3-Day Northern Tanzania Safari with Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Experience thrilling game drives through Tarangire National Park among elephants and giant baobab trees
• 02 Explore Lake Manyara National Park and spot tree-climbing lions and colourful flamingos
• 03 Discover the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, home to the Big Five and rare black rhinos
• 04 Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, scenic picnic lunches, and unforgettable safari experiences

Discover the beauty of Northern Tanzania on this unforgettable 3-day safari through Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Experience exciting game drives among elephants, lions, giraffes, flamingos, and rare black rhinos while exploring scenic savannahs, crater landscapes, and lush forests. Enjoy exceptional wildlife viewing, breathtaking scenery, and comfortable safari experiences across three of Tanzania's most iconic and wildlife-rich destinations for an unforgettable African adventure.

Experience exciting game drives among elephants, lions, giraffes, flamingos, and rare black rhinos while exploring scenic savannahs, crater landscapes, and lush forests.

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 Yes

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

Languages English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Tarangire National Park Safari

• Morning departure: Leave Arusha around 7:00 AM for a 2-hour drive.
• Game drive: Explore the Tarangire River valley, famous for elephants, giraffes, zebras, and predators.
• Picnic lunch: Enjoy lunch inside the park at a scenic site.
• Afternoon safari: Visit baobab-dotted landscapes and spot wildebeest, buffalo, and lions.
• Evening: Drive to Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay.

2

Day 02

Lake Manyara Wildlife and Birdwatching

• Morning departure: After breakfast, drive 30-45 minutes to Lake Manyara.
• Game drive: Explore the lush groundwater forest and open plains. Look for tree-climbing lions, elephants, hippos, and baboons.
• Birdwatching: Spot flamingos, pelicans, and over 400 bird species around the lake.
• Picnic lunch: Enjoy lunch at a designated site overlooking the lake.
• Afternoon safari: Continue exploring until 3:00 PM.
• Evening: Return to Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay.

3

Day 03

Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive

• Early departure: Leave Karatu around 6:30 AM and descend into the crater by 7:30 AM.
• Game drive: Spend 5-6 hours exploring the crater floor. Expect lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and rare black rhinos.
• Picnic lunch: Enjoy lunch at the hippo pool or a scenic viewpoint.
• Afternoon safari: Continue exploring Lerai Forest and Lake Magadi for flamingos and birdlife.
• Return: Ascend the crater rim around 3:00 PM and drive back to Arusha, arriving by 6:30-7:00 PM.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Park fees
• Jeep and guide
• Drinking water, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks in the jeep
• Accommodation
• Airport transfers
• All activities unless labeled as optional
• Binoculars

What's Not Included

• Personal items
• International flights
• Visas
• Tipping (guide tip: $10 per person per day)

What to bring

• Light, comfortable clothing in neutral colors.
• A warm jacket or sweater for early morning and evening drives.
• Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers.
• A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection.
• A camera or phone with extra batteries or a power bank.
• Personal medications and basic toiletries.
• Insect repellent and wet wipes.
• A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Your passport, travel documents, and some cash for tips or souvenirs.

Know before you go

• Early morning game drives offer the best wildlife viewing.
• Weather can change, so bring both light and warm clothing.
• Follow your guide's instructions at all times for safety.
• Animals are wild, so sightings can never be guaranteed.
• Neutral-colored clothes help avoid attracting insects and disturbing wildlife.
• Keep cameras and phones charged before each game drive.
• Roads inside the parks can be dusty and bumpy.
• Carry enough water and stay hydrated during the safari.
• Respect nature by not littering or feeding animals.
• A safari is about enjoying nature, scenery, and the full experience, not only the Big Five.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Arusha, Tanzania

Tour start

Babati Rural, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.