2 Days Budget Safari Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater
Budget Safari in Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater is a 2 days wildlife safari designed to carter for travelers with limited time and budget but want to exerience African Safaris. The safari is considered as a weekend break since one can spend his / her to weekend to conduct it and see large number of animals include the BIG FIVE (Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Rhino and Buffalo).
The road distance between these two parks Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater is about 178.4 and to shorten you will stay at Mto wa Mbu area on the first day after visiting Tarangire. The mto wa mbu town is at the floor of the Eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley and it is almost midway between Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro crater.
While in this budget safari you will see Large herds of elephants particularly in Tarangire since this park boast the largest population of elephants and buffaloes in Northern Tanzania region. However this park share its ecosystem with the neighbor park Lake Manyara National Park. At different season of the year the migratory animals tends to move between the two parks and makes it one of the best game viewing destination due to the abundant presence of wildlife. The most common animals of this park include buffaloes, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, impalas, dik diks, leopards, gazelles, elands, hartebeests and many others. There are also rare animals such as oryx and the gerenuk in the Tarangire national park as well as over 550 bird species which is the largest of all parks in Tanzania.
The 2 days Budget Safari Tarangire and Ngorongoro crater finally takes you the world heritage site the Ngorongoro Conservation area which spans vast expanses of highland plains, savanna, savanna woodlands and forests. The Ngorongoro Conservation area is known for its multiple land use with wildlife co-existing with the semi-nomadic Maasai Pastoralists. The Conservation area is also the home to the Ngorongoro Crater which is the world largest intact caldera inhabited by a large number of animals. The animals of Ngorongoro crater includes all the BIG FIVE such as Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, the shy leopards and the rare Black Rhinos. Furthermore the Ngorongoro crater is said to host the highest concentration of wildlife per square kilometer.
Along the way you will the scattered Maasai Villages and the maasai people rearing their livestocks.
In Tarangire park there are beautiful landscapes feautred with savannah vegetation dotted with giant baobab trees.
2 Days Budget Safari Tarangire and Ngorongoro Itinerary
Day 1: Tarangire National Park
Departure from Arusha
Your adventure begins in Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. After an early breakfast, you’ll meet your guide and set off on a roughly two-hour drive to Tarangire National Park. The journey itself is an opportunity to see the Tanzanian countryside and get a glimpse of local life.
Exploring Tarangire
Upon arrival at Tarangire, you’ll be greeted by the sight of massive baobab trees and acacia woodlands. This park is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, but it boasts an impressive array of wildlife and fewer tourists, offering a more intimate safari experience.
Tarangire is renowned for its high density of elephants. You can expect to see large herds of these majestic creatures, as well as giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and various antelope species. If you’re lucky, you might also spot predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs lurking nearby.
The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 500 bird species recorded. Keep your binoculars handy to spot some vivid feathered friends, including the yellow-collared lovebird and the mouse-colored penduline tit.
Lunch and Game Drives
A picnic lunch in the park is a chance to enjoy a meal in the company of nature. After lunch, you’ll embark on another game drive. The afternoon hours can be magical as animals become more active after the heat of the day subsides.
As the sun begins to set, you’ll exit the park and head to your accommodation. Options for budget travelers range from campsites where you can sleep under the stars to more comfortable lodges with basic amenities.
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater
Sunrise and Descent into the Crater
An early start is crucial to make the most of your day in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. After breakfast, you’ll drive to the crater’s rim and then descend 600 meters into this World Heritage site.
The Ngorongoro Crater, a caldera formed by a collapsed volcano, is a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife. It’s one of the few places in Africa where you have an excellent chance of seeing the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) in a single day.
Game Viewing
Your game drive in the crater is a continuous stream of wildlife encounters. The dense animal population and limited space mean that sightings are frequent and varied. You’ll see herds of wildebeests and zebras grazing while warthogs scuttle through the grasslands. Keep an eye out for the endangered black rhino, which finds sanctuary in the crater.
The lakes and swamps of the crater floor attract flamingos and other water birds, creating a contrast of colors against the greenery and the blue sky.
Lunch by the Hippo Pool
Lunch is usually enjoyed near a hippo pool, where you can observe the hippos’ amusing antics. It’s a perfect time to reflect on the morning’s sightings and prepare for the afternoon.
Cultural Experience
After lunch, you might have the option to visit a Maasai village on the crater’s rim. The Maasai people are indigenous to this area and have maintained their traditional way of life. A visit provides insight into their culture, traditions, and how they coexist with the surrounding wildlife.
Return to Arusha
As the afternoon wanes, you’ll leave the crater and head back to Arusha. The drive is a chance to digest the past two days’ experiences. You’ll arrive back in the early evening, with plenty of time to rest and reminisce about your safari adventures.
2 Days Budget Safari Tarangire and Ngorongoro Cost:
| Number of Pax | 1 pax | 2 pax | 3 pax | 4 pax | 5 pax | 6 pax |
| Per person price |
$ 1080
|
$ 670 | $ 550 | $ 500 | $ 400 | $ 380 |
Safari Cost Includes
Transport in 4×4 safari vehicle with an open roof
Picnic lunch boxes
Park fees and Ngorongoro crater service fee
Accommodation in basic camping with three meals
A bottle of water 1.5 liter per person daily
Safari Cost Excludes
Accommodation in Arusha
Sleeping bag
Drinks
Travelers medical Insurance
Tips for a Budget Safari
- Book in Advance: To get the best deals on accommodation and tours, plan and book your safari well in advance.
- Travel in a Group: Joining a group safari can significantly reduce costs as you share transportation and guide fees.
- Pack Wisely: Bring everything you need, including sunscreen, insect repellent, and appropriate clothing, to avoid purchasing expensive items on site.
- Stay in Basic Accommodation: Opt for campsites or budget lodges rather than luxury tents or lodges.
- Eat Local: Try local food in Arusha before and after your safari for an authentic and cost-effective dining experience.