Summary: What Are the Key Facts at a Glance?
- Route: Arusha → Tarangire → Lake Manyara → Arusha
- Duration: 2 days / 1 night
- Price: From US$ 700 per adult (Option E1)
- Best time: June to October, and January to February
What Makes This 2 days Tarangire and Manyara safari Special?
This 2-day safari combines two of Northern Tanzania's most rewarding parks without a long drive. On day one you cross the Maasai steppe to Tarangire National Park, known for large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees and the Tarangire River. After a full game drive you continue to the Lake Manyara area for the night. On day two you explore Lake Manyara National Park, where a groundwater forest, grassland and a soda lake support baboons, blue monkeys, giraffes, hippos and birds, before returning to Arusha. It suits first-time visitors, families, couples and photographers who want variety on a short schedule.
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 Tarangire game drive & Lake Manyara overnight
Lake Manyara game drive & return to Arusha
Arrival in Arusha Airport Pickup & Hotel Stay
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), a Macpace Tours representative meets you and transfers you to your Arusha hotel. This optional day suits late flights. Rest, repack into a soft bag and meet your guide for a short briefing on pickup time, park rules and dietary needs before the safari begins.
Arusha to Tarangire Game Drive, Then Lake Manyara Overnight
After breakfast, drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park and spend the day on a game drive among elephant herds, baobab trees and the Tarangire River, with a picnic lunch in the park. Look for giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, lions and many birds. In the afternoon, leave the park and drive to the Lake Manyara area, arriving at your lodge near Mto wa Mbu or Karatu for dinner and rest.
Lake Manyara National Park Game Drive and Return to Arusha
After breakfast, drive into Lake Manyara National Park, a compact park below the Rift Valley escarpment. Follow forest tracks where baboons and blue monkeys gather, then cross open floodplain to the soda lake, scanning for elephants, giraffes, hippos and, in some seasons, flamingos. Enjoy lunch, then drive 2 to 2.5 hours back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon for drop-off at your hotel, Moshi or the airport.
Price Options
Per adult for safari with Land Cruiser. Option E1(Entry) 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 famous parks, Tarangire and Lake Manyara, in only two days.
- Elephant herds and baobab trees on day one, forest and lake scenery on day two.
- Short, scenic drives with no domestic flight needed.
- Good variety for first-time visitors and families.
- Excellent bird watching in both parks.
- Comfortable overnight stay near Lake Manyara.
- 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 Ngorongoro Crater or the Serengeti.
What Should You Know Before This Safari?
| Location | Distance & Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Arusha to Tarangire National Park | Approximately 120 km | About 2 to 3 hours |
| Tarangire National Park to Lake Manyara area | Approximately 100 km | About 2 hours drive |
| Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha | Approximately 100 km | About 2 hours drive |
| Moshi to Arusha | Approximately 80 km | About 1.5 hour |
| 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 to provide comfort, convenience and easy access to the safari destinations on your itinerary. Depending on the package selected, you may stay in a safari lodge or tented camp around Tarangire, Karatu or the Ngorongoro area. The exact accommodation will be confirmed before your safari.
Lake Manyara Area (Mto wa Mbu / Karatu)
After your Tarangire game drive, you continue to a lodge or tented camp near Lake Manyara, depending on the selected comfort level, close to the park gate for your morning game drive.
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(Entry)). The final price depends on the option you choose, group size and travel season.
| Option | Accommodation | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Option E1(Entry) | Day 1: Budget lodge or tented camp near Lake Manyara | From US$700 / adult |
| Option M1(Midrange) | Day 1: Midrange lodge, Mto wa Mbu / Karatu | From US$840 / adult |
| Option L1(Luxury) | Day 1: Luxury lodge 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 Tarangire, Lake Manyara, 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 MapsTarangire National Park Elephants and Baobab Trees
Tarangire is one of the best parks in Tanzania for seeing elephants. It is famous for large elephant families, ancient baobab trees and the Tarangire River, which draws many animals in the dry season.
You may see elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, impalas and many birds. Sightings vary and are never guaranteed.
Lake Manyara National Park Forest, Lake and Escarpment
Lake Manyara is a compact park below the Great Rift Valley wall. Its groundwater forest shelters large baboon troops and blue monkeys, while the grassland and soda lake shore attract elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos and many birds.
Flamingos gather on the lake in some seasons. Tree-climbing lions are famous here, but sightings are rare and never guaranteed.
View on Google MapsMto wa Mbu A Lively Village by the Rift Valley
Mto wa Mbu is a busy market village at the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment, close to the entrance of Lake Manyara National Park. Many lodges and tented camps are nearby, which makes it a convenient place to sleep.
The village is home to many communities and is known for banana farms and local markets.
What 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 Tarangire
- Hot Air Balloon Ride: USD 540 per person
- Short Walking Tour (upto 4 hours): USD 45 per person
- Long Walking Tour (upto 6 hours): USD 60 per person
- Night Game Drives (for clients staying inside): USD 100-200 per person depending on lodge
Add-on Tours in Lake Manyara
- Mto wa Mbu Village Cultural Tour: price on request
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, as a short introduction. Day one gives you a full day in Tarangire for elephants and baobab trees, and day two gives you a morning in Lake Manyara. Driving is shorter than on a Serengeti route. If you also want Ngorongoro Crater or the Serengeti, add extra days to the trip.
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.
Tarangire is best known for large elephant herds. You may also see lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, impalas, waterbucks, warthogs, ostriches and many birds. Animals gather near the river in the dry season, from about June to October. Sightings vary, so your guide will adjust the route to current conditions.
Lake Manyara is known for large baboon troops, blue monkeys, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, zebras and wildebeest, plus a rich variety of birds. Flamingos gather on the lake in some seasons. Sightings change with the season and water levels, so your guide will choose the best tracks for your visit.
Lake Manyara is famous for lions that sometimes rest in trees, but the behavior is uncommon and sightings are rare and never guaranteed. Most visitors enjoy the forest, baboons, elephants, hippos and lake views, and treat any lion sighting as a bonus. Your guide will check recent reports and scan the acacia trees along the route.
June to October is the dry season, when animals gather at the Tarangire River and game viewing is at its best. January and February are also good. March to May brings long rains, greener scenery, fewer visitors and some muddy tracks. Both parks stay open all year, so the trip works 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 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.
The drive from Tarangire to the Lake Manyara area is roughly 100 km and takes about two hours, depending on the road and where your lodge is. We plan the afternoon so you leave Tarangire in good time and arrive at your lodge before dark. Your guide will confirm the exact timing on the day.
Yes. Both parks are good for families, with large animals and monkeys that children enjoy. The drive from Arusha to Tarangire takes 2 to 3 hours, and the drive back from Lake Manyara 2 to 2.5 hours, so please bring games, snacks and books. Tell us your children's ages when booking so we can arrange suitable rooms and seating.
Yes. Many travelers add Ngorongoro Crater or the Serengeti to make a 3-day to 5-day northern circuit safari. Our 3-day Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro safari is a popular upgrade. 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.
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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