near these areas. If visiting a Maasai village, it's customary to tip after tours and interactions.
Always ask for permission before taking photos of locals.

7. Conservation and Environmental Respect:

Stay inside the vehicle during game drives unless in designated areas. Both parks are wildlife-protected areas, and it's crucial to maintain distance from animals.
Avoid feeding or disturbing wildlife, and dispose of waste properly.

8. Weather Conditions:

Tarangire is warmer and drier, especially during the dry season. Ngorongoro Crater can be cold, especially in the early morning and late evening, so pack layers.
The rainy season can bring muddy roads, so vehicles used during safaris are usually 4x4s to navigate the terrain.

9. Photography:

Bring a good zoom lens for wildlife photography.
Drones are not allowed in most parks unless you have special permission from the authorities.

10. Power and Connectivity:

Most lodges and camps have electricity, but it may be limited to certain hours. Bring a power bank and adaptors (Tanzania uses the British 3-pin plug).
Wi-Fi may be available at some lodges, but it can be slow or limited, especially in more remote areas.

11. Language and Communication:

Swahili is the national language, though English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Learning a few basic phrases in Swahili can enhance your experience.

By keeping these points in mind, you'll be well-prepared for an unforgettable safari experience in Tarangire and Ngorongoro.

In this tour, we will cover the 2 most popular destinations in Tanzania - Tarangire National Park (1 night) and Ngorongoro Crater. The tour starts and ends in Arusha. With our experienced driver guides, it will be a trip of a lifetime.

Logistics