Email: info@mambogorillasafarisuganda.com | Call: +256772666331
2 Days Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara Safari
Are you looking for a short Tanzania safari that combines incredible wildlife, dramatic landscapes and two of Northern Tanzania’s most famous destinations? Our 2 Days Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara Safari is designed for travelers who want an unforgettable Tanzania wildlife experience without committing to a long safari.
With Mambo Gorilla Safaris Uganda, you can explore the diverse habitats of Lake Manyara National Park and the spectacular wildlife-filled landscape of the Ngorongoro Crater in just two days.
This short Tanzania safari is ideal for travelers arriving in Arusha, travelers continuing to Zanzibar, couples looking for a quick African adventure, families with limited time and visitors who want to combine Tanzania with a wider East African itinerary.
From Lake Manyara’s famous tree-climbing lions and elephants to the wildlife-rich floor of Ngorongoro Crater, this safari brings together some of the most memorable experiences of the Tanzania Northern Safari Circuit.
2 Days Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara Safari Highlights
- Visit Lake Manyara National Park
- Enjoy a Lake Manyara game drive
- Search for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and lions
- Look for Lake Manyara’s famous tree-climbing lions
- Explore the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater
- Enjoy a crater-floor game drive
- Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, zebras and other wildlife
- Experience spectacular Rift Valley and volcanic scenery
- Stay overnight in a comfortable lodge or tented camp
- Travel with a professional safari guide
- Customize your safari according to your travel dates and preferences
Why Choose a 2 Days Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara Safari?
A longer Tanzania safari is not always possible.
Perhaps you have only a few days in Tanzania before flying to Zanzibar. Maybe you are combining Tanzania with a Uganda gorilla safari, Rwanda gorilla trekking or another East African adventure. Or perhaps you simply want a short introduction to Tanzania’s famous wildlife destinations.
A 2 Days Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara Safari provides an efficient way to experience two contrasting destinations.
Lake Manyara offers a combination of groundwater forest, woodland, floodplains, wetlands and an alkaline lake beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Tanzania National Parks highlights the park’s elephants, tree-climbing lions, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, hippos and diverse birdlife.
Ngorongoro provides a completely different landscape. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority describes the crater as a major game-drive destination with abundant wildlife, volcanic scenery and opportunities to encounter both grazing herbivores and predators.
Together, these destinations make a highly varied short safari.
2 Days Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
Your 2 Days Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara Safari begins in Arusha, one of the main gateways to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit.
After breakfast, your Mambo Gorilla Safaris driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel or agreed meeting point and give you a briefing about your safari.
You will then travel toward Lake Manyara National Park.
As you leave Arusha, the scenery changes from urban surroundings to rural landscapes, cultivated areas and the dramatic surroundings of the Great Rift Valley.
Upon arrival at Lake Manyara National Park, you begin your game drive.
Lake Manyara Game Drive
Lake Manyara is a relatively compact park with remarkably diverse habitats.
According to Tanzania National Parks, the park contains an alkaline soda lake, groundwater forest, acacia woodland, open floodplains and papyrus wetlands.
During your game drive, you may encounter:
- Elephants
- Giraffes
- Buffaloes
- Zebras
- Wildebeest
- Hippos
- Baboons
- Blue monkeys
- Bushbuck
- Lions
- Numerous bird species
One of the experiences many travelers look forward to is searching for Lake Manyara’s tree-climbing lions.
The park is particularly associated with these unusual lions, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed because animals move freely through their natural habitat. Tanzania National Parks specifically identifies tree-climbing lions as one of Lake Manyara’s notable wildlife attractions.
Bird Watching at Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara is also an excellent destination for bird enthusiasts.
The park has recorded more than 400 bird species, including waterbirds and forest species. Depending on the season and local conditions, visitors may encounter flamingos, pelicans, storks, herons, fish eagles, hornbills and other birds.
After your game drive, continue to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive – Arusha
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before continuing toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Today is the highlight of your 2 Days Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara Safari.
You will descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive.
Ngorongoro Crater Safari
The Ngorongoro Crater is an enormous intact volcanic caldera and one of Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife destinations.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority identifies the crater as its most popular game-drive destination, where visitors can explore a spectacular volcanic landscape and encounter a wide range of herbivores and predators.
The crater’s enclosed environment creates an exceptional wildlife-viewing setting.
During your game drive, you may search for:
- Lions
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Hippos
- Zebras
- Wildebeest
- Gazelles
- Hyenas
- Cheetahs
- Black rhinoceros
- Ostriches
- Flamingos
- Other wildlife and bird species
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority also identifies the crater as a major destination for wildlife photography and game drives.
Wildlife Photography
Keep your camera ready as you explore the crater.
The combination of wildlife, grasslands, forests, wetlands and volcanic scenery creates excellent photographic opportunities.
For responsible wildlife viewing, always follow your guide’s instructions and applicable park regulations.
Picnic Lunch
Depending on your itinerary and the applicable regulations, you may enjoy a packed or arranged picnic lunch at an approved location.
After the game drive, you ascend from the crater and begin your return journey to Arusha.
Your 2 Days Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara Safari ends in Arusha, unless you have arranged another drop-off location with Mambo Gorilla Safaris.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Lake Manyara National Park: What Makes It Special?
Lake Manyara may be smaller than some of Tanzania’s other famous safari destinations, but it offers an impressive concentration of habitats and wildlife.
Tree-Climbing Lions
Lake Manyara is famous for lions that may climb and rest in trees.
Seeing one of these lions resting on a branch can be one of the memorable moments of your safari.
Elephants
The park is renowned for elephants, including large-tusked elephants.
Birdlife
With more than 400 recorded bird species, Lake Manyara can be particularly rewarding for bird watchers.
Diverse Landscapes
You can experience forest, woodland, wetlands, floodplains and lake scenery within a relatively small area.
Rift Valley Scenery
The Great Rift Valley escarpment provides a dramatic backdrop to your wildlife experience.
Ngorongoro Crater: Why Visit?
Ngorongoro offers one of the most distinctive safari landscapes in Tanzania.
The crater is the largest intact and unfilled volcanic caldera and is renowned for its concentration of wildlife. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority identifies game drives in the crater as one of the area’s principal tourism activities.
Exceptional Wildlife Viewing
The crater supports a variety of large mammals, including predators and herbivores.
Dramatic Volcanic Scenery
The crater walls and floor create a spectacular natural setting for photography and wildlife viewing.
Black Rhinoceros
The wider Ngorongoro ecosystem provides opportunities to search for the endangered black rhinoceros.
Birdlife
Lake Magadi and other habitats within the conservation area attract waterbirds and other bird species.
Cultural Experiences
The wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area also contains important cultural and archaeological attractions. Activities in the conservation area include cultural visits, guided nature walks and other experiences, subject to applicable arrangements and regulations.
Best Time for a 2 Days Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara Safari
You can plan your Tanzania safari throughout the year, but conditions vary between seasons.
June to October
The generally drier period can provide comfortable safari conditions and good wildlife viewing opportunities.
November to February
The landscape can become greener, while bird watching can be particularly rewarding.
March to May
The long rains can transform the scenery into lush green landscapes. Travelers should expect the possibility of rain and changing road conditions.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority states that the conservation area can be visited throughout the year, including during the rainy season.
For your exact travel dates, Mambo Gorilla Safaris can advise you on itinerary planning and accommodation availability.
2-Day Tanzania Safari Accommodation
Mambo Gorilla Safaris can customize your accommodation according to your preferred safari style and budget.
Budget Tanzania Safari
Budget travelers can choose comfortable campsites or affordable accommodation around the safari route.
Mid-Range Tanzania Safari
Mid-range lodges provide a balance between comfort, location and price.
Luxury Tanzania Safari
Travelers looking for a more exclusive experience can select premium lodges or luxury tented camps.
Your accommodation location can also influence the timing of your game drives, so it is useful to consider logistics when choosing where to stay.
What Is Included in the 2 Days Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara Safari?
Your customized Mambo Gorilla Safaris package may include:
- Private safari transportation
- 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Lake Manyara National Park entry fees
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area fees
- Game drives
- Accommodation for one night
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water during the safari
- Safari planning and logistical support
The exact inclusions depend on your travel dates, group size, accommodation category and agreed itinerary.
What Is Not Included?
Items that may be excluded from the safari quotation include:
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic drinks
- Laundry
- Tips and gratuities
- Souvenirs
- Optional activities
- Additional accommodation
- Anything not specifically included in the itinerary
Mambo Gorilla Safaris will provide the applicable inclusions and exclusions when preparing your safari quotation.
What to Pack for Your Tanzania Safari
For a two-day safari, you can keep your luggage relatively light.
We recommend packing:
- Lightweight, comfortable clothing
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Long trousers
- Warm jacket or fleece
- Comfortable shoes
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Camera
- Extra camera batteries or power bank
- Binoculars
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication
- Rain jacket
- Small daypack
A warm layer is especially useful because temperatures around the Ngorongoro highlands can be cooler than expected.
How Much Does a 2 Days Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara Safari Cost?
There is no single fixed price for every 2 Days Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara Safari.
Your final price depends on several factors, including:
- Number of travelers
- Travel dates
- Accommodation category
- Private or shared safari
- Type of safari vehicle
- Park and conservation fees
- Meal arrangements
- Pickup and drop-off location
- Additional activities
Want an Accurate Tanzania Safari Price?
Send Mambo Gorilla Safaris:
- Your preferred travel dates
- Number of travelers
- Preferred accommodation level
- Your pickup location
- Your preferred drop-off location
- Any special requirements
We can then prepare a safari itinerary around your requirements.
Who Should Book This 2-Day Tanzania Safari?
This short safari is suitable for several types of travelers.
Couples
Enjoy two days of wildlife viewing before continuing to another destination.
Families
A short safari can provide a concentrated introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife.
Solo Travelers
A two-day itinerary can fit easily into a longer East African journey.
Travelers Visiting Zanzibar
You can combine your mainland Tanzania safari with a beach holiday in Zanzibar.
Uganda Safari Travelers
If you are already planning a Uganda gorilla trekking safari, you can extend your East African adventure with a short Tanzania safari.
Mambo Gorilla Safaris operates safari experiences across Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other neighboring destinations.
Combine Tanzania with a Uganda Gorilla Safari
One of the advantages of booking with Mambo Gorilla Safaris Uganda is the possibility of combining destinations across East Africa.
For example, your holiday could include:
Uganda Gorilla Trekking → Tanzania Wildlife Safari → Zanzibar Beach Holiday
or:
Uganda Wildlife Safari → Rwanda Gorilla Trekking → Tanzania Safari
This allows travelers to experience different landscapes and wildlife environments during one East African journey.
Mambo already offers Uganda gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and wildlife safari itineraries, making Tanzania an excellent extension for travelers planning a broader regional adventure.
Can You Customize the 2 Days Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara Safari?
Yes.
At Mambo Gorilla Safaris, the itinerary can be adjusted around your travel plans.
You can discuss:
- Travel dates
- Number of travelers
- Accommodation preferences
- Budget
- Pickup location
- Drop-off location
- Private safari arrangements
- Additional Tanzania destinations
- Uganda-Tanzania combination safaris
- Zanzibar extensions
If two days are not enough, the safari can also be extended to include additional Northern Circuit destinations.
Extend Your Tanzania Safari
Travelers with additional time can consider adding:
Serengeti National Park
Extend your safari into the Serengeti for additional wildlife viewing and the opportunity to explore one of Africa’s best-known ecosystems.
Tarangire National Park
Add Tarangire for elephants, baobab landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Arusha National Park
Include Arusha National Park for a different combination of forest, mountain and wildlife experiences.
Zanzibar
After your safari, fly to Zanzibar for a relaxing beach holiday.
2 Days Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara Safari FAQs
Is two days enough for Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater?
Yes. A two-day itinerary can combine Lake Manyara on Day 1 and Ngorongoro Crater on Day 2. It is particularly suitable for travelers with limited time.
Where does the safari start?
The itinerary is commonly arranged from Arusha, although Mambo Gorilla Safaris can discuss alternative pickup arrangements.
Where does the safari end?
The standard itinerary can end in Arusha. Other drop-off arrangements can be discussed when booking.
Can I book a private safari?
Yes. Mambo Gorilla Safaris can customize the safari around private travel arrangements.
Can I combine this safari with Uganda?
Yes. Mambo Gorilla Safaris operates safari experiences in both Uganda and Tanzania, making it possible to discuss a combined East African itinerary.
What animals can I see?
Depending on location and conditions, you may see elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, gazelles and other wildlife. Lake Manyara is also known for tree-climbing lions and diverse birdlife.
Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?
No. Wildlife is free to move through its natural environment, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. Your experienced guide will use current conditions, animal behavior and local knowledge to maximize wildlife-viewing opportunities.
Can I add Serengeti to the safari?
Yes. If you have more than two days available, ask Mambo Gorilla Safaris to design an extended Northern Tanzania itinerary.
Can I combine the safari with Zanzibar?
Yes. A Tanzania mainland safari can be combined with a Zanzibar beach holiday depending on your flight schedule and travel dates.
Book Your 2 Days Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara Safari with Mambo Gorilla Safaris
A 2 Days Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara Safari is a compact way to experience two remarkable destinations in Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit.
Explore the wildlife-rich landscapes of Lake Manyara, search for elephants and tree-climbing lions, then continue to the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable game drive.
Whether you are traveling from Uganda, arriving in Tanzania, combining Tanzania with Rwanda or Uganda, or continuing to Zanzibar, Mambo Gorilla Safaris Uganda can help you build a safari itinerary around your travel plans.
Ready to explore Tanzania? Contact Mambo Gorilla Safaris for a customized 2-day Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara safari quotation.
For the published page, use:
