2 Days Tarangire & Lake Manyara Safari from Arusha 2026/2027/2028

Discover Tarangire’s giant elephant herds and iconic baobab landscapes before exploring the diverse wildlife, forests and Rift Valley scenery of Lake Manyara on a private 2-day Tanzania safari from Arusha.

2 Days / 1 Night • Private Safari • 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser • Starts & Ends in Arusha

From USD 450 per person sharing
Based on 6 travellers on a private safari

Private 4×4 Land Cruiser · Park Fees Included · Mid-Range Lodge · Meals Included · Professional Driver-Guide

Book This Safari | Enquire on WhatsApp +254 728 567308

This 2-day Tarangire and Lake Manyara safari from Arusha is designed for travellers who want a short private Tanzania safari without spending most of their available time on long transfers.

The journey begins in Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant population, ancient baobab trees and wildlife-rich river system. After the game drive, you continue to the Karatu/Lake Manyara area for an overnight stay, positioning you conveniently for the following day's safari rather than returning to Arusha.

On Day 2, explore Lake Manyara National Park, where groundwater forest, open areas and the Rift Valley setting create a noticeably different safari environment. Wildlife varies by season, but commonly observed species can include baboons, monkeys, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and a wide range of birds. Tree-climbing lions are associated with Lake Manyara, although sightings cannot be guaranteed.

The safari operates in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser with your own professional driver-guide. Park fees, accommodation, specified meals and game drives are included in the package.

Starting from USD 450 per person sharing based on six travellers, this itinerary works particularly well before or after a Zanzibar holiday or for travellers with limited time in Northern Tanzania.

Unlike a group-joining departure, this safari operates with a private 4×4 Land Cruiser reserved for your booking and your own professional driver-guide. Prices are published according to group size, starting from USD 450 per person sharing for six travellers, so you can see how the safari cost changes before requesting a quotation.

Short on time? Travellers with only one free day can compare this itinerary with our Tarangire National Park Day Tour from Arusha, which focuses on a full-day safari in Tarangire before returning to Arusha.

Experience two of Tanzania’s most scenic wildlife destinations on this private 2-day safari from Arusha. Explore Tarangire National Park, famous for its elephants and baobab trees, then discover the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Lake Manyara National Park before returning to Arusha.

This two-day Tanzania safari combines the wildlife-rich landscapes of Tarangire National Park with the scenic beauty of Lake Manyara National Park. From elephant herds and ancient baobabs to lush forests and Great Rift Valley views, the itinerary offers an exciting and convenient introduction to Northern Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems.

• Private 2-day safari from Arusha in a 4×4 Land Cruiser.
• Game drives in two Northern Tanzania national parks.
• Tarangire's baobab landscapes and elephant country.
• Lake Manyara's groundwater forest and Rift Valley setting.
• One night in the Karatu/Lake Manyara area.
• Short itinerary suitable for combining with Zanzibar or a longer Tanzania holiday.

Your Own Private 4×4

Your Land Cruiser is reserved exclusively for your booking rather than shared with unrelated travellers. This gives your party greater flexibility during transfers, photo stops and game drives.

Transparent Pricing by Group Size
Instead of displaying only a request-a-quote price, we publish rates according to the number of travellers. The safari starts from USD 450 per person sharing for six travellers, with rates clearly shown for smaller parties.

Two Parks Without Excessive Driving
Tarangire and Lake Manyara work well together for a short safari from Arusha, giving you two different park environments without the longer transfers required for Serengeti.

Convenient Overnight Location
Staying around Karatu or Lake Manyara after Tarangire avoids returning to Arusha and positions you conveniently for the second day's game drive.

Clear Inclusions Before You Book
Your quotation confirms the private vehicle, park fees, accommodation, meals, driver-guide and other included services before payment.

Our 2 Days Tarangire & Lake Manyara Safari is operated as a private safari, with your own 4×4 Land Cruiser and professional safari driver-guide. The per-person price varies according to the number of travellers sharing the vehicle.

Price basis: Per person sharing according to group size above.
Accommodation: 1 night at Marera Valley Lodge or similar mid-range lodge.
Safari type: Private 4×4 Land Cruiser.
Park fees: Tarangire and Lake Manyara included.
Price validity: Final rate is confirmed against your exact travel dates because accommodation, statutory fees and taxes may change.
Children: Ask for a family quotation with children's ages.

Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire National Park – Game Drive

Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Arusha, followed by a scenic drive through northern Tanzania to Tarangire National Park. After completing the park-entry formalities, begin your first game drive across Tarangire’s open savannah, baobab-dotted landscapes and wildlife-rich areas surrounding the Tarangire River.

The park is particularly well known for its elephants, and you may also encounter giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, impalas, warthogs and, with some luck, predators such as lions. Your professional driver-guide will select game-viewing areas according to current wildlife movements and conditions. Enjoy lunch during the safari before continuing with an afternoon game drive.

Later, leave the park and drive to your lodge or tented camp around Mto wa Mbu, Lake Manyara or Karatu, positioning you conveniently for the following morning’s visit to Lake Manyara National Park.

Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in the Lake Manyara / Mto wa Mbu / Karatu area
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park → Arusha

After breakfast, depart your accommodation for Lake Manyara National Park, a compact but ecologically diverse park situated beneath the dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpment. Begin your game drive through changing habitats that may include groundwater forest, woodland and open floodplain areas.

Depending on wildlife movements and seasonal conditions, look for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, baboons, blue monkeys and numerous bird species. Lake Manyara has historically been associated with tree-climbing lions, although sightings are unpredictable and should not be expected on every visit. Your driver-guide will spend the game drive exploring productive wildlife areas while allowing time for photography and observation.

After your Lake Manyara experience and lunch, begin the drive back to Arusha, arriving later in the afternoon or early evening depending on road conditions, wildlife viewing time and your final drop-off location.

Accommodation: Not included – end of safari
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

This 2 Days Tarangire & Lake Manyara Safari is designed to minimise unnecessary backtracking while allowing time for game drives in both national parks. Driving times are approximate and can vary according to traffic, road conditions, park entry procedures and the location of your accommodation.

Important Travel Note

These distances and driving times are approximate rather than guaranteed schedules. Actual journey times can vary depending on your exact pickup point in Arusha, traffic, road conditions, wildlife viewing, park gates, entry procedures and the location of your lodge.

On Day 1, we recommend an early departure from Arusha to maximise your game-viewing time in Tarangire National Park. On Day 2, you will return to Arusha after your Lake Manyara game drive and lunch, normally arriving in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on the day's conditions and safari pace.

Your 2 Days Tarangire & Lake Manyara Safari price includes:

• Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for wildlife viewing and photography
• Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
• Tarangire National Park entry and conservation fees
• Lake Manyara National Park entry and conservation fees
• One night's mid-range accommodation at Marera Valley Lodge or a similar property in the Karatu/Lake Manyara area
• Meals as specified in the itinerary – lunch and dinner on Day 1; breakfast and lunch on Day 2
• Game drives in Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park
• Bottled drinking water during safari game drives
• Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Arusha
• All applicable government taxes and levies included in the quoted safari price

The following items are not included in the standard 2 Days Tarangire & Lake Manyara Safari price:

• International and domestic flights

• Tanzania visa and entry requirements

• Travel and medical insurance

• Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and other beverages not specified as included

• Tips and gratuities for your safari driver-guide and lodge staff

• Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs and telephone charges

• Optional activities, cultural visits and safari extensions

• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) transfers unless specifically included in your quotation

• Accommodation in Arusha before or after the safari

• Any services or activities not specifically listed under “What’s Included”

Please note: Any optional upgrades, airport transfers or additional activities requested will be clearly quoted before you confirm your booking.

This 2-day safari can be customised or extended depending on your available time and travel plans. Popular options include:

• Ngorongoro Crater extension – add an extra safari day to explore the Ngorongoro Crater
• Serengeti National Park extension – continue deeper into Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit
• Maasai cultural visit – where available and appropriate to your route
• Airport transfers – transfers to or from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport can be arranged on request
• Accommodation upgrade – upgrade the included mid-range lodge to a higher-end or luxury property
• Zanzibar beach extension – combine your Northern Tanzania safari with a Zanzibar beach holiday

Optional activities, extensions and accommodation upgrades are not included in the standard safari price and will be quoted separately according to your preferred arrangements.

This safari can be enjoyed year-round, although wildlife viewing, vegetation and weather conditions change with the seasons.

For many wildlife-focused travellers, June to October is particularly rewarding for Tarangire, while Lake Manyara offers varied scenery and wildlife throughout the year. Travellers who prefer greener landscapes and fewer visitors may enjoy the wetter months.

For a broader month-by-month overview, read our Best Time to Visit Kenya & Tanzania for a Safari guide.

This safari includes one night's mid-range accommodation in the Karatu or Lake Manyara area, conveniently positioned between Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park. Staying in this area avoids returning to Arusha after the first day's game drive and allows an easier start for your Lake Manyara safari the following morning.

Why We Use Marera Valley Lodge

For this 2-day safari, Marera Valley Lodge provides a convenient mid-range overnight base in the Karatu area between Tarangire and Lake Manyara. Staying near Karatu means you do not need to return to Arusha after your Day 1 game drive, allowing a more relaxed evening and an easier start for Lake Manyara on Day 2.

The lodge offers comfortable accommodation in a peaceful highland setting, with dinner and breakfast included as part of your safari meal plan. Its location works particularly well for this short itinerary because it keeps the route practical while still providing a comfortable lodge experience between the two national parks.

Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge or a comparable mid-range lodge
Meal plan: Dinner & breakfast at the lodge
Location: Karatu area
Why we choose it: Comfortable mid-range stay and convenient positioning for the Day 2 Lake Manyara game drive

If Marera Valley Lodge is unavailable for your travel dates, we will confirm a comparable alternative with you before booking.

Wildlife sightings vary with season, weather and animal movement, so no particular species can be guaranteed.

Tarangire National Park: Elephants are a major attraction, particularly during the dry season when wildlife concentrates around permanent water sources. Other possible sightings include giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, impalas, warthogs and predators such as lions.

Lake Manyara National Park: The park's varied habitats support baboons, blue monkeys, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos and numerous bird species. Lake Manyara is also known for tree-climbing lions, although sightings are unpredictable.

Your driver-guide will adapt the game-drive route according to recent wildlife movements and conditions rather than following a fixed animal checklist.

This safari is ideal for: couples, families and small private groups with limited time in Northern Tanzania; travellers looking for a short safari before or after Zanzibar; and visitors who prefer a private safari rather than a group-joining departure.

If your main priority is Ngorongoro Crater or stronger Big Five opportunities, consider our 2 Days Tarangire & Ngorongoro Safari instead. If you have three or more days available, we can also include Serengeti or Ngorongoro in a longer Northern Tanzania itinerary.

For a 2-day Tarangire and Lake Manyara safari, pack light and focus on comfortable clothing, sun protection and a few essentials for game drives. A soft-sided travel bag is generally more practical than a large hard-shell suitcase, especially if your safari forms part of a longer Tanzania journey.

Clothing & Personal Essentials

• Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing for daytime game drives

• Light jacket or fleece for cooler mornings and evenings

• Comfortable closed shoes or walking shoes

• Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen

• Insect repellent

• Personal medication and basic toiletries

• Reusable water bottle

Camera & Binoculars

Bring a camera or smartphone with sufficient storage and spare batteries or a power bank. Binoculars are particularly useful for observing birds and wildlife at a distance.

Packing Tip

Avoid overpacking for this short safari. A small soft-sided bag with your essential clothing, medication and camera equipment is usually sufficient for one night.

If you are flying to or from Zanzibar or another destination after the safari, check your airline's baggage allowance before travelling, as limits may differ from road-safari luggage arrangements.

Planning ahead helps you get the most from your 2 Days Tarangire & Lake Manyara Safari. The information below covers pickup, departure times, travelling with children, luggage, meals and other practical details.

Before Your Safari

Please provide your Arusha accommodation details, travellers' names, children's ages (where applicable), dietary requirements and any special requests before departure. This allows us to confirm the most suitable pickup arrangements and prepare your safari accordingly.

Please note: Safari schedules remain flexible. Wildlife movements, weather, road conditions and park circumstances may occasionally affect driving or game-drive times. Your driver-guide will adjust the day's programme where necessary while prioritising safety and the overall safari experience.

A successful 2-day Tarangire and Lake Manyara safari depends as much on timing and route planning as it does on the parks themselves.

In Tarangire, our driver-guides adjust the game drive according to seasonal wildlife movement and current conditions rather than following one fixed circuit. During the drier months, areas around reliable water sources can be particularly productive as elephants and other wildlife concentrate around available water. In greener periods, animals may be more widely dispersed, so your guide will adapt the route according to recent sightings and local conditions.

We normally recommend leaving Arusha early on Day 1. This gives you more useful safari time in Tarangire and reduces the need to rush the afternoon game drive.

After Tarangire, staying in the Karatu or Lake Manyara area is more practical than returning to Arusha. It shortens the following morning's transfer and allows you to begin the Lake Manyara portion of the safari earlier.

Lake Manyara works well as the second park because it provides a different environment from Tarangire within a relatively short driving distance. Your guide will determine the most productive areas based on road conditions, water levels and recent wildlife activity.

For travellers whose main priority is the Ngorongoro Crater, rhino possibilities or a stronger overall Big Five focus, we normally recommend upgrading to a Tarangire and Ngorongoro itinerary. If you have three or more safari days available, adding Ngorongoro or Serengeti generally provides a more complete Northern Tanzania safari experience.

Safari guidance reviewed by John Peter, East Africa safari specialist with 16+ years of safari planning experience.

Have more than two days in Tanzania? This safari can be extended to include other Northern Circuit destinations or combined with a beach holiday. We recommend keeping the extension practical based on your available time and travel route.

Ngorongoro Crater

Add Ngorongoro Crater to create a 3-day Northern Tanzania safari. From the Karatu area, continue to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for a crater game drive before returning to Arusha. This is one of the easiest and most practical extensions to the 2-day itinerary.

Serengeti National Park

Extend your safari to Serengeti National Park for a longer 4–5-day Northern Circuit experience. Adding Serengeti provides more game-drive time and the opportunity to explore one of Tanzania's largest and most celebrated wildlife ecosystems.

Zanzibar Beach Holiday

Combine your wildlife safari with a Zanzibar beach holiday. After returning to Arusha, continue to Zanzibar by air for several days of beaches, relaxation, Stone Town or other island experiences. This works particularly well for couples, families and travellers wanting both safari and beach.

Kilimanjaro & Moshi

Combine the safari with Moshi or a Kilimanjaro experience before or after your wildlife tour. Depending on your available time, this could include a Kilimanjaro climb, a day trip around Moshi or an additional stay before continuing with your Tanzania journey.

Looking for a different itinerary? Explore these Tanzania safari options, which combine easily with Arusha and the Northern Tanzania safari circuit.

1. Ngorongoro Crater Day Trip from Arusha

Experience a full-day safari to the Ngorongoro Crater, with opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos and other wildlife within the spectacular crater landscape.

Explore the Ngorongoro Crater Day Trip →

2. Tarangire National Park Day Tour from Arusha

Ideal for travellers with only one free day, this private safari focuses on Tarangire's elephants, baobab landscapes and wildlife-rich habitats.

Explore the Tarangire Day Tour →

3. Lake Manyara National Park Day Tour from Arusha

Discover Lake Manyara's groundwater forest, primates, elephants, birdlife and Great Rift Valley scenery on a private day safari from Arusha.

Explore the Lake Manyara Day Tour →

4. 5 Days Tanzania Family Safari

Spend more time exploring Northern Tanzania on a longer safari combining several wildlife destinations, with an itinerary suitable for families and travellers wanting a more complete safari experience.

Explore the 5 Days Tanzania Family Safari →

1. Is a 2-day Tarangire and Lake Manyara safari worth it?

Yes. A 2-day Tarangire and Lake Manyara safari is a good option for travellers with limited time who still want to experience two different Northern Tanzania wildlife areas. Tarangire offers baobab-dotted landscapes and is particularly known for elephants, while Lake Manyara offers groundwater forest, Rift Valley scenery, primates and diverse birdlife. If you have more time, adding Ngorongoro or Serengeti can provide an even broader safari experience.

2. How much does a 2-day Tarangire and Lake Manyara safari cost?

Our private 2 Days Tarangire & Lake Manyara Safari starts from USD 450 per person, based on six travellers sharing the safari vehicle. Current prices range from USD 1,200 for one solo traveller to USD 450 per person for six travellers. The final price depends on group size, travel dates, accommodation availability and any requested upgrades or extensions.

3. What animals can I see in Tarangire and Lake Manyara?

Tarangire is particularly known for elephants, and you may also encounter giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, impalas, warthogs and predators such as lions. Lake Manyara may offer sightings of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, baboons, blue monkeys and hippos. Both parks support extensive birdlife, while flamingos may occur at Lake Manyara depending on seasonal conditions and water levels. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

4. Is Tarangire or Lake Manyara better for wildlife?

The parks offer different experiences rather than one simply being better. Tarangire is generally the stronger choice for larger concentrations of wildlife and elephant viewing, particularly during the dry season. Lake Manyara is valued for its varied habitats, primates, birdlife and Great Rift Valley scenery. Visiting both allows you to experience these contrasting environments within a short safari.

5. What is the best time for a Tarangire and Lake Manyara safari?

The safari operates throughout the year. June to October generally offers excellent dry-season wildlife viewing, particularly in Tarangire as animals concentrate around available water sources. November to February can provide greener landscapes and rewarding birdlife, while March to May is the main green/rainy season, with fewer visitors but a greater possibility of heavy rainfall.

6. Where do we stay overnight?

The standard package includes one night's mid-range accommodation at Marera Valley Lodge or a similar property in the Karatu/Lake Manyara area. This location provides convenient access between Tarangire and Lake Manyara and avoids returning to Arusha after the first day's safari. Higher-end and luxury accommodation upgrades can also be arranged on request.

7. Is this a private or group-joining safari?

This package is operated as a private safari. You will have your own 4×4 safari vehicle and professional driver-guide rather than joining unrelated travellers. This provides greater flexibility with game viewing, photography and stops during the journey.

8. What type of safari vehicle is used?

The safari is operated in a 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, providing elevated wildlife viewing and photography opportunities during game drives. Your professional safari driver-guide accompanies you throughout the two-day itinerary.

9. Can I start or finish the safari at Kilimanjaro International Airport?

Yes. Transfers from or to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) can be arranged according to your flight schedule. The standard package is based on pickup and drop-off in Arusha, so airport transfers should be requested when booking and may involve an additional charge. We recommend providing your flight details in advance so the safari timing can be planned appropriately.

10. Can I add Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti to this safari?

Yes. This itinerary can be extended to include Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park or both, depending on how many additional days you have available. It can also be combined with a Zanzibar beach holiday. East Africa Jungle can customise the route, accommodation and transfers according to your preferred travel dates and overall Tanzania itinerary.

Read what travellers have said about their safari experiences with East Africa Jungle. The reviews below are from past guests and highlight their experiences with our guides, wildlife viewing, safari organisation and Tanzania's national parks.

★★★★★ “An Unforgettable Tanzania Safari”

“From the first enquiry to the end of our safari, the communication was clear and helpful. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and patient, and made sure we had plenty of time to enjoy the wildlife. Tarangire was a highlight, especially seeing elephants so close, while Lake Manyara offered beautiful scenery and a different safari experience. Everything was well organised, and we felt comfortable throughout the trip.”

Guest: Amara Whitfield
Country: United Kingdom
Travelled: September 2023
Group Type: Couple
Safari: Tarangire & Lake Manyara
Highlights: Tarangire elephants, Lake Manyara scenery, knowledgeable guide, smooth organisation

Source: TripAdvisor — Verified Guest Review

★★★★★ “Excellent Guide and Wonderful Wildlife”

“Our two-day safari was short but full of memorable moments. We saw elephants, giraffes, zebras, and many other animals, and our guide helped us understand the behaviour and surroundings of each species. The itinerary was well planned, and the team was professional and welcoming. It was a fantastic introduction to Tanzania, and we would happily recommend East Africa Jungle.”

Guest: Lukas Hartmann
Country: Germany
Travelled: July 2023
Group Type: Friends
Safari: Tarangire National Park & Northern Tanzania
Highlights: Wildlife viewing, experienced guide, Tarangire National Park, well-planned itinerary

Source: TripAdvisor — Verified Guest Review

★★★★★ “A Beautiful and Well-Organised Safari”

“We had a wonderful experience exploring Tanzania with East Africa Jungle. The safari was organised carefully, and the team made us feel safe and looked after from beginning to end. Lake Manyara was especially beautiful, and we enjoyed seeing the variety of landscapes and wildlife during the trip. Our guide was attentive and answered all our questions. This was a memorable experience that we will always remember.”

Guest: Giulia Bellini
Country: Italy
Travelled: June 2023
Group Type: Family
Safari: Lake Manyara & Northern Tanzania
Highlights: Lake Manyara scenery, wildlife diversity, attentive guide, family-friendly service

Source: TripAdvisor — Verified Guest Review

John Peter — East Africa Safari Specialist, East Africa Jungle

This safari itinerary was prepared and reviewed by John Peter, an East Africa safari specialist with more than 16 years of experience planning safaris across Tanzania, Kenya and the wider East African region.

His experience includes designing private and group safari itineraries, selecting practical wildlife routes, coordinating safari vehicles and driver-guides, evaluating accommodation options, and helping travellers combine Northern Tanzania safaris with Zanzibar and other East African destinations.

For this 2-day itinerary, the route has been structured to combine Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park efficiently from Arusha, with an overnight stay in the Karatu/Lake Manyara area to reduce unnecessary backtracking and maximise available game-drive time.

Specialist Areas: Tanzania & Kenya Safaris · Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit · Private Safaris · Family Safaris · Safari & Zanzibar Holidays

Reviewed by the East Africa Jungle Safari Team

This itinerary has been editorially reviewed for route practicality, driving times, accommodation positioning, park-fee information, safari inclusions, wildlife expectations and overall trip planning accuracy.

Our review process is designed to ensure that travellers receive practical information rather than unrealistic safari promises. Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, driving times may vary with road and traffic conditions, and accommodation availability and statutory park fees can change. Final arrangements are therefore reconfirmed for each traveller's actual departure dates before booking.

The 2-day Tarangire and Lake Manyara route is particularly suitable for travellers with limited time who want to experience two contrasting Northern Tanzania parks without the considerably longer road journey required to reach Serengeti.

Last reviewed: 5 October 2026
Editorial standard: Information is reviewed against current safari operations, routing, accommodation arrangements and applicable travel conditions before publication.

Travel with your own 4×4 Land Cruiser and professional driver-guide on a private 2-day safari from Arusha, with park fees, accommodation and specified meals included.

Prices start from USD 450 per person sharing for six travellers.

Tell us your travel date and number of travellers, and we'll confirm availability, accommodation and the exact price for your party.

Request Your Safari Quote

Email: sales@eastafricajungle.com

Whatsapp: +254 728 567308