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2 day safari from zanzibar to mainland tanzania

2 Day Tanzania Short Safari from Zanzibar 

This 2-day safari from Zanzibar combines two of Tanzania's top national parks, Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater. You'll have the chance to see the Big Five and more amazing wildlife.​

Tarangire National Park is especially captivating during the dry season when the Tarangire River becomes a vital animal water source. It's home to Tanzania's largest elephant population, and as herds of wildebeest and zebras migrate to the river, you'll witness a dynamic display of nature's power, attracting lions, leopards, and hyenas.​

Next, you'll visit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you can spot cape buffalo, rhinoceros, and hippos in the lush plains of the caldera. Enjoy a unique experience with a picnic lunch by the hippo pool, dining just a few feet away from these impressive herbivores.

If you're in Zanzibar and want to explore Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater, we can make it happen. You can choose between a private safari or join a group with other travelers. We can also assist you in booking flights from Zanzibar and back after the safari.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2 DAY TOUR

DAY 1 - Fly to Arusha then Drive to Tarangire National Park 

 

DAY 2 - Ngorongoro Crater Game Driver then fly to Zanzibar

 

Glimpse of what you will experience in this 2 Day tour starting from Zanzibar 

From $818 pp

2 Days

Wildlife-Tour

Private 

Customisable

2 Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar Island to Northern Park $ Price

Detailed Itinerary

Tanzania safari

DAY 1 - FLY FROM ZANZIBAR - ARUSHA - TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

Your safari adventure begins today! You'll start by getting picked up from your hotel in Zanzibar and taken to the airport. After a one-hour flight to Arusha in a small plane, your guide will meet you at Arusha Airport and drive you for about two hours to Tarangire National Park. This park is famous for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, some of the biggest trees in Africa.

 

While driving through the park in a vehicle with an open roof, you'll get to see seasonal swamps, savannas, and the Tarangire River, which is teeming with wildlife, including various birds, giraffes, impalas, zebras, lions, leopards, elands, warthogs, and elephants.

 

Later in the day, you'll head to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation:
- Name: Heart and Soul Lodge
- Level: Mid-range Lodge
- Destination: Tarangire National Park

NGORONGORO CRATER - ARUSHA - ZANZIBAR

DAY 2   NGORONGORO CRATER - ARUSHA - ZANZIBAR

After breakfast, travel to the Ngorongoro Crater, often considered an unforgettable natural wonder. This place is home to over 120 species of animals, including the famous Big Five. It's a great place to see the endangered black rhino feeding alone in the grass and lots of hippos cooling off in the water.

From your open vehicle, you'll have the opportunity to observe and photograph some of Africa's most famous animals. The crater is home to numerous predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas, and a large population of wildebeest, zebras, antelopes, Cape buffalo, and more. It is undoubtedly one of the top safari destinations in Africa.

After an exciting day, enjoy a picnic lunch near the park's famous hippo pool. You will then return to Arusha. At an additional cost, you can arrange accommodation in Arusha or a transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for a return flight to Zanzibar.


End of the Tour

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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.