Overview

The 2 Day Tarangire & Lake Manyara Safari is a compact and highly rewarding wildlife experience designed for travelers who want to explore two of Tanzania’s most scenic national parks in a short timeframe.

This safari combines the vast elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire National Park with the lush groundwater forests and alkaline lake ecosystems of Lake Manyara National Park. Together, these parks offer a striking contrast in habitats, wildlife behavior, and scenery.

This itinerary is ideal for travelers starting and ending in Arusha who want a short but diverse safari featuring elephants, lions, birds, and iconic African landscapes.

Why Choose This 2-Day Safari?

This combination is one of the most balanced short safari options in northern Tanzania.

Two Contrasting Ecosystems

Tarangire offers open savannah and baobab landscapes, while Lake Manyara provides forest, lake, and escarpment environments.

Excellent Wildlife Diversity

From large elephant herds to tree-climbing lions, this safari delivers varied sightings.

Ideal for First-Time Safari Travelers

Short travel distances and rich wildlife make it beginner-friendly.

Strong Photography Opportunities

Both parks offer highly scenic and diverse photographic settings.

Convenient from Arusha

Both parks are easily accessible within a short drive.

Safari Highlights

• Elephant herds in Tarangire National Park
• Ancient baobab tree landscapes
• Lions and predators in Tarangire
• Lake Manyara tree-climbing lions (possible sightings)
• Flamingos and birdlife (seasonal)
• Giraffes, zebras, and buffalo
• Scenic Rift Valley escarpment views
• Groundwater forest ecosystems
• Professional safari guide

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire National Park

06:00 AM – Pick-Up from Arusha

Depart from your hotel or lodge in Arusha after a safari briefing.

Drive toward Tarangire National Park through rural landscapes and Maasai settlements.

09:00 AM – Arrival at Tarangire National Park

Enter the park and begin your game drive.

Tarangire is famous for its seasonal wildlife concentrations around the Tarangire River.

Morning Game Drive

Explore open plains and woodlands filled with wildlife.

Wildlife You May See

• Large elephant herds
• Lions resting in shade
• Giraffes feeding on acacia trees
• Buffalo herds
• Zebras and wildebeest

12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch

Enjoy lunch at a designated picnic area inside the park surrounded by nature.

Afternoon Game Drive

Continue exploring deeper sections of Tarangire.

Birdlife and predator activity often increase later in the day.

04:00 PM – Exit Tarangire

Depart the park and drive toward Lake Manyara region for overnight stay.

06:30 PM – Arrival at Lodge (Lake Manyara Area)

Dinner and overnight stay at lodge or camp near Lake Manyara or Rift Valley escarpment.

Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park → Return to Arusha

06:30 AM – Breakfast

Early breakfast before heading into Lake Manyara National Park.

07:30 AM – Entry into Lake Manyara National Park

Begin your game drive through the lush groundwater forest zone.

Morning Game Drive

Lake Manyara offers dense vegetation and diverse wildlife.

Wildlife You May See

• Tree-climbing lions (possible sightings)
• Elephants in forest areas
• Baboons and monkeys
• Giraffes and buffalo
• Hippos near water sources

12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch

Enjoy lunch at a scenic picnic site overlooking the park or lake.

Afternoon Game Drive

Explore the lake shore and open plains.

Additional Sightings

• Zebras and wildebeest
• Flamingos (seasonal)
• Pelicans and waterbirds
• Warthogs and antelopes

03:30 PM – Exit Lake Manyara

Begin return journey to Arusha.

06:00 PM – Arrival in Arusha

Drop-off at your hotel or residence.

End of safari.

Wildlife You May See

Mammals

• Elephants
• Lions
• Tree-climbing lions (Lake Manyara)
• Buffalo
• Giraffes
• Zebras
• Wildebeest
• Baboons
• Monkeys
• Warthogs

Birds

• Flamingos (seasonal)
• Hornbills
• Kingfishers
• Storks
• Eagles
• Pelicans

About This Safari Combination

This itinerary combines:

• Tarangire’s elephant-rich savannah landscapes
• Lake Manyara’s forest and lake ecosystems

Together, they offer one of the most scenic and diverse short safaris in Tanzania.

Best Time to Visit

June – October

Best wildlife visibility during dry season.

November – May

Green season with excellent birdwatching and lush scenery.

Year-Round Safari

Both parks offer consistent wildlife viewing throughout the year.

Estimated Safari Price

Safari Inclusions

• Park entry fees (Tarangire & Lake Manyara)
• Professional safari guide
• 4×4 safari vehicle
• 1-night accommodation
• Meals as per itinerary
• Bottled drinking water
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (Arusha)
• Government taxes

Safari Exclusions

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Alcoholic beverages
• Tips and gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this safari good for first-time travelers?

Yes. It is one of the best introductory safaris in Tanzania.

Can I see tree-climbing lions?

Yes, but sightings are not guaranteed. Lake Manyara is one of the few places where this behavior occurs.

How far is Tarangire from Lake Manyara?

The drive is relatively short, making this combination ideal for a 2-day safari.

Is this safari family-friendly?

Yes. It is suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers.