2-Day Tarangire & Ngorongoro Safari

2 Days 1 Night

Elephants & the Crater: Tarangire Landscapes and Ngorongoro Wildlife

In just two days, experience two of Tanzania's most iconic safari destinations. Tarangire National Park, famed for its enormous elephant herds and ancient baobabs, offers landscapes unlike anywhere else. Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is often called Africa's Eden, with the highest concentration of wildlife in the region. Guided by our locally-owned JoyTrekking team, you'll go beyond sightseeing, you'll hear the cultural and ecological stories that bring these landscapes to life. Every booking supports fair wages for guides and community initiatives across our home region.

Highlights

  • See one of the largest elephant populations in Tanzania at Tarangire
  • Admire Tarangire's sweeping landscapes dotted with baobab trees
  • Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a full Big Five safari
  • Witness lions, rhinos, hippos, and wildebeest in Africa's "Garden of Eden"
  • Stay overnight in a comfortable lodge with local hospitality

Itinerary

  • Day
    One

    Arusha to Tarangire National Park

    • Pickup from Arusha in the morning by your JoyTrekking guide, who shares insights about our home as you drive.  
    • Enter Tarangire for a game drive among elephants, giraffes, and herds of zebra migrating along the Tarangire River. 
    • Pause for a picnic lunch under the shade of baobab trees, listening to the calls of hornbills and the distant trumpeting of elephants.  
    • Continue exploring in the afternoon with chances to see predators on the move, from lions lazing in the grass to leopards in acacias.  
    • Evening transfer to a lodge near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Dinner highlights local Tanzanian flavors - fragrant rice dishes, slow-cooked stews, and fresh tropical fruits.

  • Day
    Two

    Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

    • Early breakfast at the lodge before descending into Ngorongoro Crater. The morning light reveals a vast caldera floor teeming with wildlife.  
    • Game drive across grasslands and swamps, where you may spot the Big Five in a single day ‚Äî lions stalking the plains, rhinos grazing quietly, elephants moving gracefully, and buffalo herds crossing your path.  
    • Visit the hippo pool, alive with grunts and splashes, before driving to the soda lake rimmed with flamingos.  
    • Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch inside the crater, surrounded by zebras and wildebeest.  
    • Afternoon ascent out of the crater, return to Arusha by early evening with unforgettable memories of elephants, lions, and rhinos.

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

See all departures at 2-Day Tarangire & Ngorongoro Safari

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 options available.

Can this safari be extended?

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