3 Days Tarangire, Manyara & Ngorongoro Safari

Wildlife • Birds • Spectacular views

3 Days Tarangire, Manyara & Ngorongoro Safari

A short but diverse safari experience covering wildlife-rich landscapes, scenic lakes, and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater.

Safari Overview

This 3-day safari takes you through three of northern Tanzania’s most diverse and wildlife-rich destinations: Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater.

Your journey begins in Tarangire, famous for its large elephant herds, iconic baobab trees, and open savannah landscapes. On day two, explore Lake Manyara National Park, a compact but scenic park known for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and lush groundwater forest. The final day takes you into the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife destinations, offering excellent chances to see the Big Five within a single game drive.

This itinerary is designed for travelers who want a rich and varied safari experience in a short time, combining different ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking scenery in just three days.

Safari Highlights

  • Game drives in Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park & Ngorongoro Crater
  • Large elephant herds in Tarangire’s ancient baobab landscapes
  • Tree-climbing lions and flamingos in Lake Manyara
  • Chance to see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard & black rhino)
  • 600m deep Ngorongoro Crater wildlife experience
  • Diverse ecosystems: savannah, forest, and crater floor
  • Expert English-speaking safari guide throughout the trip
  • Scenic views from crater rim and open safari plains

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 — Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Your safari begins with an early morning departure from Arusha or Moshi, driving to Tarangire National Park, a park famous for its vast elephant herds and iconic baobab trees.

Enjoy a full-day game drive exploring diverse landscapes, including open savannahs and the Tarangire River ecosystem. Expect to see elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and a wide variety of bird species.

A picnic lunch will be served inside the park, followed by an afternoon game drive before heading to your lodge in the Karatu area for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2 — Lake Manyara National Park – Game Drive

After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park, a scenic park located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment.

Enjoy a game drive through lush groundwater forests, open plains, and the lakeshore. The park is well known for its tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, elephants, and seasonal flocks of flamingos.

In the afternoon, continue to your lodge in Karatu or Ngorongoro highlands for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 — Ngorongoro Crater & Return to Arusha

After an early breakfast, descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most unique wildlife destinations.

The crater floor offers incredible wildlife density, giving you a high chance of spotting the Big Five in a single game drive. Expect lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, hippos, and the rare black rhino.

Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the crater while surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

In the afternoon, ascend the crater walls and drive back to Arusha, marking the end of your unforgettable 3-day safari.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation Tiers

Budget

Eileen's Trees Inn

  • Shared or private rooms
  • Authentic local experience
  • Full board meals
  • Social atmosphere

Karatu Simba Lodge

  • Comfortable tented rooms
  • Traditional safari setting
  • Full board included
  • Excellent value
Mid-Range

Marera Valley Lodge

  • Spacious en-suite cottages
  • Swimming pool and garden views
  • Comfortable beds with modern amenities
  • Relaxed and peaceful environment

Ngorongoro Farm House

  • En-suite rooms with private verandas
  • Fresh farm-to-table meals
  • Beautiful landscaped gardens
  • Ideal balance of comfort and nature
Luxury

Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw Camp

  • Luxury tented suites with en-suite bathrooms
  • Crater rim proximity for early access
  • Fine dining experience
  • Fireplace and elegant lounge areas

The Highlands Ngorongoro

  • Ultra-luxury dome suites
  • Private decks with panoramic views
  • Personalized butler-style service
  • Exclusive and remote highland setting
All accommodations include full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and are handpicked for quality, comfort, and authentic African experience.

Quick Facts

  • Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
  • Best Season: June–October
  • Group Size: 2–8 people (private tours available)
  • Tarangire: 2,850 km²
  • Lake Manyara: 330 km²
  • Serengeti: 14,763 km²
  • Crater Depth: 600m
  • Wildlife: Elephants, lions, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, black rhino
  • Highest Point: 3,550m above sea level (Ngorongoro rim)

Included

  • All park & crater fees
  • All scheduled game drives
  • Professional safari guide
  • 4×4 vehicle with fuel
  • Full-board meals
  • 2 nights accommodation
  • Bottled water daily

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Visa & insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tips & gratuities
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional activities
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