Tour Overview
This 2-day Arusha National Park and Lake Manyara safari offers an extraordinary combination of active adventure and unique wildlife viewing. Arusha National Park, often called the "Mini-Serengeti," is a hidden gem offering the rare experience of a walking safari accompanied by an armed ranger. The park's diverse landscapes include the towering Mount Meru, the beautiful Momella Lakes, and the volcanic Ngurdoto Crater.
Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions – one of the few places in Africa where this rare behavior can be observed. The park's diverse habitats, from groundwater forests to soda lakes, support over 400 bird species, including thousands of flamingos.
This safari is perfect for travelers seeking both active exploration and exceptional wildlife viewing, with shorter driving distances from Arusha making it an ideal 2-day getaway.
Tour Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Price: Available on Request
Destinations: Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Great Rift Valley, Mount Meru
Activities: Walking safari, private game drives, canoeing (optional), birdwatching, tree-climbing lion spotting
Departure: Arusha or Moshi
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha – Arusha National Park
Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. After a brief introduction from your professional driver-guide, you will embark on a scenic 45-minute drive to Arusha National Park.
Upon arrival, you will begin with a unique walking safari, accompanied by an armed ranger. This is a rare opportunity to walk through the lush montane forests and open grasslands, getting closer to wildlife than you could from a vehicle. You will encounter giraffes up close, zebras grazing, buffaloes at a safe distance, and a variety of primates including blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Following the walking safari, you will explore the park by vehicle, driving to the Momella Lakes. This series of seven shallow lakes is a birdwatcher's paradise, with flamingos, pelicans, and storks, and offers spectacular views of Mount Meru reflected in the water. You will also visit the Ngurdoto Crater, a smaller volcanic crater with a forested rim and swampy floor.
For those seeking extra adventure, an optional canoeing experience on the Momella Lakes is available, offering unique views of Mount Meru and close encounters with waterbirds. After a picnic lunch at a scenic site, you will have additional game viewing opportunities before departing in the late afternoon. You will then transfer to your accommodation near Lake Manyara or Karatu for check-in, dinner, and overnight stay.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Choice of budget, mid-range, or luxury
Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park – Arusha
After an early breakfast at your lodge, you will drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a journey of approximately 30-45 minutes through the scenic Great Rift Valley.
Upon arrival, you will begin your full-day game drive. The park's groundwater forest is home to one of the largest baboon troops in Africa, along with blue monkeys, bushbucks, and waterbucks. The forest gives way to acacia woodlands where you will search for the park's famous tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior seen in only a few places in Africa.
As you continue toward the lake shore, thousands of flamingos line the alkaline waters, joined by pelicans, storks, and over 400 bird species. At the hippo pools, you can observe hippos wallowing and crocodiles basking on the shores.
Midday brings a delicious picnic lunch at a scenic site with views of the lake and Rift Valley escarpment. In the afternoon, you will explore different habitats, from seasonal swamps to open grasslands, searching for giraffes, zebras, elephants, and predators like lions and spotted hyenas.
In the late afternoon, you will depart the park and begin your scenic drive back to Arusha, arriving in the evening for drop-off at your hotel or agreed location.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Not included (return to Arusha)
What's Included
| ✅ Included | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof | |
| Guide | Professional English-speaking driver-guide | |
| Park Fees | Arusha National Park entry fees | |
| Park Fees | Lake Manyara National Park entry fees | |
| Walking Safari | Guided walking safari with armed ranger | |
| Accommodation | 1 night (choice of budget, mid-range, or luxury) | |
| Meals | Day 1: Lunch, Dinner | Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch |
| Drinks | Bottled water throughout the tour | |
| Binoculars | Provided for wildlife viewing | |
| Transfers | Hotel pick-up and drop-off | |
| Taxes | All government taxes and VAT |
What's Not Included
| ❌ Not Included | Details |
|---|---|
| Flights | International flights |
| Visa | Tanzania visa (available on arrival) |
| Insurance | Travel insurance (mandatory) |
| Tips | Gratuities for guide and staff |
| Alcohol | Alcoholic beverages |
| Personal Items | Souvenirs and personal expenses |
| Canoeing | Optional canoeing experience |
Accommodation Options
Budget Options
| Property | Location | Approx. Nightly Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Karatu Simba Lodge | Karatu | $90 – $130 pp |
| Kudu Camp | Karatu | $70 – $100 pp |
Mid-Range Options
| Property | Location | Approx. Nightly Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Manyara Hotel | Karatu | $160 – $230 pp |
| Ngorongoro Farmhouse | Karatu | $150 – $220 pp |
Luxury Options
| Property | Location | Approx. Nightly Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Manyara Tree Lodge | Inside Manyara | $600 – $900 pp |
| Manyara's Secret | Near Manyara | $450 – $700 pp |
Pricing
| Group Size | Budget (USD) | Mid-Range (USD) | Luxury (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $580 – $680 | $780 – $880 | $1,050 – $1,350 |
| 2 Persons | $400 – $500 | $580 – $680 | $800 – $1,050 |
| 3 Persons | $350 – $430 | $500 – $600 | $680 – $930 |
| 4 Persons | $310 – $380 | $450 – $530 | $600 – $800 |
Contact us for a personalized, no-obligation quote.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | June – October | Excellent wildlife viewing, clear skies |
| Wet Season | November – May | Lush landscapes, fewer crowds |
| Best Overall | June – October | Exceptional wildlife viewing |
Wildlife You Can Expect to See
Arusha National Park
| Animal | Abundance |
|---|---|
| Giraffe | High |
| Zebra | High |
| Buffalo | High |
| Colobus Monkey | High |
| Blue Monkey | High |
Lake Manyara National Park
| Animal | Abundance |
|---|---|
| Tree-Climbing Lions | High |
| Elephant | High |
| Giraffe | High |
| Baboon | Very High |
| Flamingo | Seasonal |
| Hippo | High |
Why Choose This Safari
- Walking Safari: Unique opportunity to walk with wildlife in Arusha National Park
- Tree-Climbing Lions: Rare behavior seen in Lake Manyara
- Mount Meru Views: Stunning scenery throughout
- Shorter Distances: More time in parks, less on the road
- Diverse Activities: Game drives, walking, optional canoeing
