Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara

Safari summary

This 2 days Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara safari offers a well-balanced and efficient wildlife experience, combining two of Tanzania’s most diverse and rewarding destinations. It is ideal for travelers with limited time who still want to experience both rich ecosystems and high wildlife density within a short itinerary.

Your 2 days Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara safari begins with an early morning departure from Arusha, heading towards Lake Manyara National Park, located beneath the dramatic cliffs of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The drive itself is scenic, passing through local villages, farmland, and lush landscapes, setting the tone for your safari experience.

Upon arrival, you will begin your guided game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, which is known for its unique combination of habitats including groundwater forest, open plains, and the alkaline lake. One of the key highlights of this 2 days Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara safari is the opportunity to see the famous tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior that is most commonly observed in this park.

During your game drive, you will also encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and a variety of antelope species. The park is equally famous for its birdlife, hosting over 400 species including flamingos, pelicans, and storks. This makes the 2 days Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara safari especially rewarding for birdwatchers and photographers. You will enjoy a picnic or hot lunch inside the park before continuing with afternoon game viewing.

Later in the day, you will proceed to Karatu for dinner and overnight stay. Karatu is strategically located near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, allowing for an early start the following day and optimizing the flow of your 2 days Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara safari.

On the second day of your 2 days Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara safari, you will depart early after breakfast and drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders. After reaching the crater rim, you will descend approximately 600 meters into the crater floor for a half-day game drive.

The Ngorongoro Crater is renowned for having one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. Within this compact ecosystem, you have excellent chances of spotting lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, and, with some luck, the endangered black rhino. The diversity and accessibility of wildlife make this a key highlight of your 2 days Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara safari.

You will enjoy a picnic lunch inside the crater, surrounded by breathtaking scenery that includes open grasslands, acacia forests, and seasonal wetlands. After lunch, continue with your game drive before ascending the crater and beginning your return journey to Arusha.

Arriving in Arusha in the late afternoon or early evening, your 2 days Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara safari concludes with unforgettable memories of wildlife, landscapes, and guided exploration. This itinerary is designed to maximize both experience and efficiency, making it one of the most popular short safari options in northern Tanzania.

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About this tour

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Fine details

Safari highlights

• Bird watching—with professional guide
• Photography safari—with professional guide

What’s included?

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

What’s not included?

• Alcoholic beverages
• All drinks
• Hot air balloons
• Internal flights
• International flights
• Premium alcoholic beverages
• Spa treatments
• Tips and gratuities
• Visas