2 Day Tanzania Safari from Arusha (Drive-In): Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro
Short and powerful: forests, Rift views and Big Five • Private 4×4 • Expert guide
Short on Time, Big on Wildlife - Your 2 Day Plan
Start and end in Arusha and cover two contrasting ecosystems in just 48 hours. Day 1 explores Lake Manyara National Park, groundwater forests, floodplains, and Rift escarpment scenery with monkeys, hippos, elephants and, with luck, tree-climbing lions. Day 2 descends into the Ngorongoro Crater for concentrated Big Five viewing.
This 2 day Tanzania safari from Arusha (drive-in) is paced to maximise field time with early starts, smart routing, and lodges close to park gates. It is ideal as a quick wildlife focused add on or a first taste of the Northern Circuit.
Long-tail cues: “2 day Ngorongoro itinerary from Arusha”, “Lake Manyara day trip + Ngorongoro”, “short Tanzania safari cost for 2 days”.
Trip Highlights
Efficient road times • Diverse habitats • Private guiding
Why This Works in 2 Days
- Smart routing: Arusha to Manyara 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: forests and floodplains day one, caldera megafauna day two.
- Flexible pacing: private vehicle time focused where it is most productive.
Related: Ngorongoro guide • Tarangire (longer options)
Day-by-Day Itinerary (2 Days)
Exact lodge and meal logistics are adjusted to season and availability.
Day 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara - Forests, Floodplains and Rift Views
Meet your guide after breakfast and drive to Lake Manyara National Park. Game drive through groundwater forests and open floodplains. Watch for elephants, hippos, blue monkeys and abundant birdlife, and with some luck see the tree climbing lions. Overnight in the Karatu area for a short drive to the crater tomorrow.
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater - Big Five Focus then Return to Arusha
Sunrise drive to the rim and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater. High densities of wildlife in a compact area, lions, buffalo, zebra, hyena and a chance of black rhino. Picnic by a hippo pool, complete a habitat loop, then ascend the rim and drive back to Arusha in the afternoon or evening.
Long-tail cues: “2 day Ngorongoro crater safari price”, “best 2 day Tanzania safari from Arusha”, “Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro weekend safari”.
Trip details for this 2 day drive-in safari
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Best Time to Go
Good year round. The feel of the safari changes with the season.
June to October
Cool, dry, clear visibility. Manyara elephants frequent water sources and the crater is consistently productive.
November and April to May
Green seasons bring moody skies and fewer vehicles. Birding can be superb around Manyara.
December to March
Warmer conditions, crater mornings are crisp and afternoons pleasant. Good for family travel windows.
Year round
Ngorongoro delivers reliable Big Five potential. Early starts help a lot.
Transparent Costs for a 2 Day Drive-In Safari
Typical per person ranges, private trip, two travellers. Final quote varies by month and lodge level.
- Includes private 4×4, expert driver guide, park and crater fees, bottled water, full board lodge on the safari night.
- Price is affected by travel month, lodge category and room type, availability and any special permits.
See broader ranges in the 2 to 13 Day Cost Guide or request a tailored quote.
What Is Included and Not Included
Included
- Private 4×4 with pop-top roof and fridge
- Professional driver guide
- Park and Ngorongoro Crater fees
- One night full board lodge or camp in the Karatu area
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Not Included
- International flights and visas
- Some drinks and personal expenses
- Travel insurance, recommended
- Optional activities such as village visits
Why Book with Hazina Afrika
Direct operator, prime locations, expert guides, private and flexible, with a filmmaker’s eye
On the ground team
Arusha based operations for swift support and value.
Location over labels
Lodges chosen for proximity to gates and wildlife, which means more game time.
Seasoned driver guides
Field craft that positions you for light, behaviour and photos.
Filmmaker pacing
Patience at sightings, suitable for first timers and photographers.
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Is a 2 day Tanzania safari enough
Yes. This plan targets two high yield parks with short transfers, Lake Manyara variety on day one and Ngorongoro Big Five density on day two.
How long are the drives
Arusha to Manyara is about 2 to 2.5 hours, Karatu to Crater gate about 45 to 60 minutes, Crater to Arusha about 3.5 to 4 hours. Times vary by season and traffic.
Can families do this itinerary
Yes. Private vehicle pacing, picnic options and family friendly lodges make it a suitable short safari with children.
What if I want more time
You can extend to 3 to 5 days to add Tarangire or the Serengeti. Routing is tailored to your dates and interests.
Send your enquiry for this 2 day drive-in 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 Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro combination. If you are planning a longer safari or need help with flights, mention it in the notes.
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