Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Tour Overview

This 2-day Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater safari offers a perfect blend of unique wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes. Lake Manyara National Park, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, is renowned 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 groundwater forests to soda lakes, support over 400 bird species, including thousands of flamingos that line the lake's shores.

The second day takes you to the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best places on Earth to see the Big Five. This 2-day combination offers an incredible diversity of wildlife and landscapes, perfect for travelers seeking a unique and unforgettable Tanzanian safari experience.

Tour Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Price: Available on Request
Destinations: Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Great Rift Valley
Activities: Private game drives, birdwatching, hippo viewing, Big Five spotting
Departure: Arusha or Moshi

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha – Lake Manyara 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
  • The dramatic Rift Valley escarpment

09:00 AM – Arrival at Lake Manyara National Park

• Enter through the main gate
• Register at the park entrance
• The park covers 330 square kilometers, including the lake
• Begin your full-day game drive through diverse habitats

09:15 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
• Primates:
  • Sykes monkeys
  • Vervet monkeys
  • Bushbabies (nocturnal)

10:30 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

11:30 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

12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch at a Scenic Site

• Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch at a designated site
• 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
  • Hot springs area
• Predator Spotting:
  • Lions hunting (often in the afternoon)
  • Spotted hyenas
  • Jackals
  • Leopards: Rare but present in the forest
• Reptiles:
  • Monitor lizards
  • Agama lizards
  • Pythons (in trees)

03:30 PM – Visit the Hot Springs

• Natural geothermal springs
• Unique vegetation around the warm water
• Excellent for birdwatching

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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

05:30 PM – Transfer to Accommodation

• Drive to your chosen lodge or camp
• Location: Karatu town (gateway to Ngorongoro Highlands)

06:30 PM – Check-in at Lodge

• Warm welcome with refreshing towel and welcome drink
• Check-in to your comfortable room
• Sundowner Drinks:
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley
  • Watch the sun set over Lake Manyara
  • A perfect end to your first safari day

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

• Fall asleep to the sounds of the African night
• Rest for another exciting day ahead

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Choice of budget, mid-range, or luxury (see options below)

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha

06:00 AM – Early Breakfast

• Wake up early to the sounds of African birds
• Enjoy a full breakfast before departure
• Pack picnic lunch for the crater

07:00 AM – Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

• Transfer approximately 1 hour to Ngorongoro
• Scenic Route:
  • Pass through the Ngorongoro Highlands
  • Views of the Great Rift Valley
  • Coffee and wheat plantations
  • Traditional Maasai villages

08:00 AM – Arrival at Ngorongoro Crater Viewpoint

• Stop at the famous viewpoint (2,300m altitude)
• Panoramic Photo Opportunity:
  • Capture the breathtaking crater floor 600 meters below
  • Views of the volcanic cones
  • Lush forests on the crater rim
  • Lake Magadi's shimmering waters

08:30 AM – Descent into Ngorongoro Crater

• Begin the descent along the steep crater road
• Enter the World's Largest Inactive Volcanic Caldera:
  • Diameter: 20 km
  • Depth: 600 meters
  • Area: 260 square kilometers
  • Formed 2.5 million years ago
  • Home to over 25,000 large mammals

08:45 AM – Full-Day Crater Game Drive

• The Big Five Search:
  • Lions: Often seen on the open grasslands, sometimes in large prides
  • Leopards: Usually spotted in the Lerai Forest area
  • Elephants: Large bulls with impressive tusks, often near the swamps
  • Buffaloes: Massive herds of 200-500 individuals
  • Black Rhinos: Critically endangered, best seen near the crater walls
• Lake Magadi Area:
  • The alkaline soda lake
  • Flamingos: Thousands lining the shoreline (seasonal)
  • Hippos: Wallowing in the shallows
  • Waterbirds: Pelicans, spoonbills, storks
  • Geysers: Natural hot springs bubbling
• Gorigor Swamp Area:
  • Prime predator territory
  • Wildlife:
    • Lions hunting
    • Spotted hyenas and jackals
    • Wildebeest and zebras grazing
    • Secretary birds walking
• Lerai Forest Area:
  • Thick forest in the crater
  • Wildlife:
    • Leopards (best chance here)
    • Elephants
    • Buffaloes
    • Bushbucks and reedbucks
    • Colobus monkeys
    • Excellent for birdwatching
• Open Grasslands:
  • Wildlife:
    • Herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle
    • Serval cats (rare)
    • Kori bustards – the heaviest flying bird
    • Ostriches
• Hot Springs Area:
  • Steaming geothermal springs
  • Wildlife:
    • Unique vegetation
    • Bird species attracted to the warm water

12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch at the Hippo Pool

• Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch at the designated Hippo Pool picnic site
• Hippo Viewing:
  • Watch hippos and crocodiles at close range
  • Observe synchronized breathing
  • Young hippos playing in the water
• Safety Note: Stay on designated paths – hippos are dangerous

01:30 PM – Continue Crater Game Drive

• Explore the remaining parts of the crater
• What to Look For:
  • Golden hours start, best for photography
  • Animals returning to water sources
  • Final Big Five sightings

03:30 PM – Exit the Crater

• Begin the ascent out of the crater
• Photo stop at the viewpoint for final crater photos
• Reflect on your incredible wildlife experience

04:00 PM – Departure to Arusha

• Scenic drive back to Arusha
• Pass through Karatu and the Great Rift Valley
• Optional brief stop for refreshments (own expense)

06:30 PM – Arrival in Arusha

• Drop off at your hotel
• End of your 2-day Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro safari

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Not included (return to Arusha)