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2 days - Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater

Elephants, the Crater and the baobabs

Two days from Tarangire's elephants and baobabs to a full day in the Ngorongoro Crater, with a flight from Arusha to Zanzibar at the end.

1 Country
1 Stop
1 Night
Medium Service level
  • The storyThe headline tells the journey in a few lines, one after another.
  • At a glanceThe figures beneath it are the essential facts of the trip.

The journey

When to go

Tarangire elephants
Ngorongoro Crater
Tarangire elephants Ngorongoro Crater Avoid
June Primary window

Dry and clear, with cool mornings. Tarangire dries out and the elephants move back towards the river. The floor dries out and the resident game is easy to find.

Dry season Cool mornings

The route

Tarangire
01

Tanzania

Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.

Flight from ZNZ Airport to ARK Airport 08:00–09:15 AM. (Departure time subject to availability). Welcome at ARK Airport by an English-speaking guide; each guest receives a bottle of champagne and fruit as a gift.

Departure to Tarangire National Park for safari; travel time is about 2 hours. On the way to the park, you will see the fabulously beautiful African nature and the Masai settlements. This park is very famous for its large elephant population. Here the Tarangire River is located, next to which the mighty baobabs are spread out. At the end of the safari, we will transfer you to the hotel.

After breakfast, you will drive to Ngorongoro and spend the whole day on safari in the crater. We will have lunch next to the lake where hippos live. The Eighth Wonder of the World will not leave you indifferent; the Big Five kindly will welcome you within the “walls” of its home. After lunch, you will transfer to Arusha Airport and fly to Zanzibar. Flight 16:45–18:00 (Departure time may vary according to availability).

The detail

About this trip

Your 2-Day Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater Safari begins with a memorable adventure through Tarangire National Park. Known for its impressive elephant population and iconic baobab trees, the park also allows you to spot lions, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. Additionally, as you explore, the rich diversity of wildlife surrounds you, making every moment captivating.

Afterwards, the 2-Day Tarangire & Ngorongoro safari takes you to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. At the top of the Ngorongoro Crater, the panoramic view will take your breath away. As you descend into the caldera, you enter a true wildlife haven, where predators and prey coexist in a delicate and fascinating balance. Ultimately, this 2-Day Tarangire & Ngorongoro Safari offers an unparalleled experience, filled with nature's wonders at every turn.

What is included

  • Tarangire National Park – vast elephant herds & iconic baobab trees.
  • Ngorongoro Crater – explore the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.
  • Wildlife Safari – spot lions, giraffes, zebras & diverse wildlife.
  • Big Five – encounter elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos & buffaloes.
  • Scenic Landscapes – stunning views of savannas, woodlands & crater lakes.
  • Maasai Culture – observe the traditional lifestyle of the Maasai people.

What is not included

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

How does the trip move between Zanzibar, Tarangire and Ngorongoro?
On day 1 you fly from Zanzibar to Arusha, 08:00 to 09:15, where an English-speaking guide meets you with champagne and fruit. You then drive about two hours to Tarangire National Park and finish the safari at your hotel. On day 2 you drive to Ngorongoro Crater, then transfer to Arusha Airport for the 16:45 to 18:00 flight back to Zanzibar.
When is the best time for Tarangire and Ngorongoro?
June to October score highest for both parks, with dry, clear days. Tarangire is at its best in the dry months, with large elephant herds along the river and under the baobabs. January and February are alternatives, hot or warm and green. March to May are the long rains, with muddy tracks and scattered game, and April is the wettest.
What does a typical day on this 2-day safari look like?
Day 1 starts with the early flight, then a transfer and a game drive in Tarangire, known for its elephants and baobabs next to the Tarangire River. Day 2 begins after breakfast with the drive to Ngorongoro, where you spend the whole day on safari in the crater, with lunch beside the lake where hippos live.
Is the 2-day Tanzania itinerary fixed?
The two days follow a set route, so the flexible parts are your dates and flight times. The itinerary notes that flight departure times are subject to availability and may vary, so keep any onward plans flexible. Dates and flights are confirmed in your proposal.
Can you combine more than one country in a single trip?
Yes. Many of our journeys cross borders, for example Botswana with Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, or Cape Town with a safari and the Falls. Tell us the places you have in mind through the enquiry form and we will plan the route and transfers as one itinerary.
What meals are included on safari?
Meals depend on the camp or lodge and are set out in your itinerary. On safari they are usually taken at camp, with a picnic or packed meal on some days. Tell us about any dietary needs when you enquire.
Do I need vaccinations or medication before an African safari?
Health requirements depend on where you are travelling from and where you are going, and they change. Check your country's official travel health advice or TravelHealthPro (travelhealthpro.org.uk), and see a travel clinic well before you depart. Ask about malaria prevention early.
What should I pack for an African safari?
Lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your arms and legs helps against sun and insects, in neutral colours. Bring comfortable closed shoes (boots if you will walk), a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards. Your itinerary lists any luggage limits for charter flights.
How do I stay safe on safari?
Your guides brief you on how to behave around wildlife. Follow their instructions, stay in the vehicle or camp area as told, and never approach or disturb animals. Conditions differ by country and change over time, so check your government's current travel advice before you book and again before you travel.

On this trip

Photographs from the route, not stock library scenery.

2-Day Tarangire
Two young elephants walking side by side through dry grass beside an adult
2-day safari
2-day safari
2-day safari
2-day safari
2-day safari
2-day safari
2-day safari
2-day safari

Book it in this order

Work down the list. Each step depends on the one above it.

Field notes

The practical detail that decides whether a trip runs smoothly.

A day trip with an overnight

This is a quick taste of the north: a morning flight, a game drive in Tarangire, a night at a hotel, then a full day in the crater and the flight back. It is intended as an add-on to a Zanzibar stay.

Two hours to the park

From Arusha airport to Tarangire is about two hours by road, with views of Maasai settlements on the way.

A full day in the crater

Day 2 starts after breakfast with a drive to Ngorongoro and a full day on the crater floor, with lunch beside the lake where hippos live. Mornings on the rim are cold and misty.

What to wear

Choose neutral colours such as khaki and olive. Bring a fleece for the crater and a hat and sunscreen for Tarangire.

Tipping

Tipping is customary for your guide and driver. We brief you on typical amounts at booking.

Plan this journey

Make this trip your own

Every journey is planned around your dates and your party. Tell us who is travelling and when, and a specialist will come back with a tailored itinerary and a quote. Payment is by invoice.

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