Elephants, Lions & Crater View

Safari summary

2-Day Tarangire & Ngorongoro Safari: Ultimate Wildlife Experience
Introduction
Tanzania is a land of breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable adventures. For travelers with limited time, the 2-day safari combining Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater offers a condensed yet immersive experience of the country’s most iconic destinations. This journey brings you face-to-face with elephants roaming under ancient baobab trees, lions lazing in the sun, and the rare black rhino in one of the world’s most spectacular calderas. It’s a safari crafted to provide a perfect balance of wildlife viewing, scenic beauty, and comfort, making it ideal for those who want a taste of Africa’s untamed wilderness without a long expedition.
This guide will take you through every aspect of the safari, from day-by-day itineraries and wildlife highlights to practical tips, accommodations, and photography advice. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of what to expect and how to make the most of this short but unforgettable safari.
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Early Morning Departure
Your safari begins in the early morning with a pick-up from Arusha or Moshi. A professional English-speaking safari guide will welcome you and provide an overview of the day’s adventure. The drive to Tarangire National Park takes approximately 2–3 hours. Along the way, you’ll pass through small Tanzanian villages, rolling hills, and farmlands, providing a glimpse of rural life in the northern part of the country. This drive is not only scenic but also sets the tone for the immersion into Tanzania’s natural and cultural beauty.
Arriving in Tarangire
Tarangire National Park spans over 2,850 square kilometers and is the sixth largest park in Tanzania. The park is renowned for its giant baobab trees, its seasonal river, and large elephant herds. Depending on the season, you may witness hundreds of elephants gathering near water sources.
Upon arrival, your guide will explain the park’s ecology, wildlife distribution, and some historical background. Tarangire is particularly well-known for:
Elephants: One of the largest concentrations in Tanzania
Predators: Lions, leopards, and cheetahs
Birdlife: Over 550 species including lilac-breasted rollers, hornbills, and ostriches
Unique Landscapes: Baobabs, savannah plains, and seasonal swamps
Morning Game Drive
The morning game drive begins as your 4x4 vehicle moves slowly across the plains and riverine forests. The professional guide will help you spot and identify wildlife, often sharing fascinating information about animal behavior, ecology, and conservation efforts.
Some animals you are likely to see include:
Giraffes browsing acacia trees
Zebras and wildebeest grazing side by side
Buffalo herds moving steadily across the plains
Predators such as lions lounging or stalking prey
Bird species including hornbills, storks, and rollers
This part of the safari offers excellent opportunities for photography, whether you are capturing the movement of a herd, the elegance of a giraffe, or the striking patterns of a predator.
Picnic Lunch in the Park
Around midday, a picnic lunch is served in a scenic location within Tarangire National Park. Surrounded by the sights and sounds of wildlife, this break allows you to relax, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere. Your guide can help identify animals at nearby waterholes, making even the lunch stop a memorable part of the safari.
Afternoon Game Drive
After lunch, continue exploring Tarangire. The afternoon game drive often takes you to the seasonal swamps or river areas, where wildlife congregates, providing opportunities to observe animal interactions and behavior. Depending on the season, you may see:
Elephants bathing in the river
Lions with cubs resting under a tree
Colorful birds feeding along the riverbanks
Wildebeest herds migrating across plains
The afternoon is also ideal for wildlife photography, as the soft light of late afternoon enhances the landscapes and animal features.
Evening Drive to Lodge or Camp
In the late afternoon, exit Tarangire and drive to Karatu or Mto wa Mbu for overnight accommodation. Lodges and tented camps in this area combine comfort with proximity to nature, offering amenities such as hot showers, full board meals, and sometimes views over the highlands. Dinner is served at the lodge, allowing you to rest and prepare for the Ngorongoro adventure the next day
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater – The World’s Natural Wonder
Early Morning Breakfast and Departure
Wake up early for breakfast before driving to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive takes approximately 1–2 hours through lush highlands and small Maasai villages. On the way, your guide may point out local agricultural practices and provide cultural insights about the Maasai people, who live in harmony with the wildlife in the area.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Game drives
	Activity level	Moderate activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Ngorongoro Crater Tarangire
	Accesibility	This tour is modifiable for those with limited mobility.

Fine details

Safari highlights

• Bird watching—with professional guide
• Walking safari—with armed guard
• Cultural visits—orphanages, markets, schools

What’s included?

• Accommodation
• Airport transfers
• Meals
• Park fees
• Private vehicle and driver