Tour Overview
This 2-day Lake Manyara and Tarangire safari offers a powerful introduction to Tanzania's Northern Circuit, combining two of the country's most diverse and rewarding national parks. Spanning from the lush, groundwater forests of Lake Manyara to the arid, baobab-studded plains of Tarangire, this journey is perfect for travelers with limited time who still wish to witness high densities of African wildlife.
Lake Manyara National Park, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, is famous for its tree-climbing lions – one of the few places in Africa where lions regularly rest in acacia branches. The park's diverse habitats, ranging from dense groundwater forests to soda lakes, support over 400 bird species, including thousands of flamingos that line the lake's shores.
Tarangire National Park, often called the "Elephant Kingdom," is renowned for having the highest concentration of elephants in Tanzania, with herds of up to 300 individuals roaming the park's vast landscapes. The iconic baobab trees, centuries-old and towering over the savannah, create a dramatic and unforgettable backdrop for wildlife viewing.
Both parks provide a unique backdrop for photography and game viewing, featuring iconic species like massive elephant herds and rare tree-climbing lions. This safari is ideal for travelers who want to see an impressive number of African animals in a short time, with the added advantage of shorter driving distances from Arusha.
Tour Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Price: Available on Request
Destinations: Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, Great Rift Valley
Activities: Private game drives, birdwatching, hippo viewing, tree-climbing lion spotting
Departure: Arusha or Moshi
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
07:00 AM – Departure from Arusha
- Pick up from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi
- Meet your professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Receive a briefing on the day's itinerary
- Drive approximately 2 hours through the scenic Great Rift Valley
- Scenic Highlights:
- Views of Mount Meru (4,565m)
- Traditional Maasai villages and colorful markets
- Farmland and coffee plantations
09:00 AM – Arrival at Tarangire National Park
- Enter through the main gate
- Register at the park entrance
- Park Overview:
- Covers 2,850 square kilometers
- Highest elephant density in Tanzania
- Over 550 bird species
- Famous for baobab trees
09:15 AM – Full-Day Game Drive
- Wildlife to Spot:
- Elephants: Tarangire has the highest elephant density in Tanzania – herds of up to 300 individuals
- Baobab Trees: The iconic "upside-down" trees dotting the landscape
- Lions: Often spotted resting in trees or hunting in the grasslands
- Giraffes: Feeding on acacia trees with their distinctive long necks
- Zebras and Wildebeests: Large herds grazing on the plains
- Waterbucks and Impalas: Near the river and waterholes
- Olive Baboons: Troops of up to 100 individuals
- Primates:
- Vervet monkeys
- Sykes monkeys
- Birdwatching:
- Yellow-collared lovebirds
- Northern pied babblers
- African grey hornbills
- Martial eagles
- Ostrich
11:00 AM – Explore the Silale Swamp Area
- Visit the park's seasonal swamps
- Excellent for spotting predators
- What to Look For:
- Lions stalking prey
- Spotted hyenas
- Elephants wallowing in the mud
- Buffalo herds
12:00 PM – Drive Along the Tarangire River
- The lifeline of the park during the dry season
- Wildlife Gatherings:
- Hundreds of elephants drinking and bathing
- Hippos in deeper pools
- Crocodiles basking on the banks
- Waterbucks and bushbucks near the water
01:00 PM – Picnic Lunch at a Scenic Site
- Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch inside the park overlooking the Tarangire River
- Watch wildlife at a safe distance while you eat
- Relax and take in the tranquility of the African bush
02:00 PM – Afternoon Game Drive
- Explore new areas of the park
- Visit Different Habitats:
- Acacia woodlands
- Open grasslands
- Seasonal swamps
- Baobab forests
- Predator Spotting:
- Lions in the shade
- Leopards (rare but present)
- Serval cats
- Reptiles:
- Monitor lizards
- Agama lizards
04:30 PM – Depart Tarangire
- Begin the exit from the park
- Final game viewing opportunities
- Last chance for sunset photos with elephants and baobabs
05:30 PM – Transfer to Accommodation
- Drive to your chosen lodge or camp
- Location: Mto wa Mbu or Karatu area
06:30 PM – Check-in at Lodge/Camp
- Warm welcome with refreshing towel and welcome drink
- Check-in to your comfortable room
- Sundowner Drinks:
- Enjoy panoramic views of the African sunset
- Watch the sky transform into brilliant colors
07:30 PM – Dinner at the Lodge
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge restaurant
- Cuisine Options:
- Local Tanzanian dishes
- International cuisine
- Vegetarian and dietary options available
09:00 PM – Overnight at Lodge/Camp
- Fall asleep to the sounds of the African night
- Night Sounds:
- Lions roaring in the distance
- Hyenas calling
- Bushbabies squeaking
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Choice of budget, mid-range, or luxury (see options below)
Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park – Arusha
06:30 AM – Breakfast
- Wake up to the sounds of African birds
- Enjoy a full breakfast before departure
- Pack picnic lunch for the day
07:30 AM – Drive to Lake Manyara National Park
- Transfer approximately 30-45 minutes to Lake Manyara
- Scenic Route:
- Views of the Great Rift Valley escarpment
- Coffee and wheat plantations
- Traditional Maasai villages
08:15 AM – Arrival at Lake Manyara National Park
- Enter through the main gate
- Register at the park entrance
- Park Overview:
- Covers 330 square kilometers
- Famous for tree-climbing lions
- Over 400 bird species
- Diverse habitats from forest to soda lake
08:30 AM – Morning Game Drive
- Groundwater Forest Zone:
- Wildlife to Spot:
- Olive Baboons: One of the largest baboon troops in Africa – up to 200 individuals
- Blue Monkeys: Playing in the forest canopy
- Bushbucks: Grazing near the forest floor
- Elegant Waterbucks: Near the forest streams
- Wildlife to Spot:
- Primates:
- Sykes monkeys
- Vervet monkeys
09:30 AM – Acacia Woodlands Area
- Tree-Climbing Lions:
- Lake Manyara is famous for lions lounging in acacia trees
- This behavior is rare globally – only seen here and in a few places in Africa
- Best viewing spots: near the park's main road and around the acacia groves
- How to Spot: Look for a golden silhouette among the branches
- Other Wildlife:
- Giraffes feeding on acacia leaves
- Zebras and wildebeests on the plains
- Impalas and gazelles grazing
- Elephants in the woodlands
10:30 AM – Lake Shore & Soda Lake Area
- Birdwatching Paradise:
- Flamingos: Thousands feeding in the alkaline water (seasonal)
- Pelicans: Large flocks on the lake
- Storks and Herons: Various species
- Over 400 Bird Species Recorded
- Hippo Pools:
- Watch hippos wallowing and synchronized breathing
- Crocodiles basking on the shore
- Waterbirds nesting
11:30 AM – Visit the Hot Springs
- Natural geothermal springs
- Unique vegetation around the warm water
- Excellent for birdwatching
12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch at a Scenic Site
- Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch near the lake with flamingos and hippos in view
- Great views of the lake and Rift Valley escarpment
- Relax and watch hippos and birds from a safe distance
01:30 PM – Afternoon Game Drive
- Explore Different Habitats:
- Seasonal swamps
- Open grasslands
- Acacia woodlands
- Predator Spotting:
- Lions hunting (often in the afternoon)
- Spotted hyenas
- Jackals
- Leopards: Rare but present in the forest
- Reptiles:
- Monitor lizards
- Agama lizards
03:30 PM – Final Game Drive
- Last chance for wildlife sightings
- Search for any animals you may have missed
- Take final photos
04:30 PM – Depart Lake Manyara
- Begin the exit from the park
- Final game viewing opportunities
- Last chance for photos with the Rift Valley escarpment
05:00 PM – Return to Arusha
- Scenic drive back to Arusha
- Stop at viewpoints for photos
- Optional brief stop for refreshments (own expense)
07:00 PM – Arrival in Arusha
- Drop off at your hotel
- End of your 2-day Lake Manyara & Tarangire safari
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Not included (return to Arusha)
What's Included
| ✅ Included | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof | |
| Guide | Professional English-speaking driver-guide | |
| Park Fees | Tarangire National Park entry and conservation fees | |
| Park Fees | Lake Manyara National Park entry and conservation fees | |
| Accommodation | 1 night (choice of budget, mid-range, or luxury) | |
| Meals | Day 1: Lunch, Dinner | Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch |
| Drinks | Bottled water throughout the tour | |
| Binoculars | Provided for wildlife viewing | |
| Transfers | Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Arusha or Moshi | |
| Taxes | All government taxes and VAT |
What's Not Included
| ❌ Not Included | Details |
|---|---|
| Flights | International flights |
| Visa | Tanzania visa (available on arrival for most nationalities) |
| Insurance | Travel insurance (mandatory – proof required) |
| Tips | Gratuities for guide and lodge staff (customary) |
| Alcohol | Alcoholic beverages and premium drinks |
| Personal Items | Souvenirs and personal expenses |
| Meals | Meals not mentioned (breakfast Day 1, dinner Day 2) |
| Accommodation | Accommodation before or after the tour |
| Activities | Optional activities (Maasai village visit, canoeing, Treetop Walkway) |
Accommodation Options
Budget Options (Quality, Affordable)
| Property | Location | Approx. Nightly Rate (USD) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ngedere Public Campsite | Mto wa Mbu | $50 – $80 pp | Basic camping, close to nature |
| Karatu Simba Lodge | Karatu | $90 – $130 pp | Comfortable rooms, swimming pool |
| Kudu Camp | Karatu | $70 – $100 pp | Eco-friendly tents, traditional experience |
Mid-Range Options (Comfortable & Popular)
| Property | Location | Approx. Nightly Rate (USD) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Manyara Hotel | Karatu | $160 – $230 pp | Mountain views, large garden |
| Tarangire River Camp | Near Tarangire | $180 – $250 pp | Luxury tents, river views |
| Eroi Lodge | Karatu | $170 – $240 pp | Panoramic views, private verandas |
Luxury Options (Premium & Exclusive)
| Property | Location | Approx. Nightly Rate (USD) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Manyara Tree Lodge | Inside Manyara | $600 – $900 pp | Elevated treehouse suites |
| Manyara's Secret | Near Manyara | $450 – $700 pp | Boutique lodge, stunning views |
| Tarangire Treetops | Inside Tarangire | $400 – $600 pp | Elevated suites, tree-level views |
Pricing
| Group Size | Budget (USD) | Mid-Range (USD) | Luxury (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $600 – $700 | $800 – $900 | $1,050 – $1,350 |
| 2 Persons | $420 – $520 | $600 – $700 | $800 – $1,050 |
| 3 Persons | $370 – $450 | $520 – $620 | $680 – $930 |
| 4 Persons | $330 – $400 | $470 – $550 | $600 – $800 |
| 5+ Persons | $300 – $370 | $430 – $500 | $530 – $730 |
Price Factors:
- Season: High season (July-October, December-March) prices are higher
- Accommodation Choice: Luxury options significantly increase the cost
- Nationality: Park fees vary for international vs. East African residents
- Pickup Location: Additional charges for Moshi or Kilimanjaro Airport
Contact us for a personalized, no-obligation quote.
