Overview
This short safari from Arusha covers two of northern Tanzania’s highlights. Tarangire is famous for its elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, while the Ngorongoro Crater offers one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, including endangered black rhino.
It fits neatly before or after a Kilimanjaro climb or a Zanzibar beach holiday, and uses comfortable, good-value lodges in Karatu on the crater highlands.
Route
Highlights
- Elephants and baobabs in Tarangire
- Half-day game drive on the Ngorongoro Crater floor
- Chance to see black rhino
- Picnic lunch by the hippo pool
- Ideal add-on to Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar
Activities
- Game drives
- Walking safaris (outside the park)
- Night drives in adjoining conservancies
- Crater floor game drive
- Crater rim walk
- Olduvai Gorge museum
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1:
Tarangire National Park
TarangireYour guide collects you from your hotel in Arusha in the morning for the drive to Tarangire (about 2 hours). Game drive along the Tarangire River, where elephant families gather beneath giant baobab trees, and look for lions resting in the shade and colourful lovebirds in the acacias.
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Day 2:
Ngorongoro Crater Descent
Ngorongoro CraterAfter breakfast, continue by road from Tarangire to Ngorongoro (about 2.5 hours). Descend 600 m into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive on the caldera floor. Look for black rhino in the open grassland, lions resting near the Lerai forest and flamingos on Lake Magadi, with a picnic lunch beside the hippo pool before climbing back to the rim.
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Day 3:
Ngorongoro to Arusha
Ngorongoro CraterAfter an early game drive or a relaxed breakfast, travel back to Arusha (about 3.5 hours), with a lunch stop on the way. On arrival you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport or your hotel.
Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.
Accommodation
This itinerary is priced with comfortable budget accommodation. Every property is chosen for its location, guiding and service; final properties are confirmed at booking and we can upgrade or adjust any night.
- TarangireTented camp near the park gate1 night
- Ngorongoro CraterComfortable lodge in Karatu town1 night
Meals: Full board on safari; breakfast and dinner in cities and at the beach
What's included
Included
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as listed (or similar, subject to availability)
- Meals as listed in the day-by-day itinerary
- All national park, reserve and conservation fees
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- All government taxes and levies
- 24-hour in-country support from our Nairobi office
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Comprehensive travel insurance (required)
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Drinks other than drinking water, unless stated
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and souvenirs
Travel information
Best time to travel
June to October, when the river attracts large herds. The green season is excellent for birdlife.
What to pack
- Neutral-coloured, lightweight clothing (khaki, olive, beige)
- A warm fleece or jacket for early mornings and evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
- Binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards
- Insect repellent and personal medication
- A soft-sided bag rather than a hard suitcase
Experiences on this safari
Frequently asked questions
Is this a private safari?
Yes. This itinerary runs privately for your own group, with your own vehicle and guide. It can start on any date, and we can adjust the route, pace and accommodation to suit you.
What does the price include?
The guide price from USD 780 per person is based on two people sharing comfortable budget accommodation in the low season. It includes accommodation, the meals and activities listed, park fees and transfers. Prices vary by season and group size; we confirm an exact quote when you enquire.
Is Tarangire worth visiting?
Absolutely, especially from June to October. Its elephant herds and baobabs make it very different from the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Gallery
Enquire about this safari
Every date is available on request. Tell us when you would like to travel and we will send a tailored quote — adjustments welcome.
