Tour Overview
This 2-day safari is a driving tour from Arusha that pairs two of Tanzania's finest wildlife areas: Tarangire National Park, famous for its huge elephant herds and ancient baobabs, and the Ngorongoro Crater, where you can see the Big Five including the rare black rhino in a single morning. It runs year-round, suits first-timers and families, and costs from US$950 per person, with all park and crater fees included.
Where You'll Stay
You spend night one at a comfortable 4-star lodge in the Karatu / Ngorongoro highlands, chosen for its excellent location and quality, subject to availability.
Typical lodges include Country Lodge Karatu, Eileen's Trees Inn, and Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge on the crater rim. All offer en-suite rooms, hot water, full-board dining, and warm fireside lounges, perfect after a cool evening in the highlands. Prefer to upgrade to a luxury rim lodge such as Serena or &Beyond? Just ask and we'll provide a customized quotation.
Tour Itinerary
After pick-up at 8:30 AM from your hotel in Arusha, you will depart in a comfortable 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle for Tarangire National Park with a picnic lunch for a full-day game drive.
Tanzania's third-largest national park is famous for its majestic baobab trees and the Tarangire River, which attracts some of the largest herds of elephants in Africa.
During your game drive, you may encounter lions, leopards, cheetahs, lesser kudu, buffaloes, oryx, elands, giraffes, and zebras, together with many other wildlife species that call Tarangire home.
After an exciting day of wildlife viewing, you will drive to your camp or lodge where a delicious dinner and an overnight stay await you.
After an early breakfast, you will descend into the Ngorongoro Crater at around 6:30 AM for an unforgettable safari experience.
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera, covering approximately 260 km² with a depth of over 2,000 feet (approximately 600 meters).
During your five-hour game drive on the crater floor, you may see an incredible variety of wildlife, including African elephants, buffaloes, black rhinos, hippos, hyenas, cheetahs, and lions.
After enjoying a picnic lunch near the beautiful Hippo Pool, you will ascend the crater rim and begin the approximately 4-hour drive back to Arusha.
You will arrive in Arusha at around 6:00 PM, where you will be dropped off at your preferred location. Onward transfers to Kilimanjaro Airport, Moshi, or Zanzibar can also be arranged.
Pre & Post-Safari Hotels in Arusha
Arusha is the gateway to Tanzania's northern safari circuit. If you need accommodation before or after your safari, here are some popular hotels offered on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Prices are per person, per night.
| Hotel (Room Type) | Single | Double Sharing | Triple Sharing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kutoka Lodge | $69 | $44 | $41 |
| Gold Crest Hotel | $106 | $59 | $52 |
| The African Tulip | $167 | $129 | $108 |
| Four Points by Sheraton, Arusha (Traditional Queen) | $229 | $132 | — |
| Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge (Plantation Room) | $417 | $282 | $214 |
Note: All prices are per person, per night, on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Additional hotel options are available upon request.
Airport & Intercity Transfers
This safari starts from Arusha. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the nearest international airport, while Arusha Airport (ARK) is the nearest domestic airport. Transfer prices below are per vehicle.
| Transfer | Price (Per Vehicle) |
|---|---|
| Airport Pick-up / Drop-off (Safari Day) | |
| Arusha Airport | No Extra Charge |
| Kilimanjaro Airport | $50 |
| Airport ↔ Hotel Transfers | |
| Arusha Airport ↔ Arusha Hotel | $25 |
| Kilimanjaro Airport ↔ Arusha Hotel | $50 |
| Intercity Transfers | |
| Moshi ↔ Arusha | $100 |
| Nairobi ↔ Arusha | $275 |
Note: Need help getting to Arusha? Contact us and we'll arrange transfers that match your flights.
Best Time to Do This Safari
This safari operates throughout the year. The dry season (June to October) offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities, while the green season (March to May) provides lush scenery, fewer visitors, and better value.
| Season | Months | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Dry (Best) | Jun – Oct | Large elephant herds gather along the Tarangire River, excellent crater views, but busier with higher rates. |
| Short Rains | Nov – Dec | Fresh green landscapes and fewer safari vehicles. |
| Green (Value) | Mar – May | Lush scenery, lowest prices, and occasional rainfall. |
Note: The Ngorongoro Crater rim sits at approximately 2,300 meters above sea level and remains cool throughout the year. We recommend bringing a warm jacket for early morning game drives.
Why Book This Safari With Us
Kai Tours & Safaris is a licensed Tanzanian tour operator based in Moshi, with offices serving Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. Our experienced local guides know the best times to reach the Ngorongoro Crater floor before the crowds arrive. We provide transparent pricing with all park and crater fees included, respond quickly on WhatsApp, and tailor every safari according to your travel dates, group size, and budget.
Our reviews on TripadvisorInclusions
- • All National Park Entry Fees
- • Ngorongoro Crater Service Fee (~$295/vehicle)
- • Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with Pop-Up Roof
- • Professional English-Speaking Guide
- • One Night's Lodge Accommodation
- • Meals as Listed and Bottled Water During Safari
- • Hotel Pick-Up and Drop-Off in Arusha
- • Government Taxes and Levies
Exclusions
- • International Flights and Tanzania Visa
- • Travel and Medical Insurance
- • Tips and Gratuities
- • Alcoholic and Soft Drinks
- • Personal Expenses and Souvenirs
- • Optional Maasai Village Visit
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a driving safari. You travel by 4x4 Land Cruiser from Arusha to Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater and back. This keeps the cost more affordable and allows you to enjoy the scenic Northern Circuit. A fly-in version can also be arranged on request.
The price includes all national park entry fees, Ngorongoro Crater Service Fee, private 4x4 Land Cruiser with a professional guide, one night's lodge accommodation, meals as listed, bottled water during safari, and hotel pick-up and drop-off in Arusha. International flights, visa fees, tips, insurance, and drinks are not included.
Yes. The Ngorongoro Crater Service Fee (approximately $295 per vehicle) is fully included in the total price, along with all other park and conservation fees.
This safari operates year-round. The dry season (June–October) offers the best wildlife viewing, while the green season (March–May) is quieter, greener, and more budget-friendly.
No special fitness level is required. The safari is fully vehicle-based with short game drives, making it suitable for families, couples, older travelers, and first-time safari visitors.
The safari starts in Arusha with hotel pick-up. Guests arriving in Moshi or at Kilimanjaro International Airport can easily join the tour with arranged transfers.
You have a strong chance of seeing lion, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino—especially in Ngorongoro Crater. Leopards are present but harder to spot, so sightings are not guaranteed.
Ready for your 2-day adventure?
Tell us your travel dates and group size and we'll confirm availability and send your exact quote — usually within a few hours.
