3-Day Tanzania Safari to Arusha, Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater

3 Days Round trip from Tanzania Moderate pace

View all 6 photos

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Walk on foot among giraffes, zebras, warthogs, and colobus monkeys in Arusha National Park
02 Explore Tarangire National Park, known for its massive elephant populations and ancient baobab trees
03 Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive in a wildlife-rich natural amphitheatre
04 Look out for black rhinos, hippos, lions, flamingos, and hyenas in Ngorongoro
05 Enjoy views of Mt. Meru, Momella Lakes, lush rainforest, and northern Tanzania's diverse safari landscapes

This 3-day safari takes you through northern Tanzania's most stunning and diverse landscapes, from the green forests of Arusha National Park to elephant-rich Tarangire and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. Walk among giraffes at the foot of Mt. Meru, search for lions beneath Tarangire's ancient baobabs, and descend into the "Garden of Eden" for rare sightings of black rhinos. The journey ends back in Arusha, where you can catch your flight home or extend your trip with a Zanzibar beach holiday.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Arusha, Mount Meru, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Arusha National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha, Tarangire and Ngorongoro Safari Adventure

Day 1. Arusha National Park (Walking Safari & Game Drive)

Your safari begins with a drive to Arusha National Park, home to Mt. Meru, Momella Lakes, and lush rainforest. Start the day with a walking safari escorted by an armed ranger, a rare opportunity to be on foot among giraffes, zebras, warthogs, and colobus monkeys. After lunch, enjoy a game drive through the park's scenic routes before heading to your lodge in Arusha town for an overnight stay.

Main Destination: Arusha National Park

Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge

Meals and Drinks:

Breakfast & dinner (lunch not included)
Drinking water (other drinks not included)

Day 2. Arusha to Tarangire National Park (Full-Day Game Drive)

After breakfast, head out to Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant populations and ancient baobab trees. Spend the day exploring the diverse terrain and spotting lions, leopards, buffalos, giraffes, and more. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park, then return to Karatu in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Main Destination: Tarangire National Park

Accommodation: Farm of Dreams Lodge

Meals and Drinks:

All meals included
Drinking water (other drinks not included)

Day 3. Ngorongoro Crater Tour and Return to Arusha

Rise early and descend into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive. This natural amphitheatre is packed with wildlife, including black rhinos, hippos, lions, flamingos, and hyenas. After lunch at a picnic site by the hippo pool, ascend the crater wall and begin your drive back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon. This marks the end of your adventure safari. We hope you leave with memories as vast as the crater itself. Karibu tena!

Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater

Accommodation: No accommodation

Meals and Drinks:

Breakfast & lunch (dinner not included)
Drinking water (other drinks not included)

The route

Where you'll travel

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

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park fees (for non-residents)
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
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$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

For a 3-day safari covering Arusha, Tarangire National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, it's best to pack light but be prepared for changing temperatures. Mornings in Ngorongoro can be quite chilly, while afternoons in Tarangire are often warm and sunny.

Essential Clothing

Lightweight, breathable shirts (2-3)
Long pants for sun and dust protection
A warm fleece, sweater, or light jacket for early mornings
Comfortable walking shoes or trail shoes
Hat or cap with sun protection
Socks and underwear for 3 days
Light rain jacket (especially during rainy seasons)

Safari Gear

Binoculars (highly recommended for wildlife viewing)
Camera and spare batteries/power bank
Phone charger and charging cable
Daypack or small backpack
Reusable water bottle

Health & Protection

Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Sunglasses
Insect repellent
Personal medications
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Lip balm and moisturizer (the air can be dry and dusty)

Documents & Money

Passport or ID
Travel insurance information
Cash in Tanzanian shillings for tips, drinks, or souvenirs
Credit/debit card as backup

Optional but Useful

Lightweight scarf or buff (helps with dust on game drives)
Small flashlight/headlamp
Travel-sized laundry detergent if needed
Notebook or wildlife checklist

What Not to Bring

Bright neon clothing (can attract attention and isn't ideal for wildlife viewing)
Excessive luggage (many safari vehicles have limited space)
Expensive jewelry

Typical Safari Outfit

Think:

Khaki, olive, brown, or neutral-colored shirt
Comfortable trousers
Walking shoes
Hat
Light jacket for the morning

If you're staying inside the Ngorongoro highlands, expect temperatures around 5-15°C (41-59°F) in the early morning, so a warm layer is particularly important. Tarangire is usually much warmer during the day.

Know before you go

If you're preparing information for customers before a 3-day safari to Arusha, Tarangire National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, these are the most important points to communicate:

Before Departure

Bring a valid passport or identification document.
Inform the tour operator of any dietary requirements, allergies, or medical conditions in advance.
Carry any personal medications, as pharmacies may not be available during game drives.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Weather & Clothing

Mornings and evenings can be cold, especially in Ngorongoro, while afternoons are often warm.
Pack layers: a warm jacket or fleece, lightweight clothing, and comfortable closed shoes.
Neutral colors (khaki, green, brown, beige) are recommended for safari activities.
Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Safari Vehicle & Game Drives

Game drives often start early, sometimes before sunrise.
Roads inside the parks can be rough and dusty; expect a bumpy ride.
Keep cameras, phones, and valuables secure.
Bring a power bank if you plan to use electronic devices frequently.

Wildlife Safety

Remain inside the vehicle unless your guide specifically permits you to exit.
Do not feed, approach, or attempt to attract wildlife.
Keep noise levels low to avoid disturbing animals and to improve wildlife-viewing opportunities.
Follow all instructions given by your guide.

Health & Comfort

Stay hydrated throughout the safari.
Bring insect repellent, especially during the rainy season.
Dust can be common; a scarf or buff can make game drives more comfortable.
If you are prone to motion sickness, consider bringing appropriate medication.

Money & Tipping

Carry some cash (Tanzanian shillings or US dollars in good condition) for:
- Guide and driver tips
- Souvenirs
- Drinks not included in the package
Check in advance what meals, drinks, and park fees are included.

Mobile Network & Electricity

Mobile signal may be weak or unavailable in some park areas.
Wi-Fi at lodges can be slow or limited.
Electricity may be unavailable during certain hours at some camps and lodges.

Park Rules

Do not litter.
Do not remove plants, rocks, bones, feathers, or other natural items from the parks.
Drones are generally prohibited unless special permits have been obtained.
Respect wildlife and other visitors.

Expectations