Arusha
Arusha
Mid range
Wildlife, Photography
Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
Drive in and drive out
Tarangire National Park , Central Serengeti National Park, Northern Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
This short safari links two of northern Tanzania’s wildlife areas in a practical route from Arusha. Tarangire brings a different atmosphere from the Serengeti circuit, with old baobab trees, dry seasonal riverbeds, and large elephant groups that often remain active near the Tarangire River during much of the year.
The Ngorongoro Crater, on the other hand, shifts the pace entirely. The descent onto the crater floor places you inside one of Africa’s most concentrated wildlife setting, with a chance of seeing large number of animals within a single game drive. This safari works well if you have limited time but still want a good safari without rushing through unnecessary distances.
The road south west of Arusha gradually opens into dry country where acacia woodland and scattered Maasai settlements dominate the landscape. Tarangire National Park is widely recognised for its elephant population and giant baobab trees, though the game viewing often surprises visitors with its variety. Herds of zebras and wildebeests move through the open areas while giraffes browse quietly near the acacia woodlands.
The Tarangire River remains the park’s main wildlife magnet, particularly during the dry season when animals gather near permanent water sources. A picnic lunch is served inside the park during the afternoon game drive. As the temperature cools later in the day, the drive continues toward the lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight.
Lunch and Dinner
Lodge or tented camp in Tarangire
The morning begins while wildlife activity is still active before the midday heat kicks in. Early hours often provide good sightings across different sections of the park where lions and leopards sometimes remain hidden after nighttime hunting. The park also supports one of country’s largest avian populations, with more than 500 recorded species including hornbills, secretary birds, bee eaters, and kori bustards.
A final game drive continues across different parts before departure from the park. Lunch is provided at a designated picnic site prior to the transfer toward Karatu, a small agricultural town near the Ngorongoro highlands. The cooler elevation changes the atmosphere noticeably after leaving the lower safari circuit behind.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Lodge in Karatu
An early departure toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area helps avoid delays at the crater descent road and allows more time on the crater floor. The Ngorongoro Crater formed after the collapse of a massive volcano and today supports one of the highest wildlife densities in East Africa.
The enclosed ecosystem creates strong chances of seeing lions, buffaloes, hyenas, hippos, zebras, gazelles, and large groups of wildebeests within a single game drive. Black rhinos remain one of the more difficult sightings but the crater is still considered one of the better locations in Tanzania to possibly encounter them.
Lunch is served at the designated picnic area near the hippo pool before the afternoon ascent from the crater. The return drive to Arusha arrives in the late afternoon or early evening.
Breakfast and Lunch
Not Included
