Book a 2-day Luxury Big Five safari in Tarangire and Lake Manyara featuring guided 4×4 game drives, scenic picnic lunches, and close encounters with lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos. Explore diverse landscapes of savannahs, baobab trees, and soda lakes for an unforgettable Tanzania wildlife experience.
Embark on a 2-day luxury Big Five safari across Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park, where you have the chance to spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos in their natural habitats. Enjoy comfortable 4×4 game drives led by experienced guides, scenic picnic lunches set in the wilderness, and breathtaking views of open savannahs, ancient baobab trees, and the shimmering soda lake. This journey offers a well-rounded safari experience, combining diverse landscapes, rich wildlife encounters, and memorable moments in the heart of Tanzania.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you are warmly welcomed by your driver-guide and assisted with your transfer. You will then travel approximately 25 km (about 45 minutes) to your hotel in Arusha, passing through scenic surroundings along the way. Upon arrival, check in at a luxury lodge and take time to relax and refresh after your journey. Later, you will receive a detailed safari briefing covering your itinerary, travel routes, and important guidelines for the days ahead, ensuring you are fully prepared for your upcoming safari experience.
Depart early from Arusha for Tarangire National Park, a drive of about 120 km (approximately 2.5 hours). On arrival, explore the park’s 2,850 km² landscape of open savannahs, riverine forests, and iconic baobab trees. Enjoy a full-day 4×4 game drive with opportunities to see elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and various antelope species. Stop for a picnic lunch at a scenic spot inside the park while taking in the surrounding wilderness. Tarangire is also known for its rich birdlife, with over 500 recorded species, including the lilac-breasted roller. In the evening, proceed to your luxury lodge near Tarangire or Lake Manyara for dinner and overnight stay.
Drive approximately 90 km (1.5–2 hours) to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos, hippos, and large elephant herds. Enjoy a full-day game drive across the 330 km² park, exploring its diverse habitats of groundwater forest, open plains, and the shimmering soda lake. Stop for a scenic picnic lunch near the lake while taking in breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Continue with an afternoon game drive, with opportunities to spot giraffes, baboons, and abundant birdlife along the lakeshore. In the late afternoon, exit the park and drive approximately 125 km back to Arusha. Arrive in the evening, reflecting on a rewarding wildlife experience and marking the end of your safari journey.
After breakfast, enjoy a final transfer of approximately 25 km to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward international flight. Depending on your departure schedule, you may have a short time to relax at the lodge or complete final check-out procedures. Your driver-guide will ensure a smooth and timely transfer to the airport. This marks the end of your luxury Big Five safari, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Tanzania’s rich wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and warm hospitality, as well as a truly remarkable journey through some of Africa’s most iconic national parks.
We offer two pricing options:
The cost is shared within your private group. More people means a lower price per person.
Join others on a fixed-date tour at a set per-person rate—ideal for solo travelers or small groups.
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The Booking Form
Book a 2-day Luxury Big Five safari in Tarangire and Lake Manyara featuring guided 4×4 game drives, scenic picnic lunches, and close encounters with lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos. Explore diverse landscapes of savannahs, baobab trees, and soda lakes for an unforgettable Tanzania wildlife experience.
N.B: After you send your booking we will get back to you with in 24 hours.
Is two days enough to see both Tarangire and Lake Manyara?
Yes, it is a perfect duration for these two parks because of their proximity. You will spend one full day exploring the "Elephant Paradise" (Tarangire) and the second day discovering the lush groundwater forests and birdlife of Lake Manyara.
What are the chances of seeing the "Big Five" on this 2-day circuit?
You have a very high chance of seeing four of the five (Elephant, Lion, Leopard, and Buffalo). Both parks are famous for large elephant herds and tree-climbing lions. However, Rhinos are not typically found in these two specific parks.
What does "Luxury" accommodation look like on this trip?
You will stay in a high-end luxury lodge or a permanent tented camp located either inside the park or on the Great Rift Valley Escarpment. These facilities offer en-suite bathrooms, fine dining, swimming pools, and breathtaking views. You will stay in a high-end luxury lodge or a permanent tented camp located either inside the park or on the Great Rift Valley Escarpment. These facilities offer en-suite bathrooms, fine dining, swimming pools, and breathtaking views.
Why is Tarangire called the "Elephant Paradise"?
During the dry season, Tarangire has the highest concentration of elephants in North Tanzania. It is common to see herds of up to 300 elephants gathering around the Tarangire River.
What is the best time of year for this safari?
While the parks are beautiful year-round, the dry season (June to October) is spectacular for Tarangire as animals congregate at the river. Lake Manyara is stunning during the wet season (November to May) when the birdlife is most vibrant.
Will we be traveling in a shared or private vehicle?
As a luxury safari, this is a private experience. You will have a high-spec 4x4 Land Cruiser exclusively for your group, allowing you to set your own pace for photography and game viewing.
Is Lake Manyara only about the lake?
Not at all. The park is geographically diverse, featuring a groundwater forest, acacia woodlands, grassy floodplains, and the dramatic 400-meter-deep Rift Valley Escarpment wall.
Can we do a night game drive on this 2-day trip?
Night game drives are available as an optional luxury add-on in certain areas of Lake Manyara or in private concessions near Tarangire. It is a great way to see nocturnal animals like porcupines and genets.
Are meals included in the luxury package?
Yes. The package includes all meals: a gourmet hot lunch or high-quality picnic in the bush, a multi-course dinner at your luxury lodge, and a full breakfast before starting your second day.
How long is the drive between Tarangire and Lake Manyara?
The drive is quite short and scenic, taking approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. This allows for more time spent watching wildlife and less time on the main road.
Is two days enough to see both Tarangire and Lake Manyara?
Yes, it is a perfect duration for these two parks because of their proximity. You will spend one full day exploring the "Elephant Paradise" (Tarangire) and the second day discovering the lush groundwater forests and birdlife of Lake Manyara.
An Incredible Two-Day Escape
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Seamless and Fascinating Safari Experience
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Short but Luxurious Wildlife Adventure
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Private and Exclusive Safari Experience
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Magnificent Wildlife Diversity
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Magical Luxury Tented Camp Experience
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Tarangire’s Hidden Gem
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Exceptional Guiding and Comfort
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Breathtaking Landscapes and Cuisine
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