Overview & Summary
Embark on a whirlwind romance with Tanzania’s wild heart on this 2-day safari, expertly crafted for the discerning traveler with limited time. Your journey begins in the shadow of the Great Rift Valley at Lake Manyara, a groundwater paradise where you’ll crane your neck searching for the park's legendary tree climbing lions dozing in acacia branches. The adventure culminates in a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural amphitheater teeming with over 25,000 large animals. From the forest canopy to the volcanic caldera floor, this exclusive tour offers a dramatic contrast of ecosystems and a breathtaking introduction to Africa's unparalleled beauty, all in just 48 hours.
Full Itinerary
Great Rift Valley Views, Groundwater Forest & Tree-Climbing Lions
Your safari begins with a morning pickup from your Arusha hotel, followed by a scenic drive punctuated by breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley. Arriving at Lake Manyara National Park, you'll enter a world of lush groundwater forests and open savannah. The game drive here is unique, as you'll not only spot herds of elephants, buffalo, and giraffes against the backdrop of a shimmering soda lake, but you'll also be on the lookout for the park’s famously photogenic tree climbing lions.
A picnic lunch within the park is followed by an afternoon of further exploration, including visits to hippo pools and the lakeshore, which is often carpeted in pink by thousands of flamingos. As the day ends, you'll journey to the nearby highlands of Karatu for a delicious dinner and a comfortable overnight stay at Marera Valley Lodge.
Dinner and overnight at Marera Valley Lodge
UNESCO Caldera Floor Safari, Hippo Pools & Ngoitokitok Springs Picnic
An early breakfast prepares you for the highlight of your trip: the descent into the Ngorongoro Crater. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, creating a natural enclosure for an astounding density of wildlife. As you drive onto the crater floor, you enter a world where lions stalk zebras on open plains, hippos wallow in freshwater pools, and the endangered black rhino grazes in the distance.
Your guide will navigate you through this "Garden of Eden," stopping for a memorable picnic lunch near the hippo pool at the Ngoitokitok Springs. After several hours of unparalleled game viewing across this compact but diverse ecosystem, you'll ascend the crater walls in the afternoon and begin your journey back to Arusha, arriving with memories of two of Africa’s most spectacular destinations.
END OF OUR SERVICESInclusions & Exclusions
Included
- All park entry and crater service fees
- Transport in a private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver/guide
- 1 night's accommodation and meals as per itinerary (Marera Valley Lodge)
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Hotel pickup and drop off in Arusha
- All government taxes and levies
Excluded
- International and domestic flights
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tanzania visa fees
- Tips and gratuities for your guide and lodge staff
- Alcoholic and soft drinks (bottled water is provided)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
- Accommodation in Arusha before or after the safari
- Optional activities (cultural visits, hot air balloon rides, etc.)
Optional Activities
