Arusha: A Review of 2-Day Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire Safari

So, you’re looking at doing a Tanzania safari, huh? Maybe you’ve got that short amount of time, that just can’t get stretched, to fit in that crazy long trip. In that case, maybe that super quick 2-day safari circling Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire sounds like that fantastic option. That raises that question: Is it actually worth doing? That is, do you actually see things? Will it feel crazily rushed? Is that whole experience one that you’ll cherish? Alright, so let’s break down my experience and get into whether or not it’s a thumbs up or a thumbs down.

First Stop: Tarangire National Park – Elephants Galore!

Alright, Tarangire, well it is almost like it’s famed for those huge herds of elephants, like seriously famed. When I went, that dry season really gave us those amazing sightings because the elephants kinda all congregate at that Tarangire River trying to get that drink. Honestly, it’s such that amazing sight seeing hundreds of these majestic creatures all milling around. Okay, so, those baobab trees, you know, those “upside-down trees?” Well, too, they give that pretty iconic look to the entire park. It’s such that interesting spot and the scenic views are something else!

That thing to keep in mind is that Tarangire could be seriously baking hot. That sun really beats down, and there isn’t really that much shade, so it is often really key to lather on that sunscreen and remember that hat. It’s almost a shame if that heat spoils what is otherwise that spectacular wildlife experience.

What I saw in Tarangire:

Elephants. Lots and lots of elephants! That whole range of sizes from little babies up to those massive tuskers.
Giraffes. These graceful creatures munching on leaves right at that very top of those trees.
Zebras and wildebeest. A huge amount of them grazing on those open plains.
Different birds. Seriously bring those binoculars – that birdlife could be seriously abundant.

Ngorongoro Crater: A World of Its Own

Okay, so that Ngorongoro Crater, it is very, very much like stepping into that totally different world. Imagine that big volcano collapsed in on itself millions of years ago, yet it left behind such that unbelievably fertile and protected space. Getting down into that crater itself could be very something else – those views from that rim looking down are really spectacular. It’s often so that you just feel like you’re staring into something that belongs on those pages of National Geographic.

The crater floor, so too, teems with that wildlife, like really it does. That incredible thing, I believe, could be how close you get to those animals. Lions, that could be very sleepy, lounging just that few feet from those vehicles. It’s that feeling, so, that you are seeing that pure nature unfolding around you.

Things that stand out from the Ngorongoro Crater visit:

The concentration of animals. Seriously, they’re very all there!
That pretty chance to see a rhino. Those are very rare, yet that crater gives a good shot at spotting them.
That scenic beauty. That crater floor, those shimmering lakes, it makes you want that camera all the time.

Accommodation: Lodges or Camping?

Well, those safari companies typically give you a choice here. That could be very fancy lodges or perhaps that slightly more budget-friendly camping option. I often picked a lodge, mostly because that comfortable bed after that tiring day bumping around those parks sounded a lot nicer. Still, that camping could be quite the experience, listening to those sounds of that African night is totally something else.

Lodge Pros:

Creature comforts. Think hot showers, comfortable beds and that generally good place to recharge.
Proper meals. Hot and really substantial, which really matters after all that excitement of the day.
Safe and secure. You could be slightly removed from the wilds of that African bush, very offering that sense of security.

Camping Pros:

Up close to nature. Like falling asleep listening to lions roar (from such that very safe distance, very obviously!).
More affordable. A good way to save some money.
Such that feeling of real adventure.

Is Two Days Really Enough?

That real question is this: Can you really soak it all in just in 48 hours? Honestly, it’s a squeeze, so it could be. You’re very spending quite a bit of time driving between places, that is actually how it is. So that does make it somewhat tiring. You know, having said that, if that is all you have, then totally do it! Something is pretty much always better than nothing. I got those awesome pictures and amazing experiences that I will definitely remember. Plus it just made me hungry to come back and do more.

Choosing that Safari Company: Shop Around!

Okay, that safari sector is really that crowded place. That is how it is in Tanzania. What that really means is that those prices will vary widely. I’d certainly advise that you grab quotes from maybe three or four companies before deciding. Just keep such that eye out for something suspiciously cheap. Also do make sure to look at the reviews, check what those people say about them on those travel forums, it will make you more confident.

Questions to ask that safari company:

What’s included? All park fees, meals, that kind of thing, really spell that out.
That vehicles. So, too, that all depends, are they well-maintained?
That guide. This is actually a very big one. Are those guides experienced and knowledgeable?

Things to Pack for Your Safari

Well, this isn’t about that entire wardrobe; it is often about grabbing just those essential items for safaris that make everything more enjoyable. Pack such that right gear; honestly, you will be happy.

Clothing that’s light, in neutral colours: That kind of thing is such that it keeps you cool and does not alarm that wildlife
High SPF sunscreen and hat. Like this stuff can make all that crazy amount of difference in hot conditions.
Quality camera. You know, you are really very, very going to want to catch those memories.
Really good binoculars. So spotting that elusive leopard way up in that tree.
A rechargeable power bank. Keeping those devices running, especially out on that field.

Quickfire Tips for such that Trip

Just go with such that reputable tour operator; it makes such that world of difference.
That dry season is best for seeing that wildlife, as such, because water is in pretty much more short supply, it can almost make those creatures congregate.
Book as early as you can, to grab such that accommodation and avoid that prices increasing