2 Days Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania Safari Itinerary

Yes, as a short introduction. Day one gives you a full Lake Manyara game drive, and day two gives you a full morning in Ngorongoro Crater. Driving is shorter than on a Serengeti route, so most of your time is spent watching wildlife. If you also want Tarangire or the Serengeti, add extra days.

The safari normally starts and ends 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. Tell us your plans when you book so we can set the pickup time.

Lake Manyara is known for large baboon troops, blue monkeys, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, zebras and wildebeest, plus many birds. Flamingos gather on the lake in some seasons. Tree-climbing lions are famous here but rarely seen. Sightings vary with the season, so your guide will adjust the route to current conditions.

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.

No one can promise it. Elephants, buffaloes and lions are commonly seen, and the crater is the best chance for rhinos, though they are few and often distant. Leopards are secretive. Many guests see three or four of the five on a good crater day. Wildlife is wild, so no sighting is guaranteed.

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. Both parks hold wildlife through the year, so the trip works 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. Picnic lunches are served in the parks. 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. Both parks are good for families, with lots of animals visible in a small area. Day two ends with a 4 to 5 hour drive back to Arusha, 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 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.

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.