What You Need to Know: This 2-day private safari from Arusha visits Lake Manyara National Park on Day 1 and the Ngorongoro Crater on Day 2, with a night in Karatu. It costs from US$890 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level (US$775 budget, US$1,120 luxury), with your private Land Cruiser and guide, park fees and the crater fee included. In the dry season, the Tarangire version has more elephants.
Is the 2-Day Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Safari Right for You?
It suits birders, families and travelers who want a gentle first day with short drives, and anyone visiting in the green season when Lake Manyara is at its best. It is not the right trip if you most want big elephant herds (choose Tarangire from June to October) or the Serengeti.
| This safari suits you if… | Consider another safari if… |
|---|---|
| You want short, easy drives | You want elephants in the dry season: the 2-day Tarangire and Ngorongoro |
| You love birds and forest | You want the Serengeti: the 3-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro |
| You are traveling November to March | You have three days: the 3-day Tarangire, Manyara and Ngorongoro |
The 2-Day Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Safari Route at a Glance
Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park – Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha.
| Day | Route | Driving or flying | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arusha – Lake Manyara – Karatu | About 2 hours to Lake Manyara; a short drive to Karatu | Karatu |
| 2 | Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha | Short drive to the rim; 4–5 hours back | — |
2-Day Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Safari Itinerary, Day by Day
Day 1 is Lake Manyara; Day 2 is the crater and the drive back to Arusha.
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Day 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara, then Karatu
About 2 hours from Arusha to Lake Manyara, past the market town of Mto wa Mbu. You spend the day on game drives through the groundwater forest, the acacia woodland and along the lake shore, with your lunch box at a picnic site.
In the late afternoon you drive a short way up the Rift Valley escarpment to Karatu for the night.
Forest, lake and birdsLake ManyaraLunch box, dinner -
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater, back to Arusha
From Karatu it is a short drive up to the crater rim. You spend the morning on the crater floor looking for lions, buffalo and black rhino, stop at a picnic site by the water, and are back in Arusha by evening.
The crater floorNgorongoroBreakfast, picnic lunch
How Much Does the 2-Day Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Safari Cost?
The 2-day Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro safari costs from US$890 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level, US$775 on a budget basis and US$1,120 at luxury level. Lake Manyara and the crater are close together, so the price goes mostly on park and crater fees rather than driving.
| Travelers | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | US$1,270 | US$1,460 | US$1,675 |
| 2 | US$775 | US$890 | US$1,120 |
| 3 | US$600 | US$700 | US$920 |
| 4 | US$540 | US$650 | US$880 |
| 5 | US$480 | US$585 | US$810 |
| 6 | US$460 | US$575 | US$805 |
Park fees on this route
| Fee | 2026 rate (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Lake Manyara National Park | About US$59 per person per 24 hours |
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area (also charged when you drive through) | US$70.80 per person per 24 hours |
| Ngorongoro crater service fee | US$295 per vehicle per descent |
What the 2-Day Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Safari Price Includes
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and your own driver-guide
- All park fees and the Ngorongoro crater service fee
- 1 nights' accommodation at the level you choose
- Lunch box on Day 1; other meals at your lodges
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Not included
- International flights and visas (US$100 for US citizens)
- Tanzania's mandatory inbound travel insurance, US$44 per adult from October 1, 2026 (we can help you buy it)
- Travel insurance, including medical evacuation
- Tips for your guide and lodge staff
- Drinks at lodges and personal items
- Arusha hotel nights and airport transfers, which we can add
- Optional activities such as a Serengeti balloon flight
When Is the Best Time for the 2-Day Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Safari?
Lake Manyara is green all year and best for birds from November to March, when migrant species arrive. The crater is good in every month. Any month from June to October gives the best general game viewing, with dry roads and animals gathered near water; January and February are also excellent. We don't recommend the long rains of April and May for road safaris: roads slow down and some camps close.
Lake Manyara or Tarangire for a 2-Day Safari?
Both 2-day safaris finish in the Ngorongoro Crater at the same price. Choose by the first day.
| Lake Manyara + Ngorongoro | Tarangire + Ngorongoro | |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 park | Forest, baboons, lake birds | Elephant herds, baobabs |
| Drive on Day 1 | About 2 hours | About 2.5 hours |
| Best months | All year; birds November – March | June – October |
| Price from (2, mid-range) | US$890 | US$890 |
See the 2-day Tarangire and Ngorongoro safari, or add a day with the 3-day Tarangire, Manyara and Ngorongoro safari.
How to Book the 2-Day Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Safari
| When you cancel | Refund |
|---|---|
| 60 days or more before arrival | 100% |
| 30–59 days | 90% |
| 15–29 days | 60% |
| 10–14 days | 25% |
| Less than 10 days, or a no-show | No refund |
What Else to Read Before You Book
This page covers what is particular to the 2-Day Private Safari. The parts that work the same way on our other trips are explained once, in these guides:
- Ngorongoro Crater guide: the wildlife, the best areas and the season.
- Lake Manyara National Park guide: the wildlife, the best areas and the season.
- Our safari vehicles: the Land Cruisers we use, pop-up roofs, charging and who drives.
- Safari lodges and camps: budget, mid-range and luxury stays and what each includes.
- Airport transfers and nights in Arusha: getting from Kilimanjaro airport to the start of your safari.
- Zanzibar beach holidays: adding a few days on the coast after the safari.
- Safari safety tips: how game drives, camps and walks are kept safe.
- Vaccinations and travel health: malaria, yellow fever and what to ask your doctor.
- Tipping on safari: how much to give your driver-guide and lodge staff.
- Booking and cancellation terms: deposit, payment and refunds.
Common Questions About the 2-Day Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Safari
Is this safari private?
Yes. The vehicle and guide are for your group only.
Can we start from Moshi?
Yes, with a slightly longer first day. Ask us for the price.
Is there Wi-Fi in the vehicle?
Yes, and charging points, though the signal is patchy in remote parts of the parks.
The Bottom Line
Choose this 2-day safari for easy drives, forest and birds on Day 1 and the crater on Day 2. In the dry season, if elephants matter more, choose the Tarangire version.
Send us your dates, the number of travelers and your lodge level through the booking form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our sales team will reply with a written quotation.