2- Day Arusha National Park & Lake Manyara Wildlife Safari

Overview

Your 2-day safari adventure begins in Arusha or Moshi, the quiet gateways to Tanzania’s legendary northern circuit. This expertly curated tour is the perfect introduction for travelers who want to experience incredible ecological diversity without the long transit times of the deeper savanna. In just 48 hours, you will explore the lush montane forests of Arusha National Park and the famous groundwater ecosystems of Lake Manyara, offering a "soft start" to the wild that is rich in primates, birdlife, and predators.

The first day is dedicated to the shadows of Mount Meru in Arusha National Park, a place where the rare black-and-white colobus monkey leaps through ancient cedar trees and flamingos paint the Momella Lakes pink. You will spend one night in the vibrant town of Arusha or a nearby forest lodge, allowing for a refreshed morning departure to the Great Rift Valley. Your second day takes you to Lake Manyara, an arboreal paradise famous for its legendary tree-climbing lions and massive elephant families that roam the dense mahogany forests.

With Macpace Tours and Safaris, we prioritize a "slow-travel" feel even on a short itinerary. We ensure you spend your time observing wildlife in quiet corners of the parks, guided by specialists who understand the intricate rhythms of these unique coastal and highland environments.

Safari Highlights

Primate Paradise: Spot the stunning black-and-white colobus monkeys found only in this region.
Canoeing & Walking Options: Experience the wild on foot or by water on the Momella Lakes.
Tree-Climbing Lions: Search the ancient acacia branches for Manyara’s world-famous climbing prides.
The Pink Lakes: Witness thousands of flamingos feeding in the alkaline waters of the Rift Valley.
Mount Meru Views: Enjoy the dramatic backdrop of Tanzania’s second-highest peak throughout your first day.
Efficient Exploration: A low-mileage circuit that delivers high-impact wildlife sightings.

Not sure if Arusha National Park fits your 2026 bucket list? Explore our expert take: Is Arusha National Park the hidden gem of Tanzania's northern circuit?

Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha/Moshi to Arusha National Park – The Forest & The Lakes Your journey begins with a morning pickup from your hotel. We drive a short distance to Arusha National Park, a multifaceted gem often overlooked by the crowds. We spend the morning exploring the Ngurdoto Crater (often called "Little Ngorongoro") and the Momella Lakes. The landscape here is a lush tapestry of forest and water, home to buffalo, giraffes, and waterbucks. After a scenic picnic lunch with views of Mount Meru, we continue our game drive through the highland forest before returning to Arusha for a relaxing evening.

Highlights: Colobus monkey sightings and the breathtaking Momella Lake views.
Transfer Time: 45 minutes from Arusha / 1.5 hours from Moshi.
Accommodation: Boutique Forest Lodge or Arusha City Hotel.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.

Day 2: Lake Manyara to Arusha/Moshi – The Rift Valley Escape After breakfast, we head toward the wall of the Great Rift Valley to enter Lake Manyara National Park. We begin in the groundwater forest, where baboons and blue monkeys play in the canopy, before the forest opens up to the grassy floodplain. We spend the day tracking the park’s famous elephants and searching the trees for lions. After a picturesque lunch overlooking the lake, we begin our return journey, arriving back in Arusha or Moshi in the late afternoon.

Highlights: Exploring the groundwater forest and spotting tree-climbing lions.
Transfer Time: 2 hours from Arusha / 3.5 hours from Moshi.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch.

Know Before You Go: Essential Safari Tips

Accommodations & Rooming Options: We partner with boutique lodges and comfort-tented camps that prioritize Tanzanian hospitality.

Configurations: Rooms are available as Single (for solo travelers), Double/Twin (for couples or friends), and Triple (ideal for families).
Professional Standard: All accommodations are hand-selected for their safety, cleanliness, and proximity to the park gates to maximize your viewing time.

Seamless Transfers & Logistics: Your safari is designed for zero stress.

Pick-up/Drop-off: We provide complimentary transfers from any hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
Airport Transfers: We offer dedicated shuttle services to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and Arusha Airport (ARK). For 2026 travelers, we recommend booking your arrival at least five day prior to the safari to ensure a fresh start.

Safari Meals & Dietary Flexibility: This is a Full Board package (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).

Dining Style: Expect hot, multi-course dinners at your lodge and high-quality picnic lunches during your game drives.
Dietary Needs: Whether you are vegan, gluten-free, or have specific allergies, our team caters to all professional dietary requirements. Please notify Macpace Tours at the time of booking.

Adventure Add-Ons (Enhance Your Trip) Make your 2-day safari even more memorable with these 2026 exclusives:

Momella Lakes Canoeing: A 2-hour guided water safari to get up close to hippos and buffaloes (with an extra cost).
Guided Walking Safari: Accompanied by an armed ranger, experience the thrill of walking among giraffes in Arusha National Park.
Manyara Treetop Walkway: A sky-high canopy walk through the groundwater forest of Lake Manyara.