Escape into the heart of Tanzania’s famous Northern Safari Circuit on this unforgettable 2-Day Tarangire & Lake Manyara Safari. Perfect for travellers with limited time, this adventure combines two of Tanzania’s most diverse national parks, offering exceptional wildlife viewing, breathtaking landscapes, and memorable safari experiences.
Begin your journey in Tarangire National Park, renowned for its ancient baobab trees, vast elephant herds, and abundant wildlife that gathers along the Tarangire River.
After a full day in Tarangire, Continue to the scenic town of Karatu for a relaxing overnight stay before heading out the next morning to Lake Manyara National Park, a beautiful destination famous for its lush groundwater forests, tree-climbing lions, flamingos, hippos, and spectacular views of the Great Rift Valley Escarpment.
This short safari offers the perfect introduction to Tanzania’s remarkable wildlife and natural beauty.
Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Arusha, followed by a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, approximately 120 km (2–2.5 hours) away. Renowned for its ancient baobab trees, vast savannahs, and one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Tanzania, Tarangire offers exceptional wildlife viewing throughout the year.
Upon arrival, enjoy a full-day game drive through the park, where you’ll have the opportunity to spot elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, impalas, warthogs, and more than 500 species of birds. The Tarangire River attracts wildlife throughout the year, making the park one of Tanzania’s premier safari destinations.
A picnic lunch will be served inside the park before continuing your afternoon game drive. In the late afternoon, depart Tarangire National Park and drive to Karatu, nestled in the Ngorongoro Highlands. Upon arrival, check in to Marera Valley Lodge or Eileen’s Trees Inn (subject to availability), where you will enjoy dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.
Driving Distance & Time
• Arusha to Tarangire National Park: 120 km | 2–2.5 hours
• Tarangire National Park to Karatu: 80 km | 1.5–2 hours
Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge or Eileen’s Trees Inn (or similar)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart your lodge and enjoy a short drive of approximately 30 km (30–45 minutes) to Lake Manyara National Park. Nestled beneath the dramatic Great Rift Valley Escarpment, the park is celebrated for its lush groundwater forests, seasonal flamingos, large troops of baboons, elephants, hippos, and the famous tree-climbing lions.
Enjoy a morning and early afternoon game drive through the park’s diverse habitats, exploring forests, open plains, acacia woodlands, and the lakeshore. Keep an eye out for giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, monkeys, and an impressive variety of birdlife. A picnic lunch will be served inside the park before continuing your final game drive.
In the afternoon, depart Lake Manyara National Park and return to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon, where your memorable Tanzanian safari comes to an end.
Driving Distance & Time:
• Karatu to Lake Manyara National Park: 30 km | 30–45 minutes
• Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha: 130 km | 2–2.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
We founded Kilimanjaro Mavens Treks & Safaris Ltd to help others experience what we did—the wonder of Tanzania’s landscapes, wildlife and people.
Our vision is to expand opportunities for local communities, create ethical and unforgettable safari experiences, and offer travellers a journey that is life-changing in every sense.
Join us, and let’s make your safari dream a reality. Tanzania isn’t just a place—it’s a story waiting to be lived. An experience that will stay with you forever. Guided by passion, expertise, and a commitment to making a difference, we’ll ensure your safari is truly unforgettable
Whether you’re extending your Kilimanjaro climb or arriving with safari in mind, we’ll help you craft a journey that fits your pace, preferences, and sense of wonder. From day trips to multi‑park expeditions, every itinerary is tailored with care and grounded in ethical, meaningful travel and designed to leave a lasting impression.
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