Tarangire and Ngorongoro Trip

Safari summary

Embark on an unforgettable 2-day last-minute fly-in safari from Zanzibar to two of Tanzania’s most iconic and wildlife-rich destinations—Tarangire National Park and the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater. Designed specifically for travelers with limited time yet seeking a deep and immersive African wildlife experience, this quick getaway from the turquoise shores of Zanzibar to the dramatic savannahs and highlands of northern Tanzania delivers an exceptional combination of scenery, culture, and unforgettable encounters with wildlife. This carefully crafted short safari is ideal for spontaneous adventurers, honeymooners looking for a dash of wild romance, or travelers adding a thrilling safari extension to their Zanzibar beach holiday. Your journey begins early in the morning with a domestic flight from Zanzibar to Arusha, the safari hub of northern Tanzania. Upon arrival, you are warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide who will accompany you throughout the safari in a private 4x4 vehicle equipped for comfort and prime wildlife viewing.

The adventure kicks off as you drive directly to Tarangire National Park, located about two hours from Arusha. Often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, Tarangire is a hidden gem, known for its vast landscapes dotted with majestic baobab trees, seasonal swamps, and large herds of elephants—the largest population per square kilometer in northern Tanzania. As you enter the park, the golden savannah opens up, revealing an abundance of wildlife including zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, impalas, warthogs, and predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas. Tarangire is also a bird lover’s paradise, with over 500 recorded species. A mid-day picnic lunch is served at one of the designated scenic spots within the park, allowing you to relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere while still immersed in the wild. After lunch, continue with an afternoon game drive, exploring more of the park’s riverine systems and woodlands where animals gather during the dry season to drink from the Tarangire River, the park’s lifeline. By late afternoon, exit the park and ascend into Area, where you will check in to your lodge. Surrounded by rolling green hills and coffee plantations, this area provides a peaceful setting for your overnight stay. Enjoy a warm dinner

Day two starts with an early breakfast, followed by a scenic drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most dramatic and wildlife-dense natural wonders in Africa. The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world, formed millions of years ago by a collapsed volcano. Now, it serves as a natural enclosure for a vast array of wildlife, offering some of the highest chances to spot the famed Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and the endangered black rhino—all in one game drive. As you descend the steep crater walls in your safari vehicle, the views are nothing short of breathtaking. The crater floor stretches over 260 square kilometers and includes open savannah, acacia woodland, and freshwater and alkaline lakes. During your morning game drive, you may witness lion prides resting in the grass, elephants moving gracefully across the plains, hippos wallowing in the pools, and flocks of flamingos adorning the shallow lake waters. With your guide’s expert tracking skills and knowledge, you’ll maximize your wildlife sightings and gain deep insights into the region’s unique ecology.

A picnic lunch is served inside the crater, typically near the hippo pool or another designated area offering both comfort and safety while surrounded by nature. After lunch, enjoy a final short game drive as you begin to ascend back up the crater walls. From the rim, take a moment to appreciate the vast beauty and geological wonder of this ancient ecosystem before starting the return journey to Arusha. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a brief stop at a local cultural center or coffee shop before arriving at the airport. By late afternoon or early evening, board your return flight to Zanzibar, bringing your whirlwind two-day safari to a close. As your plane lifts off over the endless plains of northern Tanzania, you’ll carry with you vivid memories of elephants under baobab trees, the stunning Ngorongoro landscape, and up-close encounters with Africa’s most iconic animals—all experienced in just two days.

This 2-day last-minute safari from Zanzibar to Tarangire and Ngorongoro is more than a quick wildlife excursion; it’s a compact yet deeply enriching journey into the heart of wild Tanzania. Ideal for travelers seeking flexibility and adventure without sacrificing quality, this trip includes round-trip flights, private transfers, expert guiding, park fees, meals, and comfortable lodge.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Game drives
	Activity level	Easy activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Ngorongoro Crater Tarangire

Fine details

Safari highlights

• Wildlife sanctuaries

What’s included?

• Accommodation
• Airport transfers
• All drinks
• Internal flights
• Meals
• Park fees
• Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

• Hot air balloons
• International flights
• Laundry
• Premium alcoholic beverages
• Private vehicle and driver
• Spa treatments
• Tips and gratuities
• Visas