2 Days Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater
2 Days Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater
About 2 Days Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater
- This 2-day safari journey through the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park offers a thrilling dive into Tanzania’s amazing wilderness, rich with wildlife and dramatic landscapes.
- Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact and unfilled volcanic caldera, while Tarangire National Park greets you with its iconic baobab-studded plains and endless golden savannahs.
- At Ngorongoro, you get a rare opportunity to spot the legendary Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and the endangered black rhino. Meanwhile, Tarangire is famous for its massive elephant herds, with up to 300 individuals often seen along the Tarangire River.
- Over these two days, you'll encounter a wide range of wildlife including giraffes, cheetahs, warthogs, ostriches, impalas, mongooses, baboons, and many more species thriving in their natural habitats.
- With over 550 recorded bird species, Tarangire is a paradise for birdwatchers, offering vibrant and diverse avian life throughout the park.
- Stunning water bodies, including soda lakes and the Tarangire riverbank, serve as vital gathering points for animals and birds, making them perfect for unforgettable wildlife sightings and photography.
- A refreshing picnic lunch in these scenic surroundings, whether in the heart of Ngorongoro Crater or beside a peaceful river in Tarangire, adds a special touch to the experience, with sweeping views and the chance to spot zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, hippos, and more.
- These two days are packed with mesmerizing landscapes, exceptional wildlife encounters, and endless photography opportunities, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime.
Safari Itinerary
Day-1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport – Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your safari guide who will be with you throughout your journey. After a short introduction and loading your luggage, you’ll begin your drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
The journey itself is a beautiful introduction to the Tanzanian countryside. As you drive through changing landscapes, you'll get your first glimpse of the African horizon. The air feels fresh, the skies stretch endlessly, and there's a quiet excitement in the atmosphere. Once you arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater, your adventure truly begins. Known as the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera, the crater is a wonder of nature, formed over three million years ago when a massive volcano erupted and collapsed in on itself. Today, its lush, green bowl-shaped structure acts like a natural enclosure, drawing an incredible range of wildlife to its fertile grounds.
You’ll descend into the crater for a thrilling game drive, where the chances of spotting the famous “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard) are incredibly high, all in a single day. The landscape is rich and varied, wide open plains, acacia woodlands, and sparkling lakes. As you explore, you’ll likely encounter zebras grazing calmly, wildebeest moving in herds, and hippos resting in cool pools. Keep an eye out for sneaky hyenas, elegant storks, vibrant flamingos near the Soda Lake, and vultures circling above. A picnic lunch inside the crater allows you to relax amidst nature, surrounded by sweeping views and the distant calls of wild animals. It’s a peaceful moment, one that reminds you of how alive the earth is here.
Your guides, constantly in touch with other safari drivers, will expertly track wildlife and take you to the best viewing spots. Their knowledge of the land and animals adds depth to the experience, making you feel connected to everything around you. As the sun begins to lower and golden light spills over the crater walls, you’ll make your way out and continue the journey to Karatu, a quiet town nestled between coffee farms and rolling hills. The views along the way are charming, with small local villages, misty highlands, and occasional wildlife sightings. Arrive at your lodge in Karatu by evening, where you can relax, enjoy a delicious dinner, and reflect on the incredible day.
Day-2: Karatu – Tarangire National Park – Arusha
After a peaceful night’s rest in Karatu, you’ll begin the day with an early breakfast, followed by a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park. As you travel, the landscape slowly transforms. The road winds through beautiful landscapes before giving way to the iconic beauty of Tarangire. The moment you enter the park, you’ll notice its unique charm, vast savannahs dotted with towering baobab trees that seem to tell ancient stories, and colossal termite mounds rising like sculptures from the earth.
Tarangire is famous for its large herds of elephants, often seen cooling off near the Tarangire River or slowly moving through the grasslands in family groups. Their presence is both majestic and humbling. But the park offers much more than elephants, keep your eyes open for giraffes, warthogs, cheetahs, birds, and even lions lounging in the shade. The occasional mongoose darting across the path or baboon troop crossing your way adds a bit of playful charm to the drive. This park is also a paradise for bird lovers, home to over 500 species, from bright yellow-collared lovebirds to the towering ostrich.
After enjoying a final game drive and soaking in the rich scenery one last time, you’ll begin your return journey to Arusha in the afternoon. It’s a peaceful drive, perfect for reflecting on the unforgettable wildlife encounters and stunning landscapes of the past two days. You'll pass through vibrant local towns and rolling hills, watching the golden light dance across the horizon. Upon arrival in Arusha, you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation for the evening or directly at your point of departure, depending on your schedule.
Day of Departure: Arusha – Kilimanjaro International Airport
On your final day, depending on your flight time, you’ll be transferred from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport. As you leave, take one last look at the beautiful Tanzanian landscape, the memories of the wild, the warmth of the people, and the magic of nature will stay with you long after you’re home.
Cost Terms
Inclusions
- All transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with an open roof for better game viewing
- Park entrance fees to all national parks visited
- Ngorongoro Crater entry fees
- Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide and chef
- 1.5 liters of bottled water per person per day, plus tea and coffee with meals
Exclusions
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees – $50 for most nationalities; $100 for Canadian and U.S. passport holders
- Personal items (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
- Tips for the safari guide and chef
- Sodas and alcoholic beverages
Gallery
Video
Other Safaries
2 Days 1 Night Safari
Covered Park: Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro
Tanzania, Africa
View Details
Climb Kilimanjaro Peak
What does it feel like to touch the sky? Find out as you make your way to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. The journey takes you through lush forests, wide-open moorlands, and peaceful highlands, each day offering a fresh view and a new challenge. You don’t need technical climbing skills, just steady determination and a sense of adventure. As you reach the top and take in the calm of the early morning light, you'll definitely experience a moment of peace and realize just how far you’ve come.
View moreFrequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
The 2-day safari tour takes you on a journey through two of Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife destinations, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park. You'll begin with a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater. The following day, you'll explore Tarangire National Park, known for its vast savannah landscapes, ancient baobab trees, and one of the largest populations of elephants in Africa. Despite the short duration, the tour offers a rich and immersive experience of Tanzania’s diverse landscapes and thriving wildlife.
The tour starts with pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport, and transfers to/from the airport are included.
During this 2-day safari, you'll have the opportunity to see an impressive variety of wildlife that Tanzania is famous for. In the Ngorongoro Crater, you may encounter the legendary Big Five including lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos, all within a single game drive. Beyond the Big Five, expect to see large herds of zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and hippos lounging in the crater’s pools. Flamingos are often seen around the soda lakes, while vultures, storks, and geese fill the skies above. In Tarangire National Park, look out for massive elephant herds, warthogs, ostriches, impalas, cheetahs, mongoose, baboons, and countless other species.
The 2 days safari package in Tanzania includes the following:
- All transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with an open roof for better game viewing
- Park entrance fees to all national parks visited
- Ngorongoro Crater entry fees
- Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide and chef
- Daily meals – Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- 1.5 liters of bottled water per person per day, plus tea and coffee with meals
Yes, all vehicles are 4x4 Land Cruisers with pop-top roofs, charging ports, refrigerators, and air conditioning in most vehicles.
Tarangire National Park is renowned for its large elephant population, giant baobab trees, and picturesque savannah landscapes. During the dry season, the park becomes a vital water source, attracting a high concentration of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, zebras, impalas, and over 500 species of birds. The park’s iconic termite mounds and serene atmosphere make it a hidden gem for those seeking a more peaceful and authentic safari experience.
The Ngorongoro Crater is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and is the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world. It’s home to an incredibly dense population of wildlife, offering a rare chance to spot the Big Five, lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, all in one day. The crater’s unique geography creates a natural enclosure that supports a thriving ecosystem, including hippos, flamingos, hyenas, and many bird species. Its dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity make it a must-see for any wildlife enthusiast.
There is a very high chance of spotting the Big Five including the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, especially within Ngorongoro Crater, which has one of the highest densities of wildlife in Africa. Your experienced guide will also stay in contact with other drivers to help maximize sightings.
