A 2-day family safari to Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania can be a fantastic experience. Here’s a tailored itinerary that balances wildlife viewing with family-friendly activities:
This itinerary offers a well-rounded experience of Tanzania’s wildlife while keeping in mind the interests and comfort of your family. Adjustments can be made based on your preferences and the seasonality of wildlife movements.
Tanzania Adventures
Departure from Arusha: Leave early in the morning from Arusha, ensuring you have breakfast packed or ready at your accommodation.
Drive to Lake Manyara: The journey takes about 2-3 hours from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park.
Mid-Morning:Game Drive and Wildlife Viewing: Enter Lake Manyara National Park and embark on a game drive. Keep an eye out for elephants, giraffes, zebras, and the famous tree-climbing lions.
Lunch:Picnic Lunch: Stop at a designated picnic area within the park to enjoy lunch surrounded by the sounds of the bush
. Afternoon:Continue Game Drive: Explore different parts of the park, including the shores of Lake Manyara where you can spot hippos and a variety of bird species.
Late Afternoon:Travel to Ngorongoro Conservation Area: Leave Lake Manyara in the late afternoon and head towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive takes approximately 1.5-2 hours.
Evening:Check-in at Accommodation: Arrive at your lodge or camp near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Dinner and Relaxation: Enjoy dinner at the lodge. Hhando Coffee Lodge: on your accommodation, you may have activities such as stargazing or cultural performances to enjoy with your family.
Breakfast: Start with an early breakfast at your lodge or camp.
Descend into the Crater: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater as soon as it opens to maximize wildlife sightings when animals are most active.
Morning:Game Drive: Spend the morning exploring the crater floor. The Ngorongoro Crater is known for its high concentration of wildlife including lions, elephants, wildebeest, and rhinos.
Midday:Picnic Lunch: Have a picnic lunch at a scenic spot within the crater, surrounded by wildlife. Some lodges provide boxed lunches for this purpose.
Afternoon:Continue Game Drive: Explore different areas of the crater, perhaps visiting the Lerai Forest or the Hippo Pool.
Late Afternoon:Ascent from the Crater: Start ascending from the crater in the late afternoon to begin your journey back to Arusha or onward to your next destination.
Safety: Always follow park rules and guidelines, especially around wildlife.
Comfort: Ensure everyone has hats, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and plenty of water.
Education: Engage children with fun facts about the animals and environment they encounter.
Flexibility: Be prepared for wildlife sightings and allow time for spontaneous stops.
Park Fees (for Non-Residents)
1 night full board accommodation while on Safari
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
All Taxes/VAT
Drinking water on all days
A professional and specialist driver guide
Private Safari 4×4 Land Cruiser
All Taxes/ VAT
Ngorongoro Crater Fee
Tips to the Guide
Personal Items (Souvenirs, Travel Insurance, Visa Fees, etc.)
Government Imposed increase of Taxes and/ or Park Fees
Meals while in Arusha
Masai Village Visit – 20 USD per person
