2 Days Wildlife game drives Through Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater

Setting out on a safari in Tanzania is often on many travelers’ bucket lists, and this 2-day tour promises a well-balanced taste of the country’s iconic wildlife and stunning landscapes. While we haven’t personally joined this exact trip, reviews and detailed itineraries paint a picture of an adventure packed with memorable moments, expert guiding, and comfortable transport.

What we love most about this experience is the expert guidance provided, ensuring travelers get the most out of their game drives. The well-maintained land cruisers with pop-up roofs make animal sightings easier and more immersive. Plus, the inclusion of outstanding food services and camping gear means you’re well cared for throughout.

A key consideration is that this tour is quite fast-paced—covering two major parks in just two days—so it’s best suited for those with limited time or looking for a quick wildlife fix. If you’re after a more relaxed or extended safari, this might feel a bit rushed. Still, for adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts, it offers extraordinary value for its price, especially given the small group size of up to six travelers.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to see big game, enjoy expert-led safaris, and experience the highlights of northern Tanzania’s most famous parks without the fuss of planning every detail themselves. It’s also excellent for first-timers who want a comprehensive, guided experience with all logistics handled smoothly.

Key Points

• Expert guides with local knowledge enhance the safari experience.
• Comfortable 4WD land cruisers with pop-up roofs optimize wildlife viewing.
• All-inclusive pricing covers meals, park fees, and camping gear.
• Small group size (max six travelers) ensures personalized attention.
• Efficient itinerary covering two major parks in two days.
• Authentic safari experience with opportunities to see the Big Five and other East African wildlife.

Exploring the Itinerary: What to Expect from Each Day

Day 1: Tarangire National Park

Starting early, you’ll leave Arusha around 8:00 am after breakfast. The first stop is Tarangire, known for its large elephant herds and imposing baobab trees, which seem to dwarf everything beneath them. The park’s landscape is open, making sightings straightforward, and the diversity of animals is impressive. Guests have shared that it’s “Tanzania’s third-largest national park” but feels much more intimate due to its lush scenery and abundant wildlife.

The game drives typically last around 6 hours, with picnic lunches served at a scenic spot inside the park. You might spot lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and elephants during these hours. Reviewers have pointed out that guides are very knowledgeable, often explaining animal behaviors and park ecology, turning a simple drive into an educational experience.

Late afternoon, you’ll leave Tarangire and head to Fanaka Campsite for dinner and overnight stays. The camping gear is described as well maintained, clean, and safe, with comfortable mattresses ensuring you get a good rest after a full day of exploring.

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater

Rise early again and enjoy a hearty breakfast, then set off for the Ngorongoro Crater—Africa’s “8th wonder.” Covering 102 square miles with walls rising 2,000 feet, it effectively forms a natural enclosure that supports a stunning variety of wildlife. It’s not unusual to see endangered black rhinos, lions, leopards, buffalo, and elephants on the same day.

The drive into the crater is visual magic, with many reviewers noting the impressive walls and the sense of stepping into a wildlife sanctuary. The crater’s size and diversity mean you’re likely to see a range of animals, often in family groups or resting under acacia trees. Pack lunches are provided, so you can stay out for approximately 7 hours exploring this unique environment.

Guides are praised for their knowledge—pointing out the rare species and sharing insights about animal behavior, which adds depth to the game viewing. Some guests have remarked that their guides, like Hamadi and Shaffie, made the experience “informative and welcoming,” turning what could be a standard trip into a memorable adventure.

As the day winds down, you’ll return to Arusha, completing your wildlife adventure in style.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the tour are:

• All park entrance fees and parking
• Bottled water to stay hydrated
• Camping gear, tents, and mattresses for overnight stays
• Two hearty lunches and dinner on the first night
• Use of a 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for optimal viewing
• Experienced, licensed guides

Not included are:

• Accommodation in Arusha before and after the trip
• Airport transfers
• Personal items and souvenirs
• Sleeping bags (if needed)

This setup means you’re well looked after during the safari itself, with most logistical concerns taken care of, allowing you to focus solely on enjoying the wildlife.

Transportation and Group Size

Travelers will be picked up from a central meeting point in Arusha, Shoppers Supermarket, making it easy to find and accessible. The small group size (up to six people) ensures a more intimate experience, avoiding the crowded feeling that can sometimes happen on larger safaris. The latest model land cruisers are equipped with high pop-up roofs and wide windows, making animal sightings easier and more comfortable.

Timing and Duration

The schedule is quite full, with early starts and long game drives spread over two days. The total duration is approximately 2 days, making it ideal for those with limited vacation time but still looking for a substantial wildlife experience.

Pricing and Value

At $560 per person, this tour offers good value considering the inclusion of park fees, meals, and equipment. Reviews indicate that the guides’ expertise and the quality of the vehicles significantly enhance the experience. Guests have consistently rated it a five-star tour, praising the professionalism and friendliness of the guides like Hamadi and Shaffie.

Genuine Insights from Guests

Many review comments highlight the exceptional guiding staff. Guests appreciated how guides explained animal behaviors and shared interesting facts, transforming a simple drive into an educational journey. One noted that their guide “explained very well with every single thing,” making the experience both fun and informative.

Another shared that the guides’ professionalism made the trip “organized and amazing,” and that they felt well cared for throughout. The small group size was also a plus, creating a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Wildlife sightings are described as spectacular, with viewers mentioning lions, elephants, giraffes, and even rare species like black rhinos. Guests appreciated the chance to see the Big Five and noted the guides’ efforts to find elusive animals, like leopards, which aren’t always easy to spot.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This safari suits first-time visitors to Tanzania wanting to tick off major parks without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s perfect for wildlife lovers eager to see elephants, lions, rhinos, and more in their natural habitat. The small group size and knowledgeable guides are ideal for travelers who appreciate a more personalized, engaging experience.

It also works well for photographers given the quality of the vehicles and the opportunity for close-up shots. However, if you’re after a more relaxed, multi-day safari experience, you might prefer a longer, more leisurely trip.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day wildlife safari through Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater offers a well-organized, engaging, and value-packed adventure into some of Tanzania’s most famous parks. Travelers will benefit from the expertise of guides, the comfort of modern vehicles, and the thrill of spotting Africa’s iconic animals.

While it’s a rapid trip, it packs enough wildlife and scenic highlights to leave a lasting impression. The small-group format and inclusion of all essentials make it a stress-free way to enjoy your first foray into African safaris, especially if time or budget are considerations.

If you’re looking for a balanced, authentic safari experience that blends expert guidance, comfort, and unbeatable wildlife viewing, this tour covers all bases.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, pickup from the designated meeting point in Arusha and transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle are included, along with park fees.

What is the group size?
The tour accommodates a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring a more personal and engaging experience.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour provides breakfast, two lunches, and dinner on the first night at the campsite.

Do I need to bring my own camping gear?
No, the camping equipment, including tents and mattresses, is provided and well maintained.

Can I see the Big Five on this tour?
Yes, the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire are excellent places to see lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards.

Is this tour suitable for photography enthusiasts?
Absolutely, the land cruisers with high pop-up roofs and wide windows create great opportunities for wildlife photography.

What should I consider before booking?
Prepare for early mornings and long hours of game drives. The tour is fast-paced but rewarding for wildlife lovers and first-timers seeking a comprehensive introduction.

To sum it up, this tour offers great value for those eager to explore Tanzania’s wildlife with knowledgeable guides, comfortable transport, and all logistics handled. It’s best suited for adventurous spirits with limited time, wildlife photography buffs, or first-time safari travelers wanting a memorable, guided experience.