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2 Days 1 Night Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater: An Ultimate Guide
Are you looking for the perfect getaway to Tanzania and wanting to explore the iconic Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater in a limited amount of time? Or are you planning to visit the Northern Tanzania and want to dig into the deepest secrets of both Tarangire, and Ngorongoro crater? Then you’ve come to the right place as this ultimate guide will help you in navigating all the amazing activities, sites and tips that you need to keep in mind during your amazing two days and one night stay with us.
What is Tarangire?
Tarangire is a national park located in the manyara region of Northern Tanzania. Famous for its migration of the largest elephant herds in East Africa, it is also home to large herds of oryx, gazelle, buffalo, eland and hartebeest. Apart from its verdant savannah filled with numerous impressive baobab trees and swamps, this Tanzania national park is also home to several small lakes on the banks of which many species of birds like flamingos, hornbills and scarlet-chested sunbirds can be found.
What Must-Do Activities Are There To Do In Tarangire?
Apart from spotting some of the most unique wildlife present in Africa, Tarangire is also an adventure-filled national park with many must-do activities that can be enjoyed by all visitors. Here are some of the most popular things that you must do while visiting Taranagire
- Game Drive – Game drives are a great way to explore the bush of Taranganire with a knowledgeable guide who will point out numerous exciting species of animals during your journey. It usually takes around 3-4 hours and you can enjoy it either in a mini-bus or a jeep.
- Night Game Drive – If you want to enjoy the wonders of the nocturnal African wildlife then night game drives in Tarangire are a must-do. It’s an entirely different experience from game drives during day time and you can spot animals like leopards, porcupines, mongooses and more!
- Sunset Boat Ride – To enjoy some splendid moments at the end of the day, book a sunset boat ride on the banks of Lake Manyara which will give you some postcard-perfect views of flamingos flying home as the sun sets in the horizon.
- Visit Maasai Villages – If you want to learn more about the culture, history and lifestyle of Maasai people then you must visit one of the many villages that dot the region close to Tarangire. It’s an incredible experience and you could learn some amazing things if you interact properly with locals present there.
What is Ngorongoro Crater?
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located in Northern Tanzania and is home to one of the seven natural wonders of Africa – the Ngorongoro Crater. It is one of the most pristine caldera (also called a cauldron) present on this continent and it is habitat for some of Africa’s most famous wild animals such as the endangered black rhino, lions, elephants, hippos and cheetahs. Ngorongoro crater was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and has been drawing tourist from far away lands ever since.
What Activities Should You Do In Ngorongoro Crater?
Visiting Ngorongoro Crater is an experience like no other and there are numerous activities that you can partake in for making your time even more memorable. Here are some activities that you must do while visiting this legendary tourist destination:
- Game Drive – A game drive while in Ngorongoro is altogether different from any other game drive experience as it follows a slightly different route across the crater floor. Lasting for 3-4 hours, it’s the perfect way to start your visit to Ngorongoro crater.
- Walking Safari – For those advocating for animal conservation and worried about the negative impacts that overloading game drives could create on wildlife, then a walking safari around Ngorongoro Crater might just be the right thing for them. You can enjoy as much or less of this activity while closely looking at plants, animals and even picking up useful insight from your knowledgeable guide.
- Night Game Drive – For those brave souls wanting to experience the wonders of African wildlife during night time, then a night game drive is without a doubt the ticket for you. Not only will you get a glimpse of some nocturnal species but you can also be in rapture as you see several constellations sparkling across the night sky.
- Birdwatching – Birdwatchers from all around the world often flock to Ngorongoro crater as it’s home to over 300 species of birds including some endangered birds like vultures and kaffirs. Our experienced birders will help you find birds of your choice and make your birding experience even more interesting.
Tips For Your Stay At Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater
Apart from the activities that we have already discussed above, here are some additional tips that would help make your visit even more enjoyable:
- Wear Appropriate Clothes – Since these two locations constitute arid regions, make sure that you carry along appropriate clothing such as light-colored and loose cotton clothing, sunhats and sunglasses with high UV protection. This would help protect your skin from tanning during early parts of the morning or during intense sunsets.
- Carry Enough Eating Supplies – Both Tarangire and Ngorongoro would require long periods away from civilization and hence it’s best to carry enough eating supplies like pre-packaged snacks, cereal bars and plenty of water during game drives and treks.
- Make Sure To Carry Insect Repellents – These regions though gorgeous, still come with all kinds of pests such as mosquitoes which could cause great discomfort during treks due to their buzzing. Hence, it’s best to carry some form of insect repellents such as those containing DEET or those equipped with natural citronella.
- Don’t Forget To Bring Binoculars – If you plan on being close enough with animals during your tour then it’s best to bring along binoculars with sufficient volume to get close enough without risking too much too soon.
Overall, Tarangire & Ngorongoro crater is one of those rare locations where one can experience both remarkable wildlife and stunningly beautiful landscapes in a very limited duration. Whether one opts for activities ranging from birdwatching to trekking or wants to enjoy some magnificent moments while exploring the vast Tanzanian savannas, both these locations guarantee something special for all who visit it. To make sure that you don’t miss out on anything during your tour, we recommend that you take this Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater Tours (2 days/1 night). So make sure that you book your perfect getaway soon and fill your Tanzania trip with unforgettable experiences!
