Summary: What Are the Key Facts at a Glance?
- Route: Arusha → Tarangire National Park → Arusha
- Duration: 2 days / 1 night
- Price: From US$300 per adult (Option E1)
- Best time: June to October, when animals gather at the river
What Makes This 2 -Day Tanzania Safari Special?
Tarangire National Park is one of the best places in Northern Tanzania to watch elephants, and it is only a short drive from Arusha. This 2-day safari gives you an afternoon and a full morning of game drives among large elephant families, ancient baobab trees and the Tarangire River, with one comfortable night close to the park. It is a relaxed first safari with shorter driving than the Serengeti routes, so it suits first-time visitors, families, couples, photographers and anyone with limited time who wants an authentic bush experience.
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 National Park game drive
Tarangire morning 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 National Park Game Drive and Overnight
After breakfast, your guide drives from Arusha across the Maasai steppe to Tarangire National Park, a trip of about 2 to 3 hours. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park, then spend the afternoon on a game drive among baobab trees and along the Tarangire River. Look for elephant herds, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, lions and many birds before checking in at your lodge near the park for dinner and rest.
Tarangire Morning Game Drive and Return to Arusha
After an early breakfast, return to the park for a morning game drive, when animals are active and the light is soft for photography. Follow different tracks towards the river and swamps, searching for lions, impalas, waterbucks, ostriches and birds, while your guide explains the baobabs and animal behavior. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then drive back to Arusha, arriving in the 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 game drives in Tarangire National Park in only two days.
- One of Tanzania's best parks for elephant herds and baobab trees.
- A short drive from Arusha, so more time is spent watching wildlife.
- A relaxed pace that suits first-time visitors and families.
- Good for photographers, with soft morning light and open views.
- Comfortable overnight stay close to the park.
- 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 Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro 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 Arusha | Approximately 120 km | About 2 hours drive |
| Moshi to Arusha | Approximately 80 km | About 1.5 hour drive |
| 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 park. Depending on the package selected, you may stay in a safari lodge or tented camp near Tarangire National Park. The exact accommodation will be confirmed before your safari.
Near Tarangire National Park
After your first game drive, you stay in a lodge or tented camp close to the park, depending on the selected comfort level, so you can return early the next morning.
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(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 Tarangire | From US$300 / adult |
| Option M1(Midrange) | Day 1: Midrange lodge or tented camp near Tarangire | From US$600 / adult |
| Option L1(Luxury) | Day 1: Luxury lodge or camp with river or bush 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, warthogs, waterbucks and many birds. Sightings vary and are never guaranteed.
View on Google MapsTarangire River The Park's Water Lifeline
The Tarangire River flows through the park all year and becomes the main water source in the dry months, from about June to October. Animals gather along its banks, which makes this the best area for game viewing and photography.
Your guide will choose the best stretches of the river based on recent sightings.
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 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 Ngorongoro
- Masai Village Tour: USD 25 per person
- Olduvai Gorge museum visit: USD 35 per person
- Ngorongoro Crater Rim Hike: 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. Tarangire is close to Arusha, so you spend less time driving and more time watching wildlife. With an afternoon and a full morning of game drives, you can see elephants, baobab trees and the river area well. If you also want the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater, 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.
Tarangire has some of the most impressive baobab trees in Tanzania, some of them very old and wide. The trees store water in their trunks, and elephants sometimes strip the bark. They make dramatic photo settings, especially at sunrise and late afternoon, and they are part of the park's character.
une 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, though the park remains open and quiet.
You spend one night in a lodge or tented camp near Tarangire National Park. 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 park. 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.
Lions are often seen in Tarangire, especially in the dry season, though no sighting can be promised. Leopards and cheetahs are present but secretive and seen less often. Your guide will use local knowledge and recent reports to look for big cats, and will explain animal behavior when you find them.
Yes. Optional activities such as a hot air balloon ride, short or long walking tours and night game drives can be added, subject to availability and lodge location. Prices are listed in the add-on section of this page. Please tell us before you travel so we can reserve them for your dates.
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. Tarangire is a good family park, with large animals easy to see and shorter drives than most safaris. The drive from Arusha takes 2 to 3 hours each way, 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, Ngorongoro Crater or the Serengeti to make a 3-day to 5-day northern circuit safari. Our 3-day Arusha, 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.
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 2 destinations.
Related Packages
2 Days / 1 Night Tanzania Safari
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