2-Day Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Safari

2 Days 1 Night

Lions in Trees & Africa's Eden: Manyara and Ngorongoro

This compact 2-day safari combines the lush beauty of Lake Manyara with the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater. At Manyara, forests open onto a soda lake alive with flamingos, baboons, and the park's famous tree-climbing lions. In Ngorongoro, descend into the vast caldera for one of the best chances to spot the Big Five in a single day. With our locally owned JoyTrekking team, you don't just see the parks - you gain authentic insight into how these landscapes shape our communities and traditions. Your journey supports fair wages and community initiatives across our home region.

Highlights

  • Search for tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara
  • Admire flamingos and hippos at Lake Manyara's soda lake
  • Explore Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Spot elephants, lions, rhinos, and more in Africa's Eden
  • Overnight stay in a comfortable lodge with warm Tanzanian hospitality

Itinerary

  • Day
    One

    Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

    • Morning departure from Arusha with your JoyTrekking guide, sharing stories of our home region en route.
    • Enter Lake Manyara, driving through lush groundwater forest where baboons, monkeys, and hornbills thrive.
    • Continue to the open plains, keeping an eye out for lions perched in acacia trees.
    • Picnic lunch at a scenic spot overlooking the lake, often shimmering with flamingos.
    • Afternoon game drive exploring hippo pools and savanna grasslands.
    • Evening transfer to a lodge near Ngorongoro. Dinner features local dishes - spiced rice, stews, chapati, and tropical fruit.

  • Day
    Two

    Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

    • Early breakfast before descending into Ngorongoro Crater, a dramatic volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife.
    • Morning game drive across the crater floor, with high chances of seeing the Big Five - lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and leopards.
    • Visit the hippo pool and soda lake, alive with birdlife and grazing herbivores.
    • Picnic lunch inside the crater with sweeping views of the wildlife plains.
    • Afternoon ascent out of the crater and return drive to Arusha, arriving by early evening.

Cost Includes

  • Professional local safari guide
  • 4x4 safari vehicle with open roof
  • All park entry fees
  • 1 night lodge accommodation
  • Meals: Day 1 lunch & dinner, Day 2 breakfast & lunch
  • Drinking water during safari

Cost Excludes

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks beyond water)
  • Tips for guide and lodge staff

Dates

FAQs

What animals can I see in Manyara?

Baboons, elephants, hippos, tree-climbing lions, and flamingos are common highlights.

How likely is it to see the Big Five in Ngorongoro?

Very high - Ngorongoro is one of the few places where spotting all five in a single day is possible.

What is the accommodation like?

A comfortable mid-range lodge with en-suite rooms, welcoming staff, and authentic local meals. Other budget or luxury options available.

Can this safari be extended?

Yes, extensions to Serengeti or cultural add-ons can be arranged.