Two Day Tanzania Safari Tour

Questions About 2-Day Safari in Tanzania

Are there 2-day tours available to Tanzanian parks and reserves?

• “There are various 2-day/1-night tours offered in Tanzania. Most safaris typically commence from Arusha or Dar es Salaam, but it's also feasible to arrange a quick 2-day safari from Zanzibar. Arusha serves as the gateway to the Northern safari circuit in the country. To explore the entire circuit, a duration of at least 4 or 5 days is necessary, but within 2 days, you can visit the renowned Ngorongoro Crater alongside either Tarangire or Lake Manyara National Parks. Alternatively, you could choose to lessen travel time and dedicate both days to just one of these locations. An even more accessible option is an overnight trip to Arusha National Park, which is situated not far from the city. Here, you can experience game drives and walking safaris, but the highlight is the canoe excursions on the Momella Lakes, where large groups of flamingos often visit.

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• From Dar es Salaam, a suitable 2-day safari destination is Mikumi National Park. If you position yourself near one of the waterholes, you may witness a continual influx of wildlife, including large herds of buffalo, coming to drink. Alternatively, you could visit Saadani National Park, which extends to the shores of the Indian Ocean. It is possible to drive there (the journey takes roughly three hours), but boat transfers are also an option. Nyerere National Park (previously known as Selous Game Reserve) can also be reached on a 2-day road trip from Dar es Salaam, although due to the distance, a fly-in trip is more advisable.”

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What can I expect from a 2-day Tanzania safari?

• “Typically, on a 2-day safari, you’ll be picked up at your lodging either at dawn or right after an early breakfast. You will usually embark on a drive lasting several hours to reach the park. This journey provides a chance to observe rural Tanzania. Upon arriving at the park's entrance, your driver-guide will take a few moments to finalize the necessary paperwork and raise the roof of your 4x4. This marks the beginning of your game drive. Your guide will navigate slowly while searching for wildlife. You can either relax and sit or stand up to scan for animals.

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• When the animals seek refuge from the heat of the sun, it’s time to pause for lunch at a picnic area, which may be at a picturesque viewpoint or near a waterhole where you can observe the wildlife coming to drink. The afternoon will be spent searching for more animals before you head to your accommodation for the evening. After an early breakfast the next day, you might enjoy another game drive before starting the drive back to the city. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel in time for dinner.”

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Is it safe to book a 2-day tour in Tanzania?

• “All safaris in Tanzania operated by reputable companies are generally very safe. The national parks and reserves experience almost no crime. However, like in any part of the world, urban areas can be hotspots for crime. Most tours originate from Arusha or Dar es Salaam.

• Numerous travelers explore Arusha without issues, but we recommend steering clear of crowded places, like the market and bus station, and adhering to some safety guidelines. Dar es Salaam has a notorious reputation for crime, which necessitates more caution. It's not advisable to explore the city alone; instead, consider booking a tour or using a taxi for transportation.”

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Is it possible to see the Big Five in 2 days?

• Tanzania offers amazing opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially on a 4- to 5-day safari across the Northern circuit, where your likelihood of spotting the Big Five is quite high. However, this becomes more challenging on a 2-day excursion. Most parks and reserves in Tanzania lack rhinos, with the Ngorongoro Crater being the only reliable location to observe black rhinos in their natural habitat. The other four members of the Big Five can often be found here, though finding a leopard requires a bit of luck. 

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• During the Dry season, Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds, and buffalo can often be seen as well. However, sightings of big cats tend to be inconsistent. Lake Manyara offers excellent general wildlife viewing, including the chance to see lions that climb trees. Arusha National Park is not typically a classic safari spot. While it is home to many animals, such as the striking black-and-white colobus monkey, there are limited chances of encountering any of the Big Five, aside from possibly buffalo. In Mikumi, three of the Big Five are frequently visible, but leopards are seldom seen. In Saadani, although wildlife densities are relatively low, you might come across elephants, giraffes, and various species of antelope. A highlight of Saadani is taking a boat trip along the Wami River, which is bordered by mangroves.

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Is a 2-day Tanzania safari worth it?

• “Whenever you can find time, it’s always valuable to go on a safari. While a true safari typically requires spending a few nights in the wilderness, sometimes a short Tanzania safari may be all that fits into your schedule. You might be in Dar es Salaam for business and searching for a great way to utilize a free weekend. Alternatively, if you have planned a beach getaway in Zanzibar, you might want to incorporate a small safari adventure with a 2-day trip into the wild. Or perhaps your budget permits only a 2-day safari. You might be surprised by how much you can experience during an overnight tour, and hopefully, it will motivate you to embark on a longer safari in the future.”

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How much will this 2 day safari cost?

• There is a wide variety of prices for a 2-day safari in Tanzania. The most affordable 2-day budget camping tours begin at approximately US$400 per person. Private tours tend to be slightly more expensive than group tours, where a vehicle may accommodate six to eight individuals. Mid-range private tours, offering basic lodging, start at around US$500 per person, while luxury safaris begin at roughly US$800 per person. Fly-in Nyerere packages are available starting at about US$750 per person for an overnight experience. Utilize the filters on the SafariBookings website to refine your search, and it’s advisable to request several quotes before confirming a booking.

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Are all 2-day safaris from Zanzibar fly-in safaris?

• “Any 2-day safari departing from Zanzibar will necessitate a flight to the mainland. This is because a traditional safari cannot be conducted on Zanzibar Island itself. While Zanzibar does have some wildlife parks, they resemble more of a zoo experience rather than a true safari where one can observe animals in their natural habitat.

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• The option with the least amount of flying is a visit to Saadani National Park, located near Dar es Salaam. You can either fly (or take a boat) to Dar and then drive to Saadani. All other safari alternatives require a flight from Zanzibar to your selected park; typically, this is Nyerere or Mikumi National Parks located in the south.

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• There are numerous tours and packages available, but the genuine fly-in safari consists of flying to an airstrip within (or just outside) the national park, where you will be collected and taken to your lodging. This is generally how most safaris from Zanzibar function.”

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