Summary: What Are the Key Facts at a Glance?
- Route: Arusha → Arusha National Park → Lake Manyara → Arusha
- Duration: 2 days / 1 night
- Price: From US$700 per adult (Option E1)
- Best time: June to October, and December to February
What Makes This 2 Days Tanzania Safari Special?
This 2-day safari is a compact introduction to northern Tanzania. You begin in Arusha National Park, where forest, lakes and the slopes of Mount Meru make a quiet, scenic start with giraffes, buffaloes and colobus monkeys. After a night near Lake Manyara, you spend the second day in Lake Manyara National Park, a green park squeezed between the Rift Valley escarpment and a soda lake. It is known for groundwater forest, hippos, large baboon troops, elephants and, with luck, its tree-climbing lions. Distances are short, so you spend more time looking at wildlife than driving. It suits first-time visitors, families, couples and anyone with only a weekend to spare.
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 National Park, then drive to Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara National Park & 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, park 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 National Park Game Drive, Then Drive to Manyara
After breakfast, your guide picks you up in Arusha and drives to Arusha National Park, about 45 minutes to an hour away. The park is small and peaceful, with Mount Meru rising above forest, open grassland and a chain of lakes. It is one of the few northern parks where you can also look forward to walking or canoeing on request, subject to availability and extra cost.
Your game drive passes the Momella Lakes and the rim of Ngurdoto Crater. You may see giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, bushbucks, blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys, plus flamingos and other water birds on the lakes. A stop at the Fig Tree, wide enough for a vehicle to drive through, makes a fun photo.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, then leave in the early afternoon for the Lake Manyara area. The road runs west across farmland and along the edge of the Rift Valley, with views over Maasai land. You arrive at your lodge or tented camp near Mto wa Mbu or Karatu in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.
Lake Manyara National Park Game Drive and Return to Arusha
After an early breakfast, you drive to Lake Manyara National Park. The park is a narrow strip of habitat between a steep Rift Valley wall and a shallow soda lake, so the scenery changes quickly. You start in dense groundwater forest, where large baboon troops, blue monkeys and elephants are often seen, and where the trees give welcome shade.
The track then opens onto acacia woodland and the lake shore. Look for hippos at the hippo pool, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and many birds. Flamingos and pelicans can gather on the lake, depending on water levels and the season. Lake Manyara is also known for lions that sometimes rest in trees. Sightings are not guaranteed, but your guide will check the likely spots.
After a picnic lunch, you leave the park and drive back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon. You can be dropped at your hotel, in Moshi, at Arusha Airport or at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Please book evening flights no earlier than about 7:00 PM.
Price Options
Per adult, safari with Land Cruiser. 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?
- Two different northern Tanzania parks in only two days.
- Arusha National Park is just 45 minutes to an hour from Arusha City.
- Lake Manyara packs forest, lake and woodland into one park.
- Short drives mean more time for wildlife and photography.
- A good first safari for families, couples and solo travelers.
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide.
- Comfortable 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof.
- Airport pickup and drop-off from JRO or Arusha Airport.
- Easy to extend to a 3-day or 4-day northern circuit safari.
- Private departures can be arranged on request.
What Should You Know Before This Safari?
| Location | Distance & Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Arusha to Arusha National Park | Approximately 35 km | About 45 minutes to 1 hour drive |
| Moshi to Arusha National Park | Approximately 85 km | About 2 hours drive |
| Arusha National Park to Lake Manyara area | Approximately 160 km | About 3 hours |
| Mto wa Mbu to Lake Manyara National Park gate | Approximately 3 km | About 10 minutes |
| Lake Manyara to Arusha | Approximately 126 km | About 2 to 3 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 parks on your itinerary. Depending on the package selected, you may stay in a safari lodge or tented camp around Mto wa Mbu, Lake Manyara or Karatu. The exact accommodation will be confirmed before your safari.
Mto wa Mbu / Karatu Area
After your game drive in Arusha National Park, you continue towards Lake Manyara and stay in a lodge or tented camp near the park, depending on the selected comfort level.
Karatu / Ngorongoro Area
Your second overnight stay is arranged around the Karatu or Ngorongoro area, providing convenient access to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the following day's crater experience.
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$700 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, Mto wa Mbu / Karatu | From US$700 / adult |
| Option E2 | Day 1: Midrange lodge, Karatu / Lake Manyara area | From US$840 / adult |
| Option E3 | Day 1: Luxury lodge or camp with Rift Valley views | 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 Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Ngorongoro 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 MapsArusha National Park Scenic Wildlife Park Near Arusha
Arusha National Park is a small, scenic park close to Arusha City. It has forest, grassland, the Momella Lakes and views of Mount Meru, and on a clear day even Kilimanjaro.
You may see giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, bushbucks, blue monkeys, colobus monkeys and many birds. It is a calm start to your safari.
View on Google MapsLake Manyara National Park Forest, Lake and Rift Valley Wall
Lake Manyara National Park lies at the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment beside a shallow soda lake. Its groundwater forest, open woodland and lake shore give a variety of habitats within a small area.
Look for elephants, baboons, hippos, giraffes, buffaloes and birdlife
View on Google MapsMto wa Mbu Gateway Village to Lake Manyara
Mto wa Mbu is a busy, colorful village at the entrance to Lake Manyara National Park, where many Tanzanian peoples live side by side. It is known for its market, banana farms and rice fields.
Guests staying here or nearby can ask about a village walk or bicycle tour (price on request).
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 Arusha National Park
- Canoeing on Momella Lakes: price on request
- Walking safari with an armed ranger: price on request
Add-on Tours in Lake Manyara
- Mto wa Mbu village and bicycle tour: price on request
- Night game drives (for clients staying inside the park): price on request
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, for a short introduction. Two days gives you a game drive in Arusha National Park and another in Lake Manyara National Park, with short drives between them. You will not see the Serengeti or the Ngorongoro Crater, but you will enjoy varied scenery and wildlife without long hours on the road. If you have a third day, we can extend the route.
The safari normally starts in Arusha. We can collect you from your Arusha or Moshi hotel, or from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport. A pre-safari hotel night can be arranged if your flight lands late. Other pickup places can be arranged on request, so please tell us your plans when you book.
You may see giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, bushbucks, blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Flamingos and other water birds often visit the Momella Lakes. Lions are not part of the park's wildlife, and leopards and hyenas are rarely seen. The park is more about scenery, forest and birds than big-cat sightings.
Lake Manyara is known for lions that sometimes rest in trees, but a sighting is never guaranteed. They are not seen on every trip and depend on season, luck and where the lions choose to rest. Your guide will check the usual spots. Elephants, hippos, baboons and giraffes are much more reliably seen.
June to October is the dry season, with clear skies and easier wildlife viewing, and December to February is also pleasant. March to May brings long rains, greener scenery, fewer visitors and some muddy tracks. Flamingo numbers at Lake Manyara change with water levels, so they cannot be promised in any month.
You spend one night in a lodge or tented camp near Lake Manyara in the Mto wa Mbu or Karatu area. 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.
Yes. Meals follow the schedule in the itinerary: breakfast, lunch and dinner on Day 1, and breakfast and lunch on Day 2. Picnic lunches are served in the parks. You also receive about 2 liters of bottled drinking water per person per day during safari activities. Alcoholic and other extra drinks are not included.
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 the vehicle and guide costs are shared among fewer people, the price per person may be higher than on a shared trip.
Yes. The drives are short and the pace is gentle, so it works well for families. Arusha National Park is calm and scenic, and Lake Manyara has plenty of monkeys, baboons and hippos that children enjoy. Please tell us your children's ages when booking so we can arrange suitable seating and rooms.
Yes. Airport transfers can be arranged from Kilimanjaro International Airport depending on your arrival time and travel plans. We can also arrange a pre-safari hotel stay in Arusha before the main itinerary begins. Please share your flight details in advance so we can coordinate your pickup smoothly.
Yes. Many travelers add Tarangire National Park or the Ngorongoro Crater to make a 3-day or 4-day northern circuit trip. Because both parks lie on the same road, the extra days add game drives rather than long extra transfers. Tell us how many days you have and we will design a route.
Pack light, neutral clothes, a warm layer for early mornings, a sun hat, sunscreen, sturdy closed shoes, binoculars and a camera. Use a soft bag, as it fits more easily in a safari vehicle. See our Tanzania packing guide for a full list. Insect repellent is also useful near the lakes and forest
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
Where Is the Macpace Tours Office?
