Tanzania · Safari

2-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari with Tarangire and Lake Manyara

2 Days Round trip from Babati Rural Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Experience one of Africa's most iconic safari scenes with vast herds of elephants among Tarangire's impressive baobab trees
02 Look for Lake Manyara's famous tree-climbing lions, one of the park's most memorable wildlife highlights
03 Enjoy excellent birdwatching across both parks, with flamingos, pelicans, ostriches, vultures, and other bird species
04 Explore a striking variety of habitats, from Tarangire's river valleys and savannahs to Lake Manyara's dense forests and lake shores
05 Take in breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, one of Tanzania's most scenic panoramas

Embark on a 2-day tour filled with thrilling wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes in Tanzania. Explore Tarangire National Park, famous for its majestic elephants, iconic baobab trees, and diverse habitats teeming with wildlife. Continue to Lake Manyara National Park, where dramatic Great Rift Valley vistas, flamingo-filled shores, and tree-climbing lions await.

Paddle along the shoreline with a guide, getting a close-up view of hippos, pink flamingos (seasonal), pelicans, and a variety of other water birds.

From the itinerary

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, Babati, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park

Languages English, French, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Tarangire Elephants and Baobab Landscapes

Tarangire National Park is renowned for its high concentration of elephants, which are often found in large herds, particularly during the dry season. The park also boasts stunning baobab trees that create an iconic African landscape. Tarangire is less crowded than other parks, making it a peaceful, immersive safari experience.
Morning: Your day begins with an early departure from Arusha, around 7:00 AM, followed by a drive of about 2-3 hours to Tarangire.
Upon arrival, you will begin your game drive through the park, encountering elephants, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and various bird species, including rare ostriches and vultures. Tarangire is a birdwatcher's paradise, especially during the migratory season.
Midday: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, with the option to relax at designated picnic spots or head to a nearby lodge if you prefer a more comfortable setting.
Afternoon: Continue with an afternoon game drive, exploring the park's different habitats. Tarangire is characterized by swampy areas, river systems, and open plains, providing a mix of environments in which to observe diverse wildlife.
You might also spot predators such as lions and leopards, as well as various types of antelopes.
Evening: After a full day of exploration, head to your accommodation, which could be a lodge or tented camp either inside or near the park. You will have time to relax and enjoy dinner while reflecting on the day's adventures.

Day 02

Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway and Canoeing Safari

7:00 AM - Departure from Mto wa Mbu
- Your professional safari guide will pick you up from your hotel in Mto wa Mbu in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle.
- The drive to Lake Manyara National Park is scenic, taking approximately 2-3 hours. You will pass through local villages and get a glimpse of rural Tanzanian life. Your guide will provide snacks and bottled water for the journey.
9:30 AM - Arrival and Treetop Walkway
- Arrive at the Lake Manyara National Park gate and complete the park registration.
- Begin your adventure with the Treetop Walkway. This is a 370-meter (1,214 ft) suspended walkway that reaches heights of up to 18 meters (59 ft). It offers a unique perspective of the forest canopy and is a great way to start your day. The walk is peaceful and gives you a chance to see monkeys, birds, and other wildlife from a different vantage point.
11:00 PM - Game Drive
- After the Treetop Walkway, your guide will begin the traditional safari vehicle game drive.
- The first part of the game drive takes you through the park's lush groundwater forest, famous for its large troops of baboons and blue monkeys. You will then move into the acacia woodlands, where you will look for the famous tree-climbing lions. Sightings are not guaranteed, but they are one of the park's highlights.
1:00 PM - Lunch
- Your guide will drive to a designated picnic spot with a beautiful view of the lake or the surrounding landscape.
- Enjoy a packed lunch prepared by the tour company. The meal is typically a full hot or cold lunch, including a main course, snacks, and drinks.
2:30 PM - Canoeing on the Lake
- Head to the northern end of the lake for your canoeing safari. This activity is a fantastic way to experience the park's aquatic life.
- Paddle along the shoreline with a guide, getting a close-up view of hippos, pink flamingos (seasonal), pelicans, and a variety of other water birds. It provides a peaceful and very different perspective from the game drive.
3:30 PM - Final Game Drive and Departure
- After canoeing, you will have a final game drive as you make your way to the park exit. This gives you one last chance to spot any wildlife you may have missed, such as giraffes, elephants, zebras, and a variety of antelopes.
- Begin the drive back to Arusha.
6:30 PM - Arrive in Arusha
- You will be dropped off at your hotel in the early evening, concluding your full-day safari adventure.