2 Day Tanzania Safari from Arusha: Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater (Drive In)

Short on time, rich in sightings

Start and end in Arusha. Day 1 explores Tarangire National Park with elephants, baobabs and open river views. Day 2 descends into the Ngorongoro Crater which concentrates wildlife in a compact caldera. This 2 day Tanzania safari from Arusha uses a private 4x4 and early starts to keep you in the right places at the best hours.

For a route that pairs Lake Manyara with the crater, you can also look at the other 2 day drive in page so guests can compare by habitat and season.

Long tail cues: 2 day Ngorongoro itinerary from Arusha, Tarangire and Ngorongoro 2 day safari, short Tanzania safari cost for 2 days.

Trip highlights

Efficient road times, diverse habitats, private guiding

Tarangire river valley with wildlife
Private 4x4 and guide Short transfers Big Five focus

Why this route works in 2 days

  • Smart routing. Arusha to Tarangire about 2 to 2.5 hours, Karatu to crater gate about 45 to 60 minutes, crater to Arusha about 3.5 to 4 hours.
  • Diverse sightings. Tarangire river wildlife and baobabs on day 1, crater megafauna on day 2.
  • Flexible pacing. Private vehicle time where the action is.

Day by day itinerary

Times adjust with season and road conditions.

Tarangire elephants by the river

Day 1. Arusha to Tarangire, elephants, river loops and baobabs

Meet your guide after breakfast and drive to Tarangire. Follow the river loops and open plains. Expect elephants, giraffe, zebra and strong birding. In the dry season wildlife concentrates along the river. Continue to Karatu for overnight to shorten the drive to the crater tomorrow.

Ngorongoro Crater floor with wildlife

Day 2. Ngorongoro Crater loop then return to Arusha

Early drive to the rim and descend into the crater. High densities of wildlife in a compact area with a chance of black rhino. Picnic near a hippo pool, complete a habitat circuit then ascend the rim and drive back to Arusha in the afternoon or evening.

More long tail cues. best 2 day Tanzania safari from Arusha, Ngorongoro crater tour 2 days, Tarangire and crater weekend safari.

Trip details for this 2 day Tarangire and Ngorongoro safari

Share a few preferences here. They are copied into the enquiry form message box so you can review and send everything together.

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Best time to go

Good year round with different styles by season.

June to October

Dry season clarity, Tarangire river wildlife is reliable and the crater is consistently productive.

November and April to May

Green seasons bring moody skies and fewer vehicles, birding is strong in Tarangire.

December to March

Warmer conditions, early crater descents are crisp and calm.

Year round

Aim for first light entries to increase predator and rhino chances.

Ask for a date matched plan

Transparent costs for 2 days

Typical per person from ranges for a private trip with two travelers. Final quote varies by month and lodge level.

Upper mid
$720 to $940
Deluxe
$980 to $1,320
Luxury
$1,360 to $2,050
  • Includes private 4x4 with pop top, pro driver guide, park and crater fees, one night full board lodge in Karatu and bottled water in the vehicle.
  • Price is affected by travel month, lodge category, room type and availability.

For wider ranges, open the 2 to 13 day cost guide or request a tailored quote.

What is included and not included

Included

  • Private 4x4 with pop top and fridge
  • Professional driver guide
  • Tarangire park fees and Ngorongoro crater fees
  • One night full board lodge or camp in Karatu area
  • Drinking water in the vehicle

Not included

  • International flights and visas
  • Some drinks and personal expenses
  • Travel insurance, recommended
  • Optional activities like village visits or ballooning on longer trips

Why book with Hazina Afrika

Direct operator, prime locations, expert guides, private and flexible with a filmmaker eye.

On the ground team

Arusha based operations for quick support and clear communication.

Location over labels

Lodges near gates and key habitats for more wildlife time.

Seasoned driver guides

Positioning and light that improve your viewing and photos.

Filmmaker pacing

Patience at sightings that suits first timers and photographers.

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Frequently asked questions

Is 2 days enough

Yes. Tarangire day one and Ngorongoro day two give strong variety with short transfers.

How long are the drives

Arusha to Tarangire about 2 to 2.5 hours. Karatu to crater gate about 45 to 60 minutes. Crater to Arusha about 3.5 to 4 hours. Conditions vary by season and traffic.

Family friendly

Private vehicle pacing, picnic stops and family friendly lodges make this a good short safari with children.

What if I want more time

Add a day for Lake Manyara or add Tarangire to a longer circuit that reaches the Serengeti. Routing is matched to your dates.

Send your enquiry for this 2 day Tarangire and Ngorongoro safari

Your trip details from the box above are copied into the message box of this form. Please review, add any final notes and send your enquiry so we can prepare a clear quote for your dates.

Most guests start and end in Arusha and want a focused Tarangire and Ngorongoro combination. If you are planning a longer safari or need help with flights, mention it in the notes.

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