Tanzania · Safari

3-Day Fly-in Safari to Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara

3 Days Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with one of Africa's highest concentrations of wildlife
02 Discover Tarangire National Park, renowned for giant baobab trees and large herds of elephants
03 Enjoy game drives in scenic Lake Manyara National Park, known for lush forests, birdlife, and tree-climbing lions
04 Excellent opportunities to see the Big Five and many other animals in diverse habitats
05 Spectacular landscapes ranging from forests and lakes to open savannah and volcanic craters

Explore three of Tanzania's most spectacular wildlife destinations on the Northern Safari Circuit: Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park. This unforgettable journey takes you through diverse landscapes, from Tarangire's majestic baobab trees and large herds of elephants to the breathtaking caldera of Ngorongoro, home to an incredible concentration of wildlife, and the lush forests and soda lake of Lake Manyara. Along the way, enjoy excellent opportunities to spot the Big Five and many other animals across Tanzania's famous northern parks.

Explore three of Tanzania's most spectacular wildlife destinations on the Northern Safari Circuit: Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Zanzibar, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Zanzibar to Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara Safari

Day 1: Zanzibar-Arusha-Tarangire National Park-Karatu:

Pickup from your hotel for transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your 07:45 am flight to Arusha. Upon arrival at 09:00 am in Arusha, meet and greet, then depart for Tarangire National Park with a picnic lunch in hand. Tarangire is famous for its elephant population and unrivaled game viewing, offering a chance to see elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, hippos, zebras, banded mongoose, and many more wild animals. Tarangire also has a close connection with the local Masai culture. Watch as families of pachyderms play around the ancient baobab trees and strip acacia bark for their afternoon meals. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Masai Steppe and the southern mountains before making your way to the lodge in Karatu, arriving for dinner and an overnight stay at Octagon Safari Lodge.

Main destination: Tarangire National Park
Accommodation: Octagon Safari Lodge. Eco Lodge is located near Ngorongoro
Meals & drinks: Lunch & dinner (breakfast not included), drinking water (other drinks not included)

Day 2: Tarangire National Park to Ngorongoro Crater-Karatu:

Enjoy an early breakfast, then set out on a game drive en route to Ngorongoro Crater with your picnic lunch. See once again the beauty of Tarangire National Park, then drive down into the famous Ngorongoro Crater floor. It is one of the wonders of the world. Continue game drives inside the crater until late in the evening, with a chance to see all of the Big Five, including lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards, as well as many other wild animals such as hippos, zebras, wildebeests, cheetahs, hyenas, and Thomson's gazelles, just to mention a few. Then drive back to the crater rim and continue to Karatu, arriving for dinner and an overnight stay at Octagon Safari Lodge.

Main destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: Octagon Safari Lodge. Eco Lodge located near Ngorongoro
Meals & drinks: All meals included, drinking water (other drinks not included)

Day 3: Karatu-Lake Manyara-Arusha-Zanzibar:

After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its green scenery, varied birdlife, tree-climbing lions, hippos, baboons, and many more wild animals. Enjoy a game drive until noon, then drive to Arusha Town for your flight at 16:45 or 18:00 to Zanzibar. Upon arrival in Zanzibar, meet and greet, then transfer to your hotel.

Main destination: Lake Manyara National Park
Accommodation: End of tour (no accommodation)
Meals & drinks: Breakfast & lunch (dinner not included), drinking water (other drinks not included)

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation
All flights during the tour
All taxes/VAT
Round-trip airport transfer
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (on all days)

What's Not Included

International flights (from/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (tipping guideline: US$25.00 pp per day)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Any government-imposed increase in taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

Lightweight clothing in neutral colors (khaki, beige, green) suitable for warm days
Warm jacket or sweater for early morning game drives, especially in Ngorongoro Crater, where mornings can be cool
Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers for short walks and visits
Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
Camera or smartphone with extra batteries/charger for wildlife photography in Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park
Binoculars for better wildlife viewing and birdwatching
Personal medications and a small first-aid kit if needed
Insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes
Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during game drives
Small backpack or daypack to carry your daily essentials
Travel documents and some cash for souvenirs

Know before you go

Park regulations: Always follow the rules and instructions of your safari guide while visiting Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. Wildlife should never be disturbed or approached too closely.
Best time for game drives: Early morning and late afternoon game drives offer the best opportunities to see active wildlife.
Weather conditions: Temperatures can vary during the day. Mornings in the highlands around the crater can be cool, while afternoons in Tarangire and Manyara are usually warm.
Road conditions: Some park roads are rough or dusty, especially during the dry season. A 4x4 safari vehicle is recommended for comfort and safety.
Health & safety: Bring personal medication, sunscreen, insect repellent, and stay hydrated throughout the trip.
Cash for extras: Carry some small cash for tips, drinks, or souvenirs.
Luggage recommendation: Soft bags are preferred instead of hard suitcases, as they are easier to fit in safari vehicles.
Respect local culture: When visiting local communities or markets, ask permission before taking photos and be respectful of local traditions.

Logistics