2 Days Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire from Zanzibar

A 2-day safari to Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park from Zanzibar is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of Tanzania’s wildlife in a short time. Although it’s a whirlwind trip, you’ll still get to see incredible landscapes, wildlife, and enjoy some of the country’s most famous national parks.

Here’s a detailed itinerary for your 2-day Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire Safari from Zanzibar:

Day 1: Zanzibar to Tarangire National Park

Morning:

• Early Morning Transfer to Zanzibar Airport: Your safari starts with an early morning transfer to Zanzibar Airport (or Stone Town), where you will catch a flight to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport. Flight duration is about 1 hour.

• Arrival in Arusha/Kilimanjaro: Upon arrival at the airport, your private safari guide will meet you. You’ll then begin the drive to Tarangire National Park, which takes around 2-3 hours.

Late Morning:

• Arrival at Tarangire: Upon arrival in Tarangire National Park, you’ll begin your first game drive.
  • Tarangire National Park is famous for its huge elephant herds and the iconic baobab trees. During your game drive, you will likely see elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and various species of antelope.
  • If you’re visiting during the dry season (June to October), the animals congregate around the Tarangire River, making it an ideal time for wildlife viewing.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Lodge or Picnic: After your morning game drive, you’ll stop for lunch either at your lodge or a picnic spot in the park.

  • Many lodges in the area offer a fantastic lunch with views of the surrounding nature and wildlife.

• Afternoon Game Drive in Tarangire: After lunch, you’ll head out for another game drive in the park. This will give you the chance to explore other parts of Tarangire, where you may spot different wildlife, such as lions, leopards, buffalo, and a variety of bird species.

Evening:

• Check-In at Lodge: After your afternoon game drive, check into your lodge or camp near Tarangire National Park.
  • Depending on your preference, you can stay in a luxury lodge, a mid-range safari camp, or a more rustic tented camp, all offering a unique experience of staying close to nature.
• Dinner and Overnight at Lodge: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at your lodge and take in the peaceful surroundings before retiring for the night.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park to Ngorongoro Crater & Return to Zanzibar

Morning:

• Early Morning Game Drive in Tarangire: Start the day early with a short game drive around Tarangire. This is the best time to spot predators like lions and cheetahs, as well as early risers like giraffes and elephants.

• Breakfast at Lodge: Return to the lodge for breakfast before heading out for the next leg of the journey.

Late Morning:

• Drive to Ngorongoro Crater: After breakfast, you’ll drive towards the Ngorongoro Crater, which is about 3.5 to 4 hours from Tarangire. The drive will take you through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

Afternoon:

• Arrive at Ngorongoro Crater: Once you arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater, you will descend into the crater floor for a half-day game drive.

  • The Ngorongoro Crater is home to a large concentration of animals, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, and the elusive black rhino.
  • The crater is a unique environment with a wide variety of ecosystems, including grasslands, forests, and lakes. You may also see flamingos and hippos in the crater’s soda lakes.

• Lunch in the Crater: You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the designated picnic areas on the crater floor while surrounded by wildlife.

Late Afternoon:

• Return to Arusha: After your game drive, you’ll drive back towards Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport. This will take about 3.5 to 4 hours.

• Flight back to Zanzibar: You will catch a late afternoon or evening flight back to Zanzibar from either Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport. The flight will take about 1 hour.

• Arrival in Zanzibar: You’ll arrive back in Zanzibar in the evening. Your guide will assist you with the transfer back to your hotel or resort in Zanzibar.

Summary of the Itinerary:

• Day 1:
  • Early morning flight from Zanzibar to Arusha/Kilimanjaro
  • Drive to Tarangire National Park (game drive)
  • Afternoon game drive in Tarangire
  • Dinner and overnight stay at a lodge near Tarangire
• Day 2:
  • Early morning game drive in Tarangire
  • Breakfast and drive to Ngorongoro Crater
  • Half-day game drive in Ngorongoro Crater (picnic lunch)
  • Drive back to Arusha/Kilimanjaro and flight back to Zanzibar

Additional Tips and Information:

• Best Time to Visit: The dry season (June to October) is the best time to visit Tarangire and Ngorongoro, as animals are concentrated around water sources, making wildlife viewing easier. However, the wet season (November to April) can also offer a unique experience with fewer tourists and lush landscapes.

• Packing Suggestions:

  • Light, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige) for the safari.
  • A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
  • A good camera with a zoom lens for wildlife photography.
  • Comfortable walking shoes for your game drives.

• Health and Safety: Make sure you have the necessary vaccinations (including yellow fever if required) and carry malaria prophylaxis. Drink bottled water during the trip to stay hydrated.

• Safari Vehicle: You will travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle, which is designed for off-road conditions and provides excellent views of wildlife.