2 Days Tanzania Safari in August from Tarangire to Ngorongoro

August is in the middle of the cool, dry season, which means you should expect clear blue skies and dusty roads. While days are pleasantly warm and sunny, early mornings at the Ngorongoro Crater rim can be very cold. You should bring warm layers like a fleece or light jacket to stay comfortable during those sunrise starts.

August is arguably the best time to visit Tarangire National Park because the Tarangire River becomes the only reliable water source in the region. Thousands of elephants migrate here, providing some of the most spectacular sightings in East Africa. You will also see large numbers of buffaloes and zebras congregating along the banks for a drink.

While seeing all five in just forty-eight hours is a challenge, the Ngorongoro Crater is your best bet for the rare black rhino. Lions and buffaloes are commonly seen in both parks during the dry months. Leopards are more elusive, but your guide will use their expert tracking skills to find them in the acacia trees.

Since August is a peak travel month, you should expect more vehicles than usual, especially in the crater area. However, Tarangire is quite large and offers many quiet tracks where you can enjoy private sightings away from the crowds. Our professional guides are skilled at navigating the parks to provide a more secluded experience for your group.

Each 4x4 Land Cruiser is equipped with a cooler box filled with cold bottled water to keep you hydrated in the dry heat. We also provide charging ports so your camera batteries stay full for all the action shots you will want to take. The pop-up roof allows for excellent ventilation and unobstructed 360 degree views of the animals.

We recommend tented camps or lodges that offer great views of the golden landscapes and waterholes. Many of our selected properties feature swimming pools, which are perfect for relaxing after a dusty afternoon game drive. You will enjoy comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and delicious dinners under the stars.

We can easily arrange a visit to a Maasai boma near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for an extra fee. This experience provides a fascinating look into the traditional lifestyle of the local people during the peak of the dry season. It is a great way to add a human element to your wildlife focused journey.

The lighting in August is often harsh at midday, but the golden hours at dawn and dusk are spectacular for photos. The yellow, dry grass provides a classic African backdrop for your images of lions and elephants. Because water is scarce, you can often stay in one spot near the river and wait for the wildlife to come to you.

Most international travelers fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport for easy access to the northern circuit. We provide pickup services from either location and can assist with booking a hotel for the night before your trip. August is a busy month for flights, so we recommend securing your tickets and permits well in advance.

While the migratory species from Europe and North Africa have not yet arrived, the resident birds are very active and easy to spot. You will see a variety of raptors, colorful lovebirds, and ostriches across the different habitats of the two parks. Tarangire is particularly famous for having the highest concentration of breeding bird species in the country.