Tanzania · Safari

3-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari through Tarangire, Manyara and Ngorongoro

3 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest inactive, intact and unfilled volcanic caldera
02 Explore Tarangire National Park, famous for its elephant herds and majestic baobab trees
03 Discover Lake Manyara National Park, home to more than 350 bird species
04 Look out for Lake Manyara's rare tree-climbing lions
05 Descend 2,000 feet into Ngorongoro's giant caldera for exceptional wildlife viewing

Experience a safari through three of the best national parks on Tanzania's Northern Circuit, beginning with famous Tarangire National Park, which features one of the greatest concentrations of game in Tanzania - second only to the Ngorongoro Crater - yet remains less crowded and unspoiled, with a wild beauty of its own. Continue to Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater for the quintessential African safari, admiring remarkable wildlife and stunning skies across this 3-day journey.

Arrive on the rim of the crater and descend 2,000 feet into the giant caldera of this extinct volcano.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

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

Languages English, French

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Tarangire's Baobabs and Elephant Country

In the morning, drive to Tarangire National Park, a game park with thousands of majestic baobab trees dotting the rolling countryside. It is also home to enormous herds of elephants and the highest number of recorded bird species for any habitat in the world. The Tarangire River runs through the land, providing a permanent water source and, with it, the promise of abundant wildlife.
After lunch at our camp/lodge, relax by the pool or in our cosy tents before proceeding with the game drive in the park.

Overnight at Sangaiwe Tented Camp

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Day 02

Lake Manyara Wildlife and Birdwatching Safari

After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park. The game in this petite park is plentiful, and the magnificent birdwatching will make a devotee out of even the most reluctant.
It is also one of the very few places in Africa to see tree-climbing lions, which may become the day's quest after the big herds of the preceding parks. Manyara's great flock of pink flamingos will also delight.
Enjoy a hot lunch at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge, then proceed to the park for game viewing.

Overnight at Bougainvillea Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 03

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha

After breakfast, prepare for the next leg of the journey to Ngorongoro, the eighth wonder of the natural world.
Along the way, drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area - a region created to accommodate the grazing needs of animals herded by the Masai people, and a unique test of the idea that humans leading a pastoral lifestyle can coexist with wildlife.
Arrive on the rim of the crater and descend 2,000 feet into the giant caldera of this extinct volcano. This magnificent natural amphitheatre contains the largest concentration of animals in all of Africa.
Prides of lion, black rhino, and elephant share this land with the legendary Masai tribesmen. Because the grasses are short, the game is easily spotted and can be approached quite closely.
Spend a splendid morning on the floor of the crater observing wildlife in this ageless World Heritage Site.
After lunch at the hippo picnic site, continue on a game drive en route while ascending the crater.
Drive back to Arusha.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch