3-Day Tarangire and Ngorongoro Safari with Lake Manyara Option

3 Days Round trip from moshi Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park, famed for huge elephant herds and iconic baobab trees
02 Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for outstanding wildlife viewing in a unique volcanic caldera
03 High chance to spot the Big Five, including the endangered black rhino
04 Picnic lunches in scenic locations inside the parks, including near the Hippo Pool
05 Choose between Lake Manyara wildlife viewing or a guided cultural tour in Mto wa Mbu village

Discover Tanzania's classic northern safari circuit in just three days, combining the elephant-rich plains of Tarangire with the breathtaking wildlife haven of the Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy full game drives, scenic landscapes, and picnic lunches in the bush as your professional driver-guide helps you track iconic African wildlife. Round off the adventure with a flexible final day - choose a morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park or a cultural walking tour in Mto wa Mbu village. Comfortable overnights in Karatu or Mto wa Mbu complete this classic safari from Arusha.

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, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park

Languages English, German, Italian, Spanish, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Tarangire National Park Game Drive

After an early morning breakfast, your professional driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel and depart for Tarangire National Park. Known as the "Home of the Elephants," Tarangire is famous for its massive elephant herds, iconic baobab trees, and rich biodiversity.

Highlights of the Day:

Scenic drive through the Tanzanian countryside to Tarangire National Park.
Full-day game drive exploring the Tarangire River, a vital water source that attracts thousands of animals.
High chances of spotting big game, including elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and over 500 bird species.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated scenic spot inside the park.
Late afternoon game drive as you head towards Karatu / Mto wa Mbu.

Meals included: Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Lodge or Tented Camp in Karatu/Mto wa Mbu

Day 02

Ngorongoro Crater Big Five Game Drive

Early in the morning, after breakfast, you will descend 600 meters into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater for an extraordinary game drive. Known as an Eden of Africa, the crater floor hosts over 30,000 animals in a self-contained ecosystem.

Highlights of the Day:

Descend into the crater for a thrilling game drive in a unique volcanic caldera.
High chance of spotting all the "Big Five" (Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo, and the endangered Black Rhino).
Observe herds of wildebeests, zebras, hippos, and flamingos around Lake Magadi.
Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch by the Hippo Pool.
Ascend the crater walls in the late afternoon and proceed to your lodge for relaxation.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Lodge or Tented Camp in Karatu / Mto wa Mbu

Day 03

Lake Manyara or Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tour

After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park or embark on an engaging cultural tour in Mto wa Mbu village. Afterward, begin your drive back to Arusha or transfer directly to the airport for your flight home.

Highlights of the Day:

Morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, famous for tree-climbing lions and flamingoes.
Alternative option: Guided cultural walking tour in Mto wa Mbu village to experience local life and markets.
Spot baboons, hippos, giraffes, and vibrant birdlife around the lake shore.
Enjoy a delicious hot local lunch or picnic lunch.
Transfer back to Arusha hotel or drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) / Arusha Airport.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from moshi 6 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transport & Transfers:
- Transport in a 4x4 Custom Safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for 360° game viewing and photography.
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Arusha / Moshi or the airport.
- All fuel, vehicle park entry permits, and unlimited mileage during game drives.
Park & Conservation Fees:
- All National Park entrance fees for Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Ngorongoro Crater transit & entry fees.
Accommodation:
- 2 nights' accommodation at mid-range / luxury lodges or tented camps (in Karatu or Mto wa Mbu).
Meals & Drinks:
- Full-board meal plan: 2 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, and 2 dinners, as specified in the itinerary.
- Unlimited bottled mineral drinking water during all game drives.
Professional Staff:
- Services of a fully qualified, experienced English-speaking professional driver-guide.
On-Board Safari Amenities:
- Charging ports (USB / power sockets) in the vehicle for cameras and mobile devices.
- Shared pair of safari binoculars in the vehicle.
- First aid kit on board.

What's Not Included

International & domestic flight tickets.
Tanzanian entry visa fees.
Personal travel, medical, and evacuation insurance.
Tips / gratuities for your driver-guide and lodge/camp staff.
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (beyond complimentary water).
Laundry services, personal souvenirs, and items of a personal nature.

What to bring

Clothing & Footwear: Neutral-colored, lightweight clothes (khaki, tan, olive green), a warm jacket or fleece for chilly Ngorongoro mornings, comfortable walking shoes, and a hat.
Sun & Bug Protection: High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and strong insect repellent.
Electronics & Gear: Camera with a zoom/telephoto lens, extra memory cards, a power bank, and UK Type-G plug adapters.
Health & Hygiene: Personal medications, small first-aid supplies, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and lip balm with SPF.
Documents & Money: Valid passport, yellow fever vaccination card (if required), and USD cash (crisp bills issued in 2009 or later) for souvenirs and tipping.

Know before you go

What to Wear: Pack comfortable, casual clothing in neutral earth tones (khaki, tan, brown, or green). Avoid bright colors and dark blue or black attire, as they can attract tsetse flies. Bring warm layers (a jacket or fleece), since mornings in Ngorongoro can be chilly.
Sun & Bug Protection: Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Luggage Advice: Soft-sided duffel bags are preferred over hard-shell suitcases for easier loading into 4x4 safari vehicles.
Health & Vaccines: Anti-malaria precautions are recommended. Be sure to check yellow fever entry requirements depending on your country of origin or transit stops.
Cash & Tipping: Bring USD cash (bills printed in 2009 or newer) for personal expenses, souvenirs, and tips. Tipping driver-guides is customary (typically $15-$20 per group per day).

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Complimentary pick-up from any hotel, lodge, or residence in Arusha or Moshi, as well as Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and Arusha Airport (ARK).

Tour start

moshi

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.