2-Day Tarangire & Lake Manyara Safari
A private 2-day safari from Arusha to two parks that are close together and very different: Tarangire, with its elephant herds and baobab trees, and Lake Manyara, with groundwater forest, hippos and the lake shore.
A Short Safari That Stays Close to Arusha
Day one is a full day in Tarangire, where large elephant herds gather along the river, especially in the dry season, and baobab trees stand over the grassland. You spend the night at a mid-range lodge near Mto wa Mbu or in Karatu.
Day two takes you to Lake Manyara at the foot of the Rift Valley wall: shady forest with baboons and blue monkeys, a hippo pool, and open shore where giraffes, buffalo and, in some months, flamingos gather. Because there is no Ngorongoro Crater day, this is one of the most affordable private safaris with a night in the bush.
Want the Ngorongoro Crater instead? See the 2-Day Tarangire & Ngorongoro Safari →
Why Travellers Choose It
- A full day in Tarangire among elephants and baobabs
- Lake Manyara's forest, hippo pool and lake shore
- One night at a mid-range lodge, full board
- Short drives: both parks are close to Arusha
- No crater fee, so a lower price
Read our park guides: Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park
Route Map
- By road
- Day of the trip
- Arusha
Lines show the order of travel, not the exact roads.
We collect you from your hotel in Arusha in the morning for the drive of about two and a half hours to Tarangire. A full day of game drives with a picnic lunch, then a short drive to your lodge.
Overnight: Mid-range lodge near Mto wa Mbu or in Karatu
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
A morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park through the forest and along the lake shore, with a picnic lunch, then the drive back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Price Per Person — Private Safari
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $890 |
| 2 People | $635 |
| 3 People | $550 |
| 4 People | $510 |
| 5 People | $485 |
| 6 People | $465 |
Price per person in US dollars, by the number of people travelling together, sharing rooms. Groups of more than 6: price on request.
Trip Notes
- Start & end: your hotel in Arusha
- Private safari: your group only, on the dates you choose
- Lodge named when we confirm availability
- Prices may change if park fees change
Includes
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof and a professional driver-guide
- Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Park fees
- 1 night at a mid-range lodge, full board
- Drinking water
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Arusha
Excludes
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tanzania's compulsory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors (44 US dollars per person, from 1 October 2026)
- Tips for your guide and lodge staff
- Drinks not included in the lodge's meal plan
- Any government increase in park fees or taxes after booking
Questions Travellers Ask
Why no Ngorongoro Crater?
The crater adds a vehicle fee of 295 US dollars and a long day. Leaving it out keeps this trip short and affordable. If you want the crater, see our 2-day Tarangire & Ngorongoro or Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro safaris.
What will we see?
Tarangire is best for elephants, baobabs, giraffes, zebras and lions; Lake Manyara for baboons, monkeys, hippos, buffalo, giraffes and birds. Sightings can never be guaranteed.
When is the best time?
June to October, when Tarangire's animals gather along the river. Lake Manyara is green and beautiful all year.
Can we add a cultural visit?
Yes. A Mto wa Mbu village and bike tour fits well on the evening of day 1 or the morning of day 2, at extra cost.
