Escape the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar and discover the incredible wildlife of mainland Tanzania on this exciting 2-day Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire safari from Zanzibar. Designed for travellers who have limited time but still want to experience an authentic African safari, this short adventure combines two of Tanzania's most remarkable wildlife destinations in one memorable journey.

Your safari begins with a scheduled morning flight from Zanzibar to Arusha. Upon arrival, you will meet your professional safari guide and travel to Tarangire National Park, a spectacular wilderness destination famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees and diverse wildlife. Enjoy an exciting game drive through the park, with opportunities to encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes and various bird species. In the evening, continue to Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay.

On the second day, depart early for the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. Descend into this magnificent volcanic caldera for an unforgettable game drive across its wildlife-rich floor. Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, hippos and, with luck, the endangered black rhinoceros. After your crater experience and picnic lunch, drive back towards Arusha for your scheduled return flight to Zanzibar.

This two-day fly-in safari is an excellent way to combine a relaxing Zanzibar beach holiday with an unforgettable wildlife experience in Tanzania.

Quick Safari Facts

• Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
• Starting Point: Zanzibar
• Ending Point: Zanzibar
• Destinations: Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater
• Transport: Return scheduled flights and private 4x4 safari vehicle
• Accommodation: 1 night in Karatu
• Safari Style: Private safari
• Best For: Couples, families, honeymooners and travellers with limited time

Ngorongoro Crater & Tarangire Safari Highlights

• Fly from Zanzibar to Arusha and begin your mainland Tanzania safari.
• Explore Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds.
• Discover the spectacular baobab-studded landscapes of Tarangire.
• Enjoy an afternoon game drive in one of Tanzania's beautiful national parks.
• Spend one comfortable night in Karatu near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
• Descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater for a wildlife adventure.
• Search for the Big Five and other African wildlife.
• Enjoy picnic lunches surrounded by Tanzania's natural landscapes.
• Return to Zanzibar after two exciting days on safari.

Detailed 2-Day Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Zanzibar - Fly to Arusha - Tarangire National Park - Karatu

Your Tanzania safari adventure begins with an early morning transfer from your hotel to Zanzibar Airport for your scheduled flight to Arusha. Enjoy the scenic journey as you leave the Indian Ocean behind and fly towards mainland Tanzania, where the spectacular landscapes of the northern safari circuit await.

Upon arrival at Arusha Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide. After a short introduction and safari briefing, depart for Tarangire National Park, travelling through the beautiful countryside and local villages along the way.

Arrive at Tarangire and enter the park for an exciting game drive. The park is well known for its impressive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees and diverse wildlife habitats. Explore the open savannah, woodland areas and seasonal swamps while looking for elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, impalas and different bird species. You may also encounter predators such as lions and leopards.

Enjoy a picnic lunch during your safari, surrounded by the natural beauty of the African wilderness. Continue with an afternoon game drive, exploring different areas of the park and observing wildlife in its natural habitat.

Later in the afternoon, leave Tarangire National Park and drive towards Karatu, a charming highland town located near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge, relax and enjoy dinner. Spend the night preparing for the following day's adventure in Ngorongoro Crater.

Accommodation: Farm of Dreams Lodge in Karatu or Similar Lodge
Meals: Lunch and dinner

Day 2: Karatu - Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha - Fly Back to Zanzibar

Wake up early and enjoy breakfast at your lodge before departing for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Travel towards the crater rim, where you will enjoy spectacular views of one of Africa's most extraordinary natural landscapes.

Descend approximately 600 metres into the Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable game drive. The crater floor is home to a remarkable concentration of wildlife, supported by its grasslands, woodland, freshwater pools and seasonal swamps.

During your exploration, look for lions resting in the grass, elephants moving through the woodland, buffaloes grazing across the plains, zebras and wildebeest feeding in the open grasslands, and hippos around the water. With luck, you may also encounter the endangered black rhinoceros, one of the most special wildlife sightings in the crater.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated picnic site before continuing your afternoon game drive. Your safari guide will help you explore the crater's different habitats and search for more wildlife while sharing information about the area's ecosystem and conservation.

In the afternoon, ascend the crater walls and begin your journey back towards Arusha Airport for your scheduled flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival in Zanzibar, meet your transfer driver for the journey back to your hotel, marking the end of your memorable two-day Tanzania safari.

Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast and picnic lunch

Accommodation During the Safari

Your overnight accommodation will be in Karatu, a peaceful highland destination conveniently located for accessing the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

After an exciting afternoon exploring Tarangire National Park, you will travel to Karatu for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay. The following morning, you will enjoy breakfast before departing early for your Ngorongoro Crater game drive.

Accommodation can be arranged from the suggested in a comfortable lodge or property according to your preferred choice, budget and travel style.

Number of nights: 1 night in Karatu - Farm of Dreams Lodge or Lodge of your choice.

Wildlife to See During the Safari

Wildlife in Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is particularly famous for its elephants and impressive baobab landscapes. The park's river, woodlands and seasonal swamps support a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, impalas, lions, leopards and numerous bird species.

During the dry season, wildlife often gathers around the Tarangire River and remaining water sources, creating rewarding opportunities for game viewing.

Wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater offers excellent opportunities to encounter a wide range of wildlife within a relatively compact area. Animals commonly seen include lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas and gazelles. The crater is also one of the important places in Tanzania to look for the endangered black rhinoceros.

Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and animal movements, and no specific sighting can be guaranteed.

Best Time to Visit Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater

This two-day safari can be enjoyed throughout the year because both Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater offer wildlife viewing in different seasons.

June to October: The dry season is particularly rewarding in Tarangire, as wildlife often gathers around the river and permanent water sources. Ngorongoro also offers excellent game-viewing opportunities.

November to December: The short rains bring greener landscapes and fresh vegetation. This can be an attractive period for photography and birdwatching.

January to February: These months generally offer warm weather and good wildlife viewing, with the northern safari circuit providing a variety of habitats to explore.

March to May: The long rains create lush landscapes. Some roads can become muddy, and visitors should expect occasional rain during game drives.

What's Included in the Safari

• Return scheduled flights between Zanzibar and Arusha, subject to confirmed availability.
• Airport transfers in Zanzibar as specified in the booking.
• Airport transfers in Arusha.
• Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
• Professional English-speaking safari guide.
• One night's accommodation in Karatu.
• Meals as specified in the itinerary.
• Picnic lunches during safari activities.
• Tarangire National Park entry fees.
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area and crater service fees.
• Game drives as described in the itinerary.
• Drinking water during game drives.

What's Excluded from the Safari

• International flights to and from Tanzania.
• Zanzibar hotel accommodation.
• Tanzania visa fees.
• Personal travel insurance.
• Tips for the safari guide and lodge staff.
• Alcoholic and premium beverages.
• Personal expenses and laundry.
• Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Any services not specifically listed under inclusions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I go on a 2-day safari from Zanzibar?

Yes. You can fly from Zanzibar to Arusha and enjoy a two-day safari visiting Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. The itinerary includes one overnight stay in Karatu and a return flight to Zanzibar.

2. Is the return flight from Zanzibar to Arusha included?

Return scheduled flights can be included in your safari package. Flight times, baggage allowances and availability depend on the airline and travel date. All flight arrangements should be confirmed before booking.

3. What is the best safari from Zanzibar for two days?

A combination of Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater is an excellent option for travellers with two days. It offers opportunities to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes and many other animals while visiting two of Tanzania's famous wildlife destinations.

4. Can I see the Big Five during this safari?

Yes, both Tarangire and Ngorongoro offer opportunities to search for the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros. Ngorongoro Crater is particularly well known for its wildlife diversity. However, sightings of all five animals are not guaranteed during a short safari.

5. Where will I stay during the two-day safari?

You will spend one night at a selected lodge in Karatu. The accommodation provides a convenient overnight stop between your Tarangire game drive and the following morning's Ngorongoro Crater visit.

6. How long is the drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park?

The drive from Arusha to Tarangire generally takes around 2.5 to 3 hours in good road conditions. Actual travel time depends on the location of the lodge, traffic and road conditions.

7. Can I return to Zanzibar on the second day?

Yes. The itinerary is designed to finish with a scheduled return flight from Arusha to Zanzibar. A sufficiently late flight is essential to allow time for the Ngorongoro Crater game drive and transfer to the airport.

8. Is this a private safari?

Yes. The safari can be arranged as a private experience with your own 4x4 safari vehicle and professional guide. This allows you to enjoy a more personal wildlife experience and flexibility during game drives.

9. What should I pack for this safari?

We recommend comfortable neutral-coloured clothing, a light jacket for cool mornings, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera. Please also check the airline's luggage allowance before travelling.

10. Can you arrange a different accommodation category?

Yes. Tanzania Beauty Safaris can arrange accommodation according to your preferred travel style and budget, from comfortable lodges to more luxurious properties in and around Karatu.

Book Your 2 Days Ngorongoro Crater & Tarangire Safari from Zanzibar

Make your Zanzibar beach holiday even more memorable with an unforgettable wildlife adventure in mainland Tanzania. From the giant elephant herds and ancient baobab trees of Tarangire to the breath-taking landscapes and rich wildlife of Ngorongoro Crater, this short safari brings together two exceptional destinations in just two days.

Whether you are travelling as a couple, on honeymoon, with family or simply looking for a short African safari, Tanzania Beauty Safaris can help arrange a memorable journey from Zanzibar.

Contact our local safari team to check flight availability, choose your preferred Karatu accommodation and receive a personalised safari quotation.

Your Tanzania wildlife adventure is just a flight away.