2-Day Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater Safari from Arusha

Tour Overview

Two days is enough time to take in two of northern Tanzania's most iconic landscapes: Lake Manyara's soda lake and forested escarpment, and the Ngorongoro Crater, often called one of Africa's seven natural wonders. This short-format safari is ideal for travelers on a tighter schedule, or as an add-on to a longer Tanzania itinerary.

Detailed Description

Lake Manyara's steep Rift Valley backdrop supports one of the most varied ecosystems in northern Tanzania — golden savannah, groundwater forest, and a soda lake that draws flocks of flamingo alongside the park's famous tree-climbing lions. From there, the Ngorongoro Crater delivers an exceptionally concentrated wildlife experience: because its steep walls limit animal migration in and out, the crater floor holds an unusually reliable population of lion, elephant, buffalo, and — with good fortune — rhino, all visible in a single day's game drive.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

Pick-up from your Arusha hotel after breakfast for the drive to Lake Manyara National Park, with an early game drive to maximize wildlife sightings. Explore golden savannahs, lush forest, and riverine habitat, with a picnic lunch inside the park. Look out for tree-climbing lions, large buffalo herds, elephants, giraffe, and hippo, alongside more than 400 recorded bird species. In the late afternoon, transfer to Mto wa Mbu village for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

An early start for a full day inside the Ngorongoro Crater, where limited animal migration in and out of the caldera means excellent odds of spotting all of the Big Five — buffalo, elephant, rhino, lion, and leopard — in one day, alongside zebra, hippo, wildebeest, and hyena. A picnic lunch is enjoyed inside the crater. In the late afternoon, drive back to Arusha.

Pricing

What's Included

•      Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with open roof

•      Silver, Gold, or Platinum accommodation

•      Park fees

•      Professional English-speaking safari guide and chef

•      Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

•      1.5 litres of water per day, plus tea and coffee with meals

•      18% VAT on tour fees and services

What's Excluded

•      International and domestic flights

•      Travel and medical insurance

•      Visa costs (USD 50 standard; USD 100 for US and Canadian passport holders)

•      Personal items

•      Tips for guide and chef

•      Soda and alcoholic beverages

•      Optional activities (hot air balloon USD 550 per person; Maasai village visit USD 30 per person)

Why Travel With Afric Mzizi Safaris

Afric Mzizi Safaris designed this two-day route to make the most of a short window in northern Tanzania — Lake Manyara's varied ecosystem paired with the Ngorongoro Crater's exceptional wildlife density, without unnecessary driving between them. As a family-run East African operator, our guides bring genuine field experience to every game drive, and we're happy to extend this itinerary into a longer Serengeti or Tarangire safari if you'd like more time in the region.