3 Day Tarangire, Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater Safari
A perfectly balanced short safari combining elephants, tree-climbing lions, and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater.
- Tanzania
- 3 Days
- From $550 Per Person
Overview
This 3 Day Tarangire, Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater Safari is designed for travelers who want to experience Northern Tanzania’s most iconic ecosystems in just a few days — without rushing the experience.
You’ll explore Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobabs; Lake Manyara National Park, a lush and scenic park known for tree-climbing lions and rich birdlife; and finally descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the best wildlife viewing areas on Earth.
This safari is ideal for couples, families, honeymooners, and business travelers with limited time who still want a true African safari experience, guided by experienced professionals and supported with comfortable lodges or tented camps.
Highlights
- Large elephant herds and baobab-dotted landscapes in Tarangire
- Excellent chances to see lions, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest
- Tree-climbing lions and lush forest scenery in Lake Manyara
- Birdlife paradise with flamingos and over 400 bird species
- Short driving distances, maximizing game-viewing time
- Ideal for first-time safari travelers and Zanzibar extensions
Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire National Park
Your safari begins with an early morning pickup from Arusha. After a short briefing, you’ll drive to Tarangire National Park, arriving in time for a full game drive.
Tarangire is especially known for its large elephant populations, seasonal swamps, and impressive baobab trees. Lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and a wide variety of bird species are commonly seen.
After an exciting afternoon of wildlife viewing, you’ll head to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Overnight: Lodge or Tented Camp near Tarangire
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Tarangire → Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, you’ll drive toward Lake Manyara National Park. Though smaller in size, Manyara offers remarkable biodiversity packed into a compact area.
The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large baboon troops, forest elephants, and stunning birdlife along the lake shore, including flamingos and pelicans.
In the afternoon, you’ll continue toward the Ngorongoro Highlands, enjoying cooler temperatures and scenic views along the way.
Overnight: Lodge on the Ngorongoro Highlands
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha
An early start takes you to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you’ll descend over 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive.
The crater floor is home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including black rhinos, lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and thousands of grazing animals. With permanent water sources, wildlife viewing here is excellent year-round.
After lunch inside or near the crater, you’ll ascend and drive back to Arusha, marking the end of your safari.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Includes
- Private 4×4 Safari Vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide (French or German on request)
- All park entry fees
- Accommodations
- Meals
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off from Arusha or Moshi
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Domestic flights (e.g., Dar es Salaam ↔ Arusha) unless added to your package
- Travel insurance & medical coverage
- Visa fees and personal travel documents
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Tips & gratuities for driver/guide (customary but discretionary)
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs)
FAQ
Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors to Tanzania?
Yes. This itinerary is one of the best introductions to Tanzania safaris. It covers three top parks, offers excellent wildlife sightings, and is well-paced for travelers new to safari experiences.
What level of accommodation is used on this safari?
Accommodation is flexible. You can choose between mid-range lodges, luxury lodges, or tented camps, all carefully selected for comfort, safety, and proximity to the parks.
How physically demanding is this safari?
This safari is not physically demanding. Game drives are done in a vehicle, with minimal walking. It’s suitable for families, seniors, and travelers of varying fitness levels.
What wildlife can I realistically expect to see?
You can expect to see elephants, lions, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, hippos, and many antelope species. In Ngorongoro Crater, there is also a strong chance of spotting the rare black rhino.
When is the best time to do this safari?
This safari runs year-round. The dry season (June–October) offers excellent wildlife visibility, while the green season (November–May) features lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and great birdlife.
Is the safari private or shared?
By default, this safari is private, meaning the vehicle and guide are exclusively for your group. Shared options can be arranged upon request.
Can this safari be customized?
Absolutely. The itinerary can be customized by adjusting accommodation level, adding extra days, or combining the safari with Zanzibar beach holidays after completion.
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