2 Days Tanzania Big Five Safari to Lake Manyara

Join this 2-day Tanzania Big Five safari to Tarangire and Lake Manyara. Spot lions, elephants, and leopards with expert local guides on this short tour.

2 Days High-Quality Tanzania Big Five Safari in Tarangire and Manyara

This 2-day Tanzania Big Five safari visits Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Park. Spot massive elephant herds and tree-climbing lions with expert local guides. This tour is perfect for travelers with limited time wanting a professional wildlife experience in the northern circuit. Enjoy high-quality game drives and see iconic African predators and herbivores in their natural habitat.

Tour Highlights:

Day 1
Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
Day 2
Lake Manyara to Tarangire tour back to Arusha
Duration 2 Days
🚙
Tour Mode -
🎯
Main Tour Focus -
Tour Type -
Destination/Accommodation
Start/End
arusha
Tour Starting & Ending Point
1
Day 1
Lake Manyara
Overnight: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
2
Day 2
Tarangire
Overnight: Gold Crest Hotel

Arrival Day: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), our driver will meet you and provide a private transfer to your hotel in Arusha. The drive covers 50 kilometers and takes about 1 hour. This day is for resting and receiving a briefing about your 2-day Tanzania Big Five safari to Lake Manyara & Tarangire. You may see the peak of Mount Meru from the city. This evening allows you to prepare your gear and meet your guide to discuss the departure for the parks.

Destination: Kilimanjaro Airport

Accommodation: Gold Crest Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Lunch, Dinner

Day 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

The safari departs Arusha at 8:00 AM for a 130-kilometer drive to Lake Manyara National Park, taking about 2.5 hours. You will explore the groundwater forest, home to baboons and blue monkeys. Your guide will search for the famous tree-climbing lions and large elephant families. A positive and unexpected moment often occurs when you see lions resting high on acacia branches to avoid insects. After a picnic lunch and 6 hours of viewing, you will drive to a nearby lodge for dinner and rest.

Destination: Lake Manyara

Accommodation: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

  luxury 4 star lodge

Semi luxury 4 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Lake Manyara to Tarangire tour back to Arusha

Lake Manyara to Tarangire tour back to Arusha

After breakfast, you will travel about 100 kilometers (2 hours) to Tarangire National Park. This park is a core part of your 2-day Big Five safari in Tanzania, known for ancient baobab trees and the Tarangire River. You will look for lions, buffaloes, and leopards gathering near the water. An unexpected positive highlight often happens at the riverbanks, where you can watch hundreds of elephants bathing together. After a picnic lunch and 5 hours of game drives, you will begin the 120-kilometer drive back to Arusha, arriving by 6:00 PM.

Destination: Tarangire

Accommodation: Gold Crest Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

TOUR PRICE/COST

We offer two pricing options:

  •   Private Tour (Sharing Price)
  • The cost is shared within your private group. More people means a lower price per person.

  •   Group Joining Tour
  • Join others on a fixed-date tour at a set per-person rate—ideal for solo travelers or small groups.

    Private (Shared) Price

    Pricing Notice: No activities or park fees were found for this itinerary (ID: 2284). Please check the admin panel and ensure fees are selected and saved.

    PRICE INCLUSIONS & PRICE EXCLUSIONS

    Inclusions
  •  Rescue fee
  •  Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
  •  All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
  •  All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
  •  All Taxes/VAT
  • Exclusions
  •  International flights to/from the start/end of the tour
  •  Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  •  Tips: tipping guideline
  •  Personal items
  •  Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • The Booking Form

    RELATED FAQS ABOUT 2 Days Tanzania Big Five Safari to Lake Manyara

    Is this two day big five safari suitable for families with children?

    Yes, this short trip is perfect for families because the driving distances between Arusha and the parks are quite short. Children will enjoy the high density of elephants in Tarangire and the monkeys in Lake Manyara without getting too tired from long hours on the road.

    What are the chances of seeing the big five during this short Tanzania safari?

    While you are very likely to see lions, elephants, leopards, and buffaloes, rhinos are not typically found in these two specific parks. This itinerary focuses on providing a rich wildlife experience where you can see four of the big five in a very short amount of time.

    What kind of vehicle is used for the Lake Manyara and Tarangire game drives?

    We use 4x4 safari Land Cruisers that are specially designed with a pop up roof for 360 degree bird watching and photography. Each vehicle is equipped with a radio system, charging ports for your cameras, and a cooler box with bottled water.

    Can we customize the 2 day itinerary to add a cultural visit?

    You can certainly add a visit to a Maasai boma or a local market on your way to or from the parks. This allows you to experience the rich culture of the Tanzanian people alongside your wildlife viewing schedule.

    What should I pack for a 48 hour trip to these northern parks?

    It is best to pack light with neutral colored clothing, a warm sweater for the cool mornings, and a good pair of binoculars. Do not forget your sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat, and insect repellent to stay comfortable during the afternoon sun.

    Are meals and drinks included in this Tanzania Big Five trip?

    It is best to pack light with neutral colored clothing, a warm sweater for the cool mornings, and a good pair of binoculars. Do not forget your sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat, and insect repellent to stay comfortable during the afternoon sun.

    What is the best time of year to visit Tarangire and Lake Manyara?

    Do not forget your sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat, and insect repellent to stay comfortable during the afternoon sun.

    Does the safari package include pick up and drop off services?

    We offer complimentary pick up from your hotel in Arusha or the airport to start your adventure. At the end of the second day, our driver will ensure you are safely returned to your preferred location in town or the airport for your flight.

    Is it possible to see tree climbing lions in Lake Manyara National Park?

    Manyara is one of the few places in Africa where lions have developed the habit of climbing trees to rest. While sightings are not guaranteed, our experienced guides know the specific areas where these majestic cats are often spotted lounging on branches.

    What type of accommodation is used for this two day Tanzania safari?

    Depending on your budget, you can stay in a luxury lodge, a mid range tented camp, or go for a basic camping experience. Most accommodations are located near the park boundaries to ensure we can start our game drives early the next morning.

    REVIEWS FOR 2 Days High-Quality Tanzania Big Five Safari in Tarangire and Manyara

    Write a Review

    Unforgettable Safari Experience

    5/5

    The 2 day big five Tanzania safari was the highlight of my short vacation. Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD organized everything perfectly and our guide was an absolute expert at finding leopards.

    By: Sarah Miller
    From: Flag US

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    Perfect Nature Escape

    5/5

    I loved seeing the massive herds of elephants in Tarangire. The baobab trees are so iconic and our vehicle was very comfortable for the whole trip.

    By: James Taylor
    From: Flag GB

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    Exceptional Safari Service

    5/5

    This was a very efficient way to see two beautiful parks in just two days. The picnic lunch at the Manyara viewpoint was a great touch with a stunning view of the lake.

    By: Sophie Martin
    From: Flag GB

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    Great Guides, Great Experience

    5/5

    This was a very efficient way to see two beautiful parks in just two days. The picnic lunch at the Manyara viewpoint was a great touch with a stunning view of the lake.

    By: Michael Thompson
    From: Flag AZ

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    Exceptional Safari Service

    4/5

    We had a fantastic time with Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD and saw so many lions. The tree climbing lions in Manyara were hiding, but the flamingos made up for it.

    By: Klaus Weber
    From: Flag AF

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    Amazing Wildlife Adventure

    5/5

    Great value for money and very professional service from start to finish. I highly recommend this trip if you are short on time but want a real safari experience.

    By: Sarah Jenkins
    From: Flag VN

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    Unforgettable Safari Experience

    5/5

    Great value for money and very professional service from start to finish. I highly recommend this trip if you are short on time but want a real safari experience.

    By: Anna Müller
    From: Flag CO

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    Perfect Nature Escape

    4/5

    Everything was well organized and the accommodation they booked for us was top notch. Seeing the lions in the trees at Lake Manyara was a dream come true for me.

    By: Arthur Jenkinsunited ki
    From: Flag FR

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    Top Safari in Tanzania

    5/5

    A short but very intense wildlife experience that I will never forget. The density of animals in such a small area is truly mind blowing.

    By: Pierre Dubois
    From: Flag TM

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    Exceptional Safari Service

    5/5

    I was impressed by how much we managed to see in just two days without feeling rushed. The logistics were handled smoothly and the staff were very friendly.

    By: Peter van den Berg
    From: Flag ES

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