2-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar – Fly-In Tarangire & Ngorongoro Adventure
Embark on a 2-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar, perfect for families, couples, and honeymooners who want a quick yet unforgettable wildlife adventure. Fly directly from Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) to Arusha and enjoy seamless transfers to two of Tanzania’s most celebrated parks—Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Just 120 km southwest of Arusha, Tarangire’s 2,850 km² savannah and iconic baobab trees provide a spectacular backdrop for spotting Tanzania’s largest elephant herds. During the dry season (June–October), wildlife congregates along the Tarangire River, drawing lions, leopards, and hyenas for dramatic predator–prey encounters.
Bird lovers will also appreciate over 500 bird species, from lilac-breasted rollers to yellow-collared lovebirds.
Next, explore the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Conservation Area, about 180 km west of Arusha, where the 2,000-foot-deep volcanic caldera hosts the Big Five—including rare black rhinos—plus hippos and Cape buffalo.
Enjoy a picnic lunch beside the famous hippo pool as you watch wildlife roam the lush crater floor.
Choose between a private safari for an intimate experience or a small-group tour for a sociable adventure.
Travel in a custom 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, guided by our expert, multilingual driver-guides who know every corner of these parks.
Accommodation options include some of the best mid-range and luxury lodges, such as Marera Valley Lodge or Mvuli Mountain Lodge, offering comfort and authentic safari style.
Whether it’s a family-friendly getaway, a romantic couple’s retreat, or a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon safari in Tanzania, Travel Wise Safari arranges everything—round-trip flights from Zanzibar to Arusha (≈1h15m), park permits, and lodge reservations—so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories.
Can be customized
You may request small adjustments to the accommodations or destinations included in this tour.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
Suitable for All Ages
Ideal for travelers of any age, offering a relaxed pace and family-friendly activities.
Route Overview: 2-Day Safari from Zanzibar to Tarangire & Ngorongoro
“Zanzibar to Tanzania Safari: Key Highlights of the 2-Day Adventure”
Day 1: Fly to Arusha – Discover Tarangire National Park
Morning: Take a morning flight from Zanzibar to Arusha, where your professional safari guide will greet you.
Midday: Embark on a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its majestic baobab trees, large elephant herds, and diverse wildlife.
Game Drive: Spend the afternoon spotting lions, zebras, giraffes, and perhaps even elusive leopards. Tarangire’s unique landscapes and seasonal swamps offer a rich safari experience.
Evening: Overnight near Tarangire with a delicious dinner under the African stars
Accommodations Options - Camping | Mid-range | Luxury
Luxury: Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge. | Mid-Range: Mvuli Mountain Lodge Ngorongoro | Camping: Migombani Campsite
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater Adventure – Fly Back to Zanzibar
Morning: After breakfast, journey to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Game Drive: Descend into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera for an unforgettable wildlife safari. Spot the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos—alongside countless other species. The crater floor is a natural wonderland teeming with life.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch amidst the stunning scenery before heading to Arusha Airport for your flight back to Zanzibar.
Evening: Arrive in Zanzibar with memories to last a lifetime.
Book this 2 day tour to Tanzania
Best Time to Go for a 2-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar
Plan your 2-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar around the seasons for the best wildlife experience.
Whether you choose a private fly-in safari or a small-group tour, understanding the climate in Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater helps you pick the perfect month.
Dry Season – June to October
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Peak wildlife viewing: Tarangire’s river draws huge elephant herds, lions, leopards, and other Big Five animals.
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Clear skies & easy travel: Dry roads and crisp mornings make this the best time to visit Tanzania for safari and to fly from Zanzibar to Arusha.
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Ideal for families, couples, and honeymooners seeking dramatic game drives.
Green Season – November to May
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Lush scenery & fewer crowds: Short rains (Nov–Dec) and long rains (Mar–May) create vibrant landscapes and lower lodge rates.
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Bird-watching paradise: Over 500 species in Tarangire; great for photographers.
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January–March brings wildebeest calving near the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Climate Tips
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Arusha/Tarangire: Days 20–28 °C, nights ~10 °C.
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Ngorongoro Rim: Cooler mornings—pack a light jacket.
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Zanzibar: Warm and humid year-round (25–30 °C).
Booking Advice
Flights from Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) to Arusha (ARK) operate year-round on Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, and Flightlink.
For peak months (July–September and late December), book your 2-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar at least 3–6 months in advance to secure preferred lodges, such as Marera Valley Lodge or Mvuli Mountain Lodge.
Quick Takeaway:
The dry season from June to October is the best time to visit Tanzania for a 2-Day Safari from Zanzibar if you want the highest concentration of wildlife.
The green season rewards travelers with beautiful scenery, incredible birdlife, and fewer crowds—perfect for a relaxed private or group safari.
Related 2 Day Safari Packages
Tour Type: Private
Days: 2 Days / 1 Night
Style: Fly-in or Drive-in
Start Point: Zanzibar or Arusha
Parks: Serengeti National Park
Tour Type: Private
Days: 2 Days / 1 Night
Style: Fly-in or Drive-in
Start Point: Zanzibar or Arusha
Parks: Serengeti National Park
Other 2-Day Safari Packages from Zanzibar
If you’re interested in a short wildlife adventure from Zanzibar but want something a little different, we also offer other 2-day Tanzania safaris from Zanzibar. These packages combine thrilling game drives with unique landscapes, cultural encounters, and natural wonders — all starting and ending on Zanzibar Island.
2-Day Safari – Tarangire & Arusha National Park
2-Day Safari – Tarangire & Arusha National Park 🐘🌳 – A perfect mix of wildlife and scenic beauty. Experience Tarangire’s famous elephant herds and baobab trees, then explore Arusha National Park’s volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and rich birdlife. Ideal for travelers who want variety and fewer crowds.
2-Day Safari – Tarangire & Materuni Waterfalls
2-Day Safari – Tarangire & Materuni Waterfalls + Chemka Hot Springs 🏞💦 – Combine the thrill of game drives in Tarangire with the beauty of Materuni’s rainforest waterfall, a hands-on coffee farm experience, and a refreshing swim in the turquoise Chemka Hot Springs. Perfect for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts.
Itineraries
Tarangire + Arusha N.Park Walking Safari
Day 1: Zanzibar – Tarangire National Park
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Morning flight from Zanzibar to Arusha (or Kilimanjaro Airport).
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Meet your professional driver-guide and begin your journey to Tarangire National Park.
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Enjoy a full-day game drive in a park famous for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and varied wildlife, including lions, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests.
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Picnic lunch in the park with sweeping savannah views.
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Late afternoon transfer to Arusha Farm Lodge/Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Arusha Farm Lodge/Hotel – Comfortable rooms, beautiful gardens, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Day 2: Arusha National Park – Zanzibar
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After breakfast, take a short drive to Arusha National Park.
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Begin your morning with a 2-hour guided walking safari led by an armed park ranger. Walk through lush forests and open savannah, learning about animal tracks, plants, and smaller wildlife often missed from the vehicle. Enjoy close-up views of giraffes, zebras, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.
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Continue with a game drive across the park’s diverse landscapes — from montane forests to the open plains — with breathtaking views of Mount Meru and the shimmering Momella Lakes.
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Spot wildlife such as buffalos, colobus monkeys, flamingos, and even elusive leopards.
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Afternoon transfer back to Arusha Airport for your return flight to Zanzibar.a
What includes and Excludes
Inclusions:
✔️ Flight from Zanzibar to Arusha and back to Zanzibar
✔️ Transport and game drives in a well-maintained 4WD Land Cruiser with a photographic roof hatch
✔️ Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide
✔️ All game reserve entry fees
✔️ All game drives as per the itinerary
✔️ 1 nights' full-board accommodation at safari lodges or tented camps
✔️ 1.5 liters of mineral water per person per day during game drives
✔️ Tourist Development Levy
✔️ Wildlife Management Area Fees (where applicable)
✔️ Value Added Tax (VAT) by the Tanzania Revenue Authority
Exclusions:
❌ All items of a personal nature
❌ Tips and gratuities for safari guide & lodge/camp staff
❌ Travel insurance
❌ Accommodation in Arusha before/after the safari
❌ Laundry services during the safari
❌ Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks & beverages
See the Parks on Your 2-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar
Tarangire National Park
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Famous for its towering baobab trees and massive elephant herds, Tarangire is often called the “home of the giants.”
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Expect to see lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and over 500 species of birds.
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Its quieter atmosphere compared to Serengeti ensures a more intimate safari experience.
Ngorongoro Crater
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Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most breathtaking wildlife areas.
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This volcanic caldera offers one of the best opportunities to see the Big Five — lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and black rhino — all in one day.
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The crater floor’s grasslands, acacia forests, and soda lakes create stunning scenery and rich habitats.
Parks & Flights for Your 2-Day Tanzania Safari Starting from Zanzibar
Questions About 2-Day Safaris From Zanzibar
Which national parks are usually visited during a 2-day Safari from Zanzibar?
When going on a 2-day safari from Zanzibar, you will likely travel on day 1 and return on day 2, giving you one night in the park of your choice. To make the most of your limited time, it's best to fly to an airstrip inside or very close to the park in both directions. With only 2 days and 1 night in a park, you should choose wisely.
If you opt to visit Tanzania’s south, Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) or Mikumi National Park are great choices. On the other hand, if you head north, Serengeti National Park would be my first recommendation, despite the relatively long flight. Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, or Ngorongoro Crater also promise an amazing safari experience.
Is the south or north of Tanzania better for a 2-day safari from Zanzibar?
When choosing a safari park in either the south or north of Tanzania, it's hard to go wrong. It's essential to ask your safari tour operator if you can fly directly to the park from Zanzibar or if you have to change planes, as this could consume valuable time during a short 2-day trip. Generally, it's easier to find direct flights to southern Tanzanian parks. However, it's best to confirm with your operator.
In terms of wildlife, there isn't much difference between the parks. Most safari animal highlights such as big cats, elephants, giraffes, and zebras can be spotted in all parks across both regions. Nyerere Park offers a unique boat safari on the Rufiji River, which is not available in other parks. However, keep in mind that time spent on the boat will reduce the time available for game drives, where you're likely to see more animals.
Are 2 days enough for a trip from Zanzibar?
The simple answer is no, but having 2 days is better than having none at all. There are various tours and packages available, but a 2-day safari from Zanzibar will always involve flying to the park on day 1 and flying back on day 2.
The advantage of this, compared to a 1-day safari, is that you get to stay overnight in the destination and have time for game drives during the best times for seeing animals: late afternoon and early morning. The downside is that you won't have a full day in the park you're visiting.
After your 2 days, you will almost certainly wish that you had more time. However, the same could be said for nearly any length of safari. Additionally, if I had to choose between a 2-day safari from Zanzibar and no safari at all, I would pick the 2-day safari every single time.
Are all 2-day safaris from Zanzibar fly-in safaris?
Because Zanzibar is an island, it is not possible to have a classic safari experience there. As a result, you will need to fly to the Tanzanian mainland and then back to Zanzibar. Due to the limited time typically available for a 2-day safari, flying is the best way to maximize that time. However, there are both pros and cons to flying.
On the one hand, flying is expensive, making it nearly impossible to arrange an affordable 2-day safari from Zanzibar. On the other hand, if it is within your budget, the views as you fly into the park should be well worth the cost. Your trip will feel less like a transfer and more like a scenic flight. A fly-in safari means flying from Zanzibar into an airstrip inside the national park, or just outside the park gate in the case of Nyerere. This airstrip is often close to your accommodation, and you will be driven around in a safari 4WD vehicle while in the park or reserve.
How much does a 2-day trip from Zanzibar cost?
When planning a 2-day safari from Zanzibar, you'll find a wide range of packages and tours offered by different operators, leading to varying prices. The cost of your safari will be at least US$500 per person per day due to expensive air transfers. During high season and if you opt for luxury accommodation, the cost can be even higher. It's crucial to clarify what is included and excluded from the quoted price with your tour operator. Typically, the price should cover air transfers, park entry fees, accommodation, meals, guide, vehicle, and driver.
However, it's essential to ask for a full list of inclusions and exclusions to avoid surprises during payment.
Is this safari suitable for families with children?
Yes, this safari is family-friendly! However, we recommend discussing with us if you have young children to ensure the itinerary suits their needs.
How do I book this safari?
Booking is easy! Click the "Plan Your Safari Now" button on this page or contact us directly via email or phone. A deposit is required to secure your spot, with flexible payment options available.
What happens in case of flight delays or cancellations?
Our team will coordinate any necessary changes to your itinerary to ensure you can still enjoy your safari. We recommend booking travel insurance for extra peace of mind.