Two Days Shared Safari to Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater

Planning a quick yet immersive safari in Tanzania can be daunting, especially with so many options claiming to offer the best wildlife encounters. We’ve looked into Rock to Bush Adventures’ two-day shared safari that takes travelers from Arusha into the heart of Tanzania’s most iconic parks. From the towering baobabs and elephant herds of Tarangire to the jaw-dropping wildlife spectacle inside Ngorongoro Crater, this tour promises a snapshot of Tanzanian wilderness in just 48 hours.

What makes this experience stand out? For starters, the enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides, the breathtaking landscapes, and the thoughtfully curated meals and accommodations. A potential concern might be the condensed schedule, which leaves little room for downtime or private experiences—perfect for those who want to pack a lot into a short trip. It’s ideal for travelers who seek an authentic, guided safari experience but have limited time to explore Tanzania’s famous wildlife parks.

Key Points

• Authentic wildlife experience in Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater within two days
• Expert guides with rave reviews for attentiveness and knowledge
• Comfortable transportation in 4WD vehicles, suitable for wildlife viewing
• Well-organized itinerary balancing game drives, meals, and rest
• Affordable price point considering park fees, meals, and accommodation included
• Ideal for travelers with limited time or looking for a guided group safari

You can check availability for your dates here:

What This Tour Covers: A Complete Breakdown

Starting from Arusha: The Gateway to Tanzanian Wilderness

The adventure kicks off early in the morning from Arusha, the bustling city that acts as the jumping-off point for many safaris. The tour’s timing allows you to maximize daylight hours for wildlife sightings. The transportation is in a 4WD vehicle, which is perfect for navigating the parks’ rugged terrain while giving you excellent vantage points for spotting game.

Day 1: Exploring Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is often called the “Elephant Capital” of Tanzania, and it doesn’t disappoint. As you enter the park, the landscape immediately captures your attention—vast open plains dotted with massive baobab trees and winding riverbeds that draw wildlife in large numbers.

The game drive is designed to showcase the diversity of wildlife: elephants in their hundreds, lions basking in the shade, zebras, giraffes, and an assortment of antelopes. The guide’s insights, shared during the drive, bring the environment alive—highlighting behaviors, migration patterns, and how the landscape sustains such a wide variety of animals.

A highlight of Tarangire is the chance to see elephant herds, often with calves in tow, and the iconic baobabs, which serve as natural landmarks. The full-day game drive includes a picnic lunch in a designated spot, allowing you to soak in the scenery and take plenty of photos.

Overnight at Mtowaumbu

Post-safari, you’ll head to your accommodation in Mtowaumbu, where comfort meets wilderness. Guests rave about the delicious dinner and the chance to unwind after an exciting day. The setting offers a peaceful backdrop for reflection on the day’s sightings, and many travelers comment on the friendly staff and cozy atmosphere.

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Day 2: The Marvel of Ngorongoro Crater

After an early breakfast, your journey continues as you drive toward the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Descending into the crater, you’re greeted by a lush, amphitheater-like landscape teeming with wildlife.

The crater floor is a true wildlife haven, with the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino) often sighted in a single game drive. The openness of the crater allows for incredible wildlife viewing, and your guide will point out various species like gazelles, wildebeest, hippos, and flamingos in the lake.

A picnic lunch here offers spectacular views, with some travelers noting the “breathtaking scenery and biodiversity.” The afternoon ascent back to the crater rim concludes this unforgettable experience, and you’ll begin the drive back to Arusha, arriving in early evening.

Why You Should Consider This Tour

The value of this safari isn’t just in the price ($592 per person) but in what it includes: park fees, all activities, meals, accommodation, a professional guide, and transportation. The reviews reflect satisfaction with the guides’ expertise and the overall organization—people mention that their guides, like Alfred and Joseph, were attentive, friendly, and full of interesting facts.

Travelers consistently compliment the delicious food provided during the trip, which can make or break a quick tour like this. The accommodation options seem to strike a good balance between comfort and authenticity, making it easier to relax after long game drives.

While this is a shared group experience, the small group size ensures a more personalized vibe, and the 4WD vehicles guarantee excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The tour is suitable for those who want a guided, all-inclusive experience and are comfortable with early mornings and full days on the move.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

Includes & Excludes

The tour covers park fees, all activities, accommodation, meals, and transportation, making it straightforward to budget. Tips are not included but are generally recommended at around US$10 per day per person. International flights, additional nights, and personal items are on travelers’ tab.

What To Bring

A pair of binoculars is recommended to enhance your wildlife viewing. Dress in layers—morning game drives can be cool, especially in the crater, while afternoons may warm up.

Important Restrictions

Drones are not allowed, so plan to enjoy the scenery with your eyes and camera alone. Travelers under 1 year or over 95 are not suitable, and the tour offers a flexible pay later option, with cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Authentic Experiences Shared by Past Travelers

One reviewer noted, “The guide was amazing! I fully recommend him! Very attentive and kind!” highlighting the importance of a knowledgeable guide in making the trip memorable. Another traveler praised the nice guide, good food, and cozy accommodation, emphasizing the overall comfort and quality of this tour.

Many appreciate the stunning views and diverse wildlife encounters, describing their days as filled with “remarkable sightings” and “beautiful scenery.” These insights confirm that this tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and genuine wildlife encounters.

Final Thoughts: Is This Safari for You?

If you’re short on time but eager to see Tanzania’s most famous parks, this two-day safari is a smart choice. It offers a well-organized, guided experience at a reasonable price, with all the essentials covered—wildlife, scenery, and comfort.

Travelers who enjoy small-group adventures, value expert guides, and love the idea of multiple game drives in a short period will find this tour particularly appealing. It’s perfect for those looking for an authentic, guided safari that delivers on wildlife and scenery without the need for weeks of planning.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or private experiences, you might want to look for longer or customized options. But for a packed, authentic Tanzanian adventure, this tour delivers an impressive snapshot of Africa’s wildlife treasures.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, it works well for solo travelers as it’s a shared group experience. Many travelers find it easy to connect with others in the group.

Are meals included?
Yes, all meals are included, which means you don’t need to worry about finding food during your game drives.

How much wildlife can I expect to see?
You’re likely to see elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and many bird species, especially in Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater.

What is the accommodation like?
The accommodation at Mtowaumbu is praised for being cozy and comfortable, with good food and friendly staff.

Can I pay later or cancel?
Yes, you can reserve your spot with a pay-later option and cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Bring binoculars, comfortable clothes suitable for early mornings and afternoons, and a camera for capturing wildlife moments.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for babies under 1 year and for travelers over 95, so check your family’s age restrictions before booking.

Overall, this two-day safari offers a fantastic, guided glimpse into Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes. It’s perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, value-packed adventure with knowledgeable guides and memorable scenery—an experience you’ll cherish long after the trip ends.

You can check availability for your dates here: