What To Do In Tanzania When You’re Short Of Time

What To Do In Tanzania When You’re Short Of Time, Are you thinking of a Tanzania safari for two days or less? We’ve got you covered. Most guests think that a short trip (of two, three days or less) is not worth it. With its spe8ctacular wonders like the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater, and many other destinations, we might say there’s much to see in this beautiful country. However, we know some visitors have a tight schedule and may not have a week to stay in Tanzania. We are here to help you make your short trip to Tanzania unforgettable. Here are seven things to do if you don’t have enough time.

 

Game drive in the Serengeti

Serengeti is a standalone destination if you want to see wildlife at its prime. Whether you want to have a glimpse of the wildebeest migration or seek to encounter the Big Five, Serengeti has a place for you. Therefore, a game drive in this majestic park is a must-do thing.

Venture into the wilderness early in the morning to spot animals as soon as they wake up. Predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards are on their hunt to find an early meal while birds are still on their nests singing melodious songs.

 

The central Serengeti never disappoints, no matter when you visit it. The plains in the Seronera Valley have a large lion pride and an incredible cheetah population. Rhinos are also available in the Moru Kopjes, while buffalo and elephants inhabit the woodlands and riverine forests.

Pro tip: Serengeti is highly accessible from Arusha. This makes it easier to reach and explore, saving you time. Also, the central part of this park is always the best for fast explorers.

Exploring the Ngorongoro Crater.

Just one hour drive from the Naabi Hill Gate, the Serengeti’s main gate is the Ngorongoro Crater. This striking geographical feature is arguably the world’s largest unbroken caldera. That means it’s not a crater lake, but rather a massive crater. On top of that, this crater hosts hundreds of thousands (approximately 25,000) of large animals.

Because of the abundance of food and water on the floor, the animals in this crater are not migratory. So, you can visit it any time you want and stand a chance to spot all the Big Five animals. The crater is just 264 square kilometers in size and is one of the promising places to spot rhinos, lions, elephants, buffalo, and leopards. Since the crater is more compact, it’s perfect for those in a quick.

Pro tip: We recommend spending one or two days for an immersive experience. The crater is highly protected such that a descent in the floor costs about $295 per vehicle (excluding other fees). So, to save money, you can spend one or two days.

Exploring Tarangire National Park

Though it lies in the famous northern safari circuit, Tarangire usually goes unnoticed among many visitors. Its rich wildlife, giant baobabs, the majestic Tarangire River, and diverse habitats make it one of the best parks for wildlife safaris.

Tarangire is an ‘elephant paradise,’ a title it got due to its highest count of elephants. Here, large herds of tuskers with their calves roam freely, swaying their trunks on their way to the Tarangire River. The giant baobab trees dot the plains, with some of them being over 200 years old.

If your visit falls in the dry season (June to October), you’ll get the most out of this park. Animals from other places within and outside the park migrate close to the Tarangire River. During this time, seeing a lion hunt is common as lions stay near the banks to watch prey like zebras, impalas, wildebeests, and elands come to drink in the river.

Pro tip: Tarangire sees fewer visitors even in the peak season. That means you will enjoy seclusion and private safaris.

An expedition to Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara also lies in the northern circuit, near Tarangire National Park. The park is about 330 square kilometers in size, but an alkaline lake takes up about 75% of the park. If you’re in a hurry, this park will satisfy your desire to spot wildlife because of its small size and abundance of wildlife.

Here, you can drive to search for the famous tree-climbing lions – yes, unique lions that can go up upright trees. You can also watch the beautiful flamingos on their shallow shores. These pink, soda-lake-loving birds are spotted in large flocks from November to May.

Lake Manyara also offers other ways to appreciate nature. A canoe safari in the alkaline waters of Lake Manyara brings you close to hippos, aquatic species, and birds. A treetop canopy walk in the pristine rainforest is beyond normal forest walks. It takes you through green canopy trees where you can spot monkeys and birds from another perspective.

Pro tip: Lake Manyara is close to local villages where you can visit and learn more about the culture.

The bottom line

So, what is the average length of a short trip to Tanzania? You decide, but we recommend three days of exploring, excluding arrival and departure days. However, we can help you arrange your safari to fit into your travel goals. Whether you want it to be in the remote south or west, or Zanzibar, our safari planners are here to help you.