Tanzania · Safari

3-Day Safari from Arusha to Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro

3 Days Round trip from Arusha Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Spot elephants, hartebeests, kudu, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, dwarf mongooses, and buffalos in Tarangire National Park
02 Look for tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara National Park
03 See over 350 bird species and large flocks of flamingoes at Lake Manyara
04 Take a walking safari to a Maasai village and learn about their culture

Enjoy a 3-day safari from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Look out for elephants, hartebeests, kudu, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, dwarf mongooses, and buffalos in Tarangire, then continue to Lake Manyara, home to over 350 bird species and more than 2 million flamingoes. You will also have the chance to spot the park's famous tree-climbing lions. In Ngorongoro, take a walking safari to a Maasai village and learn about the local culture.

Meander along bush tracks and explore the lake, home to thousands of flamingos, while following the river's twists and turns to find elephants drinking and playing in the water.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Tarangire National Park Safari

Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport - ideally in the morning or afternoon - and begin the journey to Tarangire for a game drive. The drive from Arusha to the park takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, with picnic lunch boxes included.

Tarangire National Park is part of Tanzania's northern circuit, in the Manyara Region. The park takes its name from the Tarangire River, which runs through it and attracts a large concentration of animals during the dry season from June to September. Covering 2,850 km2, the park supports a rich variety of wildlife, including elephants, hartebeests, kudu, and wildebeest. Other animals found here include zebras, giraffes, dwarf mongooses, warthogs, Thomson gazelles, impalas, elands, and buffalos.

Later, at the appropriate time, head to Fanaka Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay on FB basis.

Day 02

Lake Manyara National Park Game Drive

In the morning, you will be collected from the lodge after breakfast with packed lunch boxes, and the trip to Lake Manyara National Park will begin with a game drive.

Meander along bush tracks and explore the lake, home to thousands of flamingos, while following the river's twists and turns to find elephants drinking and playing in the water. More than 350 bird species have been observed here, along with large flocks of over 2 million flamingoes. Do not miss the amazing chance to see the famous tree-climbing lions, as well as elephants and monkeys. You may also spot hippos, gazelles, warthogs, wildebeest, waterbuck, zebra, hyena, and baboons.

Later, at the appropriate time, head to Fanaka Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay on FB basis.

Day 03

Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Maasai Village Walk

In the morning, you will be served breakfast, and afterwards the journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area will begin. Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a protected World Heritage Site located 180 km west of Arusha, Tanzania. While in Ngorongoro, you will be able to take a walking safari to visit a Maasai village and gain knowledge about their culture. In the area, you will also observe several bird species and small creatures while becoming familiar with the lands of the Maasai.

The day will end in the afternoon, and we shall drive back to Arusha and drop you off at the airport for your outbound flight.

Where this trip takes you

Tarangire National Park elephant herds, Lake Manyara National Park flamingo flocks, Ngorongoro Conservation Area Maasai lands

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 5 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park fees
All activities
Airport transfer fees
Drinking water
Accommodations
A professional driver/guide
All transportation fees
All taxes/VAT
Meals as specified in the day-by-day section

What's Not Included

International flights (from/to home)
Tips
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Increase in government-imposed taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

Travel Documents

Valid passport
Tanzania visa, available at the airport upon arrival, USD 100 payable in cash only; USD 50 for residents of the U.K./European Union
Copy of travel and/or medical evacuation insurance
Personal medical/dental insurance cards
Credit card (Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted)
Cash in U.S. dollars (bills must be crisp, new-format, issued 2016 or later, with no tears)

Essential Gear

Binoculars
Camera and good telephoto lens, with a waterproof/dustproof bag
Sunglasses, preferably polarized
Hat for sun
Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion provided; some camps/lodges provide the same)
Hand sanitiser
Basic medical kit, plus malaria tablets and prescription medications
Glasses (if you wear contacts)
Chargers and extra batteries for electronics such as phones, cameras, and lights

Clothing

Sweater or fleece pullover
Lightweight waterproof hiking shoes or boots
Waterproof sandals
Shirts (golf shirts or T-shirts)
Lightweight long-sleeved shirts
Pair of shorts
Pairs of long pants
Swimsuit (if you will be visiting Zanzibar Island or other water areas)
Undergarments and socks; women might consider a sports bra for bouncy jeeps
Sleepwear
Rain gear (if travelling during the rainy season, March-May and Oct-Dec)

Please note: bright and white colours are not recommended for safari.

General Packing Recommendations

Bring sturdy, soft-sided luggage, which is easier to stow throughout the trip and to carry in our vehicles during transfers.
Carry any necessities, including travel documents, money, medications, and other vital supplies, in your carry-on bag rather than in your checked luggage.
If you plan to lock your luggage, please use a TSA-approved security device.
Leave expensive jewellery at home. If you would be heartbroken to lose the item, do not bring it along.
Keep cash in more than one place.
A water-resistant daypack to carry cameras and other items is convenient while on game drives. Better yet, let this be your carry-on.
Please avoid bringing hair dryers, irons, radios, and excess clothing or toiletries. All points of this trip are quite casual, and we recommend keeping luggage to the basics. However, you can use them if you bring them along. If any of these items are necessary for you, it is better to ask so we can check with the hotel first.

Baggage Allowance

Please bring soft-sided luggage such as duffel bags, not hard suitcases. Charter flights within Tanzania strictly limit passengers to 44 lbs, including carry-ons, so the key is to pack as light as possible. Most properties provide laundry service at a cost to be paid directly unless it is mentioned on the booking.

Logistics