Best African Safaris & Travel Services – African Authentic Safaris Ltd
3 Days/2 Nights Ngorongoro/Manyara Safari (1/2 Day Crater Tour)
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Daily Tour
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Description
Embark on an extraordinary 2 Nights/3 Days adventure that combines two of Tanzania’s most diverse and captivating wildlife destinations: the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater and the lush Lake Manyara National Park. This carefully crafted safari offers the perfect blend of landscapes and ecosystems, from the world-renowned volcanic caldera of Ngorongoro—home to one of Africa’s densest concentrations of wildlife—to the scenic shores of Lake Manyara with its famous tree-climbing lions and abundant birdlife. The journey takes you through multiple habitats including highland forests, alkaline lakes, and acacia woodlands, each supporting distinct wildlife communities. This dual-destination safari is ideal for travelers seeking a more comprehensive northern Tanzania experience while maintaining a comfortable pace and maximizing wildlife viewing opportunities.
Highlights
- • Experience two distinct Tanzania wildlife destinations in one concise safari
- • Descend 2,000 feet into the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wildlife sanctuary
- • Witness the ecological diversity of Lake Manyara with its groundwater forest and alkaline lake
- • Search for Lake Manyara’s famous tree-climbing lions lounging in acacia trees
- • Observe hippo pods and diverse water birds along Lake Manyara’s shoreline
- • Explore the crater’s varied ecosystems from forest to savannah in a single morning
- • Enjoy spectacular accommodations with views of the crater rim and Lake Manyara
- • Spot flamingos creating pink horizons on both the crater lake and Lake Manyara
- • Encounter diverse primate species, particularly in Lake Manyara’s forest areas
- • Benefit from expertly paced game drives maximizing wildlife viewing opportunities
Day 1: Arusha to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Your adventure be
gins with a delicious lunch in Arusha town, where you’ll meet your experienced guide for a brief orientation about the exciting journey ahead. After enjoying your meal and getting acquainted with your fellow travelers, you’ll depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The scenic drive takes you through the Tanzanian highlands, offering glimpses of traditional Maasai villages and breathtaking landscapes. As you approach the conservation area, the road gradually ascends, revealing increasingly dramatic views of the ancient volcanic landscape. Upon arriving at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you’ll complete entrance formalities before continuing to your lodge, strategically positioned on the crater rim. Take time to settle into your accommodation and marvel at the panoramic views extending across this natural wonder. As evening falls, enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the lodge while watching the sun set over one of Africa’s most magnificent landscapes. The night is yours to relax, perhaps gathering around a fireplace to share stories with fellow travelers or simply soaking in the serene atmosphere and anticipating tomorrow’s crater exploration.
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater to Lake Manyara
Wake up to the misty morning views of the crater as dawn breaks over this ancient caldera. After breakfast at the lodge, you’ll begin your descent down the inner slopes of the crater, dropping 2,000 feet (over 600 meters) to the crater floor for an unforgettable half-day tour. The journey down reveals the dramatic scale of this natural wonder and brings you into a self-contained world teeming with wildlife. Your exploration will take you through the crater’s diverse ecosystems: the lush forest areas where troops of monkeys swing through the trees and elephants feed on abundant vegetation; the sparkling alkaline lake where graceful flamingos create a pink haze along the shoreline; and the open savannah where lions stalk their prey and herds of zebra, wildebeest, and buffalo graze under the watchful eyes of predators. After several hours of extraordinary game viewing, you’ll ascend back to the crater rim and return to your lodge for a relaxing lunch and a chance to reflect on your morning adventure. Following lunch, you’ll journey to Lake Manyara National Park, descending the Great Rift Valley escarpment with spectacular views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. Upon arrival at your lodge near Lake Manyara, you’ll have time to settle in before enjoying dinner. You
r accommodation offers beautiful views of either the lake or the escarpment, setting the stage for tomorrow’s exploration of this unique ecosystem.
Day 3: Lake Manyara to Arusha
Greet the day with an early breakfast before embarking on a morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, a small but incredibly diverse protected area nestled between the imposing Great Rift Valley escarpment and the alkaline waters of Lake Manyara. The park is renowned for its lush groundwater forest, creating a stark contrast to the more arid landscapes of other northern circuit destinations. Your safari vehicle will navigate through dense forests opening onto grassy floodplains and finally to the shores of the lake itself. Throughout the drive, keep your eyes peeled for the park’s famous tree-climbing lions—a behavior rarely seen elsewhere—lounging in the branches of sturdy acacia trees. The park is also home to large troops of baboons and other primates that thrive in the forest habitat. As you approach the lakeshore, you’ll encounter pods of hippos partially submerged in the water and potentially thousands of flamingos feeding in the shallows, creating a spectacular pink horizon against the blue water. Bird enthusiasts will delight in the park’s incredible diversity, with over 400 species recorded. Lake Manyara also hosts elephant herds, giraffes, and numerous antelope species that roam its varied habitats. By mid-morning, with cameras full of memorable images, you’ll begin your journey back to Arusha. Upon arrival in town, you’ll enjoy a farewell lunch, bringing your safari adventure to a satisfying conclusion.
- Meet and Greet Services with assistance
- All ground transfers with assistance
- Express check-in with assistance in your Hotels and Safari Lodges
- Transport in a comfortable custom-built safari vehicle while on safari
- All park entry fees
- Full board accommodation whilst on Safari
- Unlimited game viewing drives per day whilst on safari
- All Government taxes and levies where applicable.
- All internal flights
- International Airfares
- Tourist entry Visa
- Travel Insurance (recommended)
- International airport(s) departures taxes
- Optional excursions not mentioned in the inclusions and/or quoted separately
- Expenditures of personal nature such as telephone calls, faxes, e-mails, laundry etc.
- All alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, wines and spirits.
- Tips and gratuities to driver guides/lodge/hotel staff
- All other extras not mentioned in the included
Tour's Location
How do Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara differ as safari destinations?
Ngorongoro Crater offers a concentrated wildlife viewing experience within a confined caldera featuring open grasslands and a small lake. Lake Manyara, by contrast, provides a more diverse ecosystem with groundwater forest, acacia woodland, and a large alkaline lake. The crater is known for reliable big game viewing, while Manyara is celebrated for its unique tree-climbing lions and exceptional birdlife.
Will we see different wildlife at each location?
Yes. While both destinations share some species, each offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Ngorongoro is one of the best places to see black rhino and large predators, while Lake Manyara is known for its tree-climbing lions, large hippo populations, and diverse primate species including baboons and blue monkeys. The birdlife also differs between locations.
What is the best time of year for this safari?
This safari offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round. The dry season (June to October) generally provides clearer views and more concentrated wildlife around water sources. The green season (November to May) offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and exceptional birdwatching opportunities, particularly at Lake Manyara.
How physically demanding is the crater descent?
The descent into and ascent from the crater is done entirely by vehicle on established roads. The experience is not physically demanding, though some travelers may notice the altitude change (approximately 2,000 feet). Those with severe motion sickness might want to take appropriate medication before the descent.
What type of accommodation can we expect?
Accommodations for this safari range from comfortable mid-range lodges to luxury properties, depending on your preference and budget. All options provide essential amenities, private bathrooms, and authentic African hospitality. Lodges at Ngorongoro are typically positioned along the crater rim with spectacular views, while Lake Manyara accommodations offer either lake views or escarpment vistas.
Are all meals included in this safari package?
Yes, all meals mentioned in the itinerary are included: lunch on Day 1; dinner on Day 1; breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Day 2; and breakfast and lunch on Day 3. Most accommodations offer buffet-style meals with international and local cuisine. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
How long are the drives between destinations?
The drive from Arusha to Ngorongoro takes approximately 3-4 hours, while the journey from Ngorongoro to Lake Manyara is about 1-1.5 hours. The return from Lake Manyara to Arusha is roughly 2 hours. All drives offer scenic views and potential wildlife sightings.
Is Lake Manyara worth visiting during the dry season when the lake level is lower?
Absolutely. While the lake level fluctuates seasonally, affecting flamingo numbers, the park’s diverse habitats ensure excellent wildlife viewing year-round. During drier periods, animals concentrate around permanent water sources, often making them easier to locate. The famous tree-climbing lions and abundant mammal species can be seen regardless of lake levels.
How much time do we actually spend on game drives?
This safari includes approximately 3-4 hours in Ngorongoro Crater and 3-4 hours in Lake Manyara National Park. While this might seem brief compared to full-day drives, the concentrated nature of wildlife in both locations ensures rewarding experiences even during half-day excursions.
Can this itinerary be extended or combined with other parks?
Yes, this 2 Nights/3 Days safari serves as an excellent foundation for a more extensive northern circuit adventure. Popular extensions include adding the Serengeti (requiring 2-3 additional days) or Tarangire National Park (1-2 additional days). We can customize your itinerary to include any combination of Tanzania’s northern circuit parks.
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