Plan a 2-day Tanzania safari in January. Visit Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater to see lions and rhinos during the green short dry season with expert guides.
This 2-day Tanzania safari in January takes you to Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater during the short dry season. The landscape is lush and green, providing a beautiful backdrop for photography. This 2-day safari in January is ideal for spotting large elephant herds and the rare black rhino. Experience a high-quality 2-day safari in January in Tanzania with professional guides who help you find predators active in the vibrant plains.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), our driver will meet you for a private transfer to your hotel in Arusha. The drive covers 50 kilometers and takes about 1 hour. January typically offers clear skies, and you may see a stunning view of Mount Meru as you enter the city. This day is for resting and receiving a briefing for your 2-day Tanzania safari in January. Your guide will discuss the weather and wildlife expectations for the next two days.
Destination: Kilimanjaro Airport
Accommodation: Gold Crest Hotel
mid rage 3 star lodge
Meals & Drinks: Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you will travel 120 kilometers to Tarangire National Park, a journey of approximately 2.5 hours. During your 2-day safari in January, you will see Tarangire at its greenest. This park is famous for its elephants and baobab trees. A positive and unexpected moment often happens when you spot tree-climbing lions, a behavior sometimes seen in January as they seek to escape the damp ground. After a picnic lunch, you will continue your game drive before heading to your lodge in Karatu for the night.
Destination: Tarangire
Accommodation: Baobab Tented Lodge
mid rage 3 star lodge
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The final day of your 2-day safari in January in Tanzania begins with a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater. You will spend the morning searching for the rare black rhino and large prides of lions. The crater floor is exceptionally vibrant this month. An unexpected positive highlight often occurs at the hippo pool, where you can watch massive hippos surfacing just a few meters away. After a picnic lunch on the crater floor, you will begin the 180-kilometer return journey to Arusha, arriving in the evening for your departure.
Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: Gold Crest Hotel
mid rage 3 star lodge
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Plan a 2-day Tanzania safari in January. Visit Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater to see lions and rhinos during the green short dry season with expert guides.
N.B: After you send your booking we will get back to you with in 24 hours.
What is the typical weather for a two-day January safari in Tanzania?
January falls during the short dry season, offering warm temperatures and clear blue skies for most of the day. You can expect occasional brief showers, but they rarely disrupt your game drives in Tarangire or the crater. The dust is relatively low compared to the peak dry season, making the air very fresh and clear for photography. It is a pleasant time to explore the Northern Circuit without extreme heat.
Will I be able to see the Big Five during this Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater trip?
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most reliable places in the world to spot lions, buffaloes, and the rare black rhino in a single afternoon. While leopards are naturally more elusive, your guide will work hard to track them in the forested areas of the crater rim. Since it is only a short itinerary, we focus on high density wildlife zones to maximize your chances of seeing these iconic animals.
Is January a good time to see baby animals in these parks?
Yes, many resident animals in the region have their young during this month because of the nutritious green grass available after the short rains. You are likely to see elephant calves in Tarangire and zebra or wildebeest foals grazing in the crater floor. Predatory action can also be quite high during this period as lions and hyenas take advantage of the vulnerable young. It is a fascinating time for nature lovers to witness the circle of life.
What are the birding opportunities like during a two-day January safari in Tanzania?
January is peak season for birding because many migratory species from Europe and North Africa are present in the region. You will see colorful species like kingfishers, eagles, and vultures across the diverse landscapes of the parks. Tarangire is particularly famous for having a high concentration of breeding birds during this time of year. Your guide can help identify the various species using the binoculars provided in the vehicle.
How busy are the parks during this time of the year?
January is considered a shoulder season, so you will encounter fewer vehicles compared to the peak months of July or August. This provides a much more intimate viewing experience when observing wildlife on the crater floor. You can often enjoy sightings for longer periods without feeling rushed by other safari cars. It is the perfect balance between great weather and manageable tourist numbers.
What kind of vehicle is used for these game drives?
We provide a customized 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for unobstructed 360 degree views of the savanna. Each vehicle is equipped with a cooler box for drinks and charging ports for your electronic devices so you never run out of battery. There is also a first aid kit and a radio system to stay in contact with other guides for the latest animal sightings. The sturdy suspension ensures a relatively smooth ride over the rugged terrain.
What are the accommodation options for this Tarangire and Ngorongoro journey?
Travelers can choose between luxury lodges, mid-range tented camps, or basic public campsites depending on their personal budget. We prioritize locations that are close to the park gates to save travel time during your short visit. All our partner lodges offer high standards of cleanliness and serve delicious local and international cuisine. You will be able to rest comfortably after a full day of excitement in the bush.
Are all meals included in the package?
Your package covers full board meals consisting of breakfast, picnic lunches, and hot dinners at the lodge or camp. We provide plenty of bottled water in the vehicle to keep you hydrated during the warm January afternoons. Special dietary requirements like vegetarian or gluten free options can also be accommodated if you inform us during the booking process. You will always have enough energy for the next adventure.
Can we visit a local Maasai village during this short itinerary?
Yes, we can easily arrange a visit to a Maasai boma near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for an additional fee. This cultural experience allows you to learn about their traditional lifestyle, unique architecture, and vibrant dances. It is a wonderful way to add a human element to your wildlife focused trip. This activity usually takes about an hour and can be fitted into your second day.
Where does the tour usually begin?
The safari usually starts from Arusha town or Kilimanjaro International Airport early in the morning of the first day. Your guide will meet you with a sign and assist with your luggage before heading toward Tarangire National Park. We can also help with booking a hotel in Arusha for the night before your safari starts to ensure a smooth departure. This ensures you get to the park gates as early as possible for the best morning light.
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