Summary: What Are the Key Facts at a Glance?
- Route: Arusha → Karatu → Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha
- Duration: 2 days / 1 night
- Price: From US$300 per adult (Option E1)
- Best time: June to October, and January to February
What Makes This 2 Day Tanzania Safari Special?
If you have only two days, the Ngorongoro Crater is the one stop that delivers the most wildlife for the time spent. This short safari leaves Arusha, crosses the Great Rift Valley and spends the first night in the Karatu highlands, close to the crater. The next morning you descend about 600 meters onto the crater floor for a full game drive among lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, zebras and huge herds of wildebeest. The crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in Africa to see big wildlife in a small area. The trip suits first-time visitors, families, couples and anyone short on time.
What Does the Safari Itinerary Include?
2 Days Detailed Trip Itinerary
What Is the Safari Route at a Glance?
Day-by-day route overview at a glance.
Arrival in Arusha & overnight (optional)
Arusha to Karatu through the Great Rift Valley
Ngorongoro Crater game drive & return to Arusha
Arrival in Arusha, Airport Pickup and Hotel Stay
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), a Macpace Tours representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. This day is optional and is useful if your flight lands late or you want to start rested. Settle in, repack into a soft bag and enjoy a relaxed evening before the safari begins.
Depending on your arrival time, your safari guide may visit for a short briefing about the pickup time, crater rules, what to wear and what to expect on game drives. Please tell us about dietary needs, mobility concerns or special interests at this point, so the guide can plan the two days around them.
Arusha to Karatu Through the Great Rift Valley
After breakfast, your guide picks you up in Arusha and drives west towards the Ngorongoro highlands. The road passes Maasai villages, farmland and the busy market village of Mto wa Mbu, then climbs the Rift Valley escarpment with wide views over Lake Manyara. This is mostly a travel day, but the scenery is a big part of the experience.
You reach Karatu around lunchtime, a fertile farming town close to the crater with several lodges and tented camps. After lunch you check in and relax, or add an optional activity such as a coffee plantation tour, an Iraqw village visit or Endoro Falls and the Elephant Caves (prices listed below).
Karatu sits at a cool altitude, so evenings can be chilly. Enjoy dinner at your lodge and an early night, ready for the crater descent the next morning. Your guide will confirm the exact departure time at the briefing, as most crater trips leave early to maximize time on the crater floor.
Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive and Return to Arusha
After an early breakfast, you drive to the crater rim and descend the steep road onto the crater floor, a huge caldera about 260 square kilometers in size. Early light is best for wildlife. Animals here stay in the crater all year, so the density of wildlife is very high, and visitors may see lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas and gazelles.
The crater has grassland, swamp, forest and the soda lake called Lake Magadi, where flamingos gather in some seasons. Black rhinos live here but are few and often far away, so a sighting is a bonus, not a promise. Leopards are secretive and rarely seen. Your guide will explain animal behavior and help you with photographs.
Price Options
Per adult, safari with Land Cruiser double or twins room. Option E1 is selected by default. Choose another option to update your price
What Is Included and Excluded in This Safari?
Below is a clear breakdown of what is included and excluded in your Tanzania safari package. This helps you understand exactly what to expect before your journey.
What’s Included in Your Safari
What’s Not Included
Why Book This Safari with Macpace Tours?
- See the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater in only two days.
- A full-morning game drive on the crater floor with a picnic lunch.
- Some of the best wildlife density in Tanzania.
- A scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley highlands.
- Comfortable overnight stay in Karatu or near the crater rim.
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide.
- 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for clear views and photos.
- Airport pickup and drop-off from JRO or Arusha Airport.
- Easy to extend with Tarangire, Lake Manyara or the Serengeti.
- Private departures can be arranged on request.
What Should You Know Before This Safari?
| Location | Distance & Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Arusha to Karatu | Approximately 140 km | About 3 hours |
| Karatu to Ngorongoro Crater rim | Approximately 25 km | About 45 minutes |
| Crater descent to the crater floor | Approximately 8–10 km of steep road | About 30 to 45 minutes |
| Moshi to Arusha | Approximately 80 km | About 1.5 hours |
| Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha | Approximately 50 km | About 1 hour drive |
| Arusha Airport to Arusha City | Approximately 8 km | About 15 minutes drive |
Which Wildlife Can You See on This Safari?
This Tanzania safari combines wildlife-rich landscapes with remarkable concentrations of animals. During your game drives, you may encounter elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, hippos and many other species in their natural habitats.
Elephants
Known for magnificent herds moving through woodland, grazing near open areas or gathering around rivers.
Lions
Lions can be encountered resting under acacia shade, moving through grasslands or stalking potential prey.
African Buffaloes
Large buffalo herds seen in grasslands and swamps, powerful members of the Big Five.
Giraffes
Commonly browsing high acacia trees and moving gracefully across savannah landscapes.
Zebras
Frequently seen grazing in open plains together with wildebeest and antelopes.
Wildebeest
Iconic savannah herbivores roaming open landscapes in large social groups.
Hippos
Plentiful in lakes, rivers and natural pools across Northern Tanzania.
Antelopes & Gazelles
Gazelles, impalas, waterbucks, and dik-diks feeding across diverse safari habitats.
Look Out for Predators
Depending on season, location and animal movements, you may also encounter leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas with your experienced safari guide.
Ready to Discover Tanzania's Wildlife?
Explore top safari destinations on a carefully planned journey with Macpace Tours.
Plan This SafariWhere Will You Stay During This Safari?
Your accommodation is selected for comfort, convenience and easy access to the crater. Depending on the package selected, you may stay in a safari lodge or tented camp around Karatu or the Ngorongoro highlands. The exact accommodation will be confirmed before your safari.
Karatu / Ngorongoro Area
After the scenic drive from Arusha, you stay in a lodge or tented camp in the Karatu or Ngorongoro area, close to the crater entrance, depending on the selected comfort level.
What Are the Key Safari Details?
Everything you need to know about this 2 Days / 1 Night Tanzania Safari — pricing, booking, what to pack, transfers, flights and the places you will visit.
Safari Price Guide & What Affects the Cost
This 2 Days / 1 Night Tanzania Safari starts from US$300 per adult with the default option (Option E1). The final price depends on the option you choose, group size and travel season.
| Option | Accommodation | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Option E1 | Day 1: Budget lodge or tented camp, Karatu | From US$300 / adult |
| Option E2 | Day 1: Midrange lodge, Karatu / Ngorongoro highlands | From US$840 / adult |
| Option E3 | Day 1: Luxury lodge on or near the crater rim | From US$1,200 / adult |
Includes park fees, licensed guide, 4x4 vehicle, fuel, meals, accommodation and airport transfers. International flights, visas, insurance, tips and personal items are excluded.
Booking, Payment & Cancellation
How to book: send your travel dates and group size through the booking form or WhatsApp. We confirm availability within 24 hours.
- Deposit: 30% of the safari cost confirms your booking.
- Balance: payable on arrival in Arusha before departure.
- Payment methods: bank transfer, credit card and cash in USD.
- Cancellation: free up to 14 days before departure, 50% charged 7–13 days before, and 100% within 7 days.
What to Pack for Your Safari
- Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive or beige), light long sleeves and trousers.
- A fleece or warm jacket for cool early mornings in the highlands.
- Comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen.
- Binoculars, a camera with zoom lens, spare batteries and memory cards.
- Insect repellent, a refillable water bottle, personal medication and travel insurance documents.
- Passport and a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from an endemic country.
Health, Safety & Responsible Travel
- Drink only bottled or filtered water; lodges provide safe drinking water.
- Take malaria prophylaxis as advised by your doctor.
- All game drives are led by licensed TANAPA guides who keep a safe distance from wildlife.
- Tanzania bans single-use plastic bags; carry a reusable bag.
- Respect local cultures — ask before photographing people and dress modestly in villages.
- 24-hour emergency contact: Macpace Tours on +255 755 355 071.
Transfers Details
This tour starts from Arusha. Kilimanjaro Airport is the nearest international airport and Arusha Airport is the nearest domestic airport.
Arusha Airport: No extra charge Kilimanjaro Airport: USD 30 per vehicle
Arusha Airport ↔ Hotel: USD 25 per vehicle Kilimanjaro Airport ↔ Arusha: USD 50 per vehicle
Moshi ↔ Arusha: USD 100 per vehicle Nairobi ↔ Arusha: USD 275 per vehicle
Flights Details
We do not book international flights. We assist with local flights based on availability.
Zanzibar ↔ Arusha: From USD 100 (Morning flight) Dar es Salaam ↔ Arusha: From USD 90 (Morning flight) Arusha ↔ Zanzibar: From USD 170 (Afternoon flight) Arusha ↔ Dar es Salaam: From USD 110 (Afternoon flight)
Which Places Will You Visit on This Safari?
Arusha City Tanzania's Safari Capital
Most northern Tanzania safaris begin in Arusha, near Mount Meru. It is the gateway to Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and the Serengeti.
Travelers who arrive a day early can rest here, repack their luggage and meet the safari team before the trip begins
View on Google MapsMto wa Mbu and the Great Rift Valley A Scenic Drive
On the way to Karatu, you pass Mto wa Mbu village and climb the wall of the Great Rift Valley. The viewpoints over Lake Manyara and the valley floor are among the best on the northern circuit.
It is a good place to learn about local farming, Maasai land and the geography of the region.
View on Google MapsKaratu Highland Farms and Safari Lodges
Karatu is a cool, green farming town near the entrance to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It has coffee farms, waterfalls and many lodges and tented camps, so it makes a comfortable base for the crater.
Optional activities include a coffee tour, a village visit and a short hike to Endoro Falls.
View on Google MapsNgorongoro Crater A Natural Wildlife Sanctuary
Ngorongoro Crater formed millions of years ago when a large volcano collapsed, leaving a huge caldera with walls about 600 meters high. The floor holds grassland, forest, swamp and the soda lake called Lake Magadi.
Because many animals live inside the crater year-round, it offers one of Africa's best chances to see a lot of wildlife in a short time. The crater is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
View on Google MapsWhat Accommodation, Add-ons and Meals Are Available?
Pre- and post-safari hotels, optional add-on tours and meal arrangements for this 2 Days / 1 Night Tanzania Safari.
Pre & Post Tour Hotels (Pricing in Arusha)
Arusha is the base for safari tours in Tanzania. If you need accommodation in Arusha before/after your safari tour you can check some popular hotel prices on bed and breakfast basis below.
- Crest Safari Lodge - USD 47
- Kutoka Lodge - USD 64
- Karama Lodge - USD 113
- The African Tulip - USD 149
- Four Points by Sheraton - USD 205
- Arusha Coffee Lodge - USD 375
- Crest Safari Lodge - USD 29
- Kutoka Lodge - USD 49
- Karama Lodge - USD 76
- The African Tulip - USD 112
- Four Points by Sheraton - USD 120
- Arusha Coffee Lodge - USD 240
- Crest Safari Lodge - USD 29
- Kutoka Lodge - USD 40
- Karama Lodge - USD 73
- The African Tulip - USD 93
- Arusha Coffee Lodge - USD 180
Add-on Tours in Ngorongoro
- Masai Village Tour: USD 25 per person
- Olduvai Gorge museum visit: USD 35 per person
- Ngorongoro Crater Rim Hike: USD 35 per person
Add-on Tours in Karatu
- Coffee Plantation Tour: USD 20 per person
- Iraqw Village Tour: USD 25 per person
- Endoro Falls & Elephant Caves visit: USD 35 per person
Meals
- Day 1 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Day 2 - Breakfast & Lunch
What Are the Most Asked Questions About This Safari?
Find answers to common questions about departure, accommodation, wildlife, meals, transportation and booking.
Yes. The crater is a compact destination, and a full-morning game drive on the crater floor shows you a large share of its wildlife. A two-day trip means the first day is mostly travel, so you arrive near the crater rested and ready. If you also want the Serengeti or Tarangire, add extra days.
Wildlife sightings vary, but you may see lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, gazelles and many birds. Flamingos gather on Lake Magadi in some seasons. Black rhinos live in the crater but are few and often far away, and leopards are rarely seen. Your guide will use local knowledge to find the best sightings.
The crater holds all five of the Big Five, but no one can promise you will see them all. Lions, elephants and buffaloes are commonly seen. Rhinos are rare and often distant, and leopards are secretive. Many guests see three or four on a good day. Your guide will do their best to find the others.
June to October is dry and clear, with the best conditions for game drives, and January and February are also good. March to May brings long rains, greener scenery, fewer visitors and some muddy tracks. Because the crater floor holds wildlife all year, it is a good destination in any month.
You spend one night in a lodge or tented camp in the Karatu or Ngorongoro highlands. Options range from budget to luxury, depending on the price option you choose. The exact property will be confirmed before your safari, and you can request a specific lodge subject to availability and your budget.
Yes. Meals follow the schedule in the itinerary: breakfast, lunch and dinner on Day 1, and breakfast and lunch on Day 2. A picnic lunch is served on the crater floor. You also receive about 2 liters of bottled drinking water per person per day during safari activities. Alcohol and other extra drinks are not included.
Visitors are allowed a limited time on the crater floor, usually about six hours, so we start early to make the most of the morning light. Your guide will plan the descent, game drive and picnic lunch within that time. Rules can change, so please ask us to confirm the current limit when you book.
Yes. The crater is a good family destination, with lots of animals visible in a small area. The first day involves about three hours of driving, so please bring games, snacks and books for younger children. Tell us your children's ages when booking so we can arrange suitable rooms and seating.
Yes. Many travelers add Lake Manyara, Tarangire or the Serengeti to make a 3-day to 5-day northern circuit safari. Because Karatu lies on the way to the Serengeti, extending the route is easy. Tell us how many days you have and we will design a trip that suits your budget.
Bring layers. The crater rim is high and cool, with chilly mornings and evenings, while the floor can warm up in the day. Pack a warm jacket, light neutral clothes, sunscreen, a hat, binoculars and a camera. Use a soft bag. See our Tanzania packing guide for the full list.
Yes. Private departures can be arranged for couples, families, friends and small groups. A private safari gives you more flexibility with the pickup time, pace and photo stops, and the vehicle is for your party only. Because vehicle and guide costs are shared among fewer people, the price per person may be higher than on a shared trip.
Ready to Explore Tanzania?
Plan your Tanzania safari with Macpace Tours and experience iconic wildlife destinations.
Book This SafariWhere Does This Safari Go?
Follow the full safari route from Arusha, Tanzania through 3 destinations.
Related Packages
2 Days / 1 Night Tanzania Safari
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