3-Day Northern Tanzania Safari with Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater

3 Days Round trip from Arusha Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Arusha National Park, including a visit to the scenic Ngurdoto Crater
  • 02 Spot year-round wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, baboons, and abundant birdlife
  • 03 Visit Tarangire National Park, famous for its high density of elephants and the life-giving Tarangire River
  • 04 Enjoy full-day game drives with picnic lunches and dedicated time for wildlife watching in each park
  • 05 Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for chances to see the endangered rhino and diverse birdlife around the crater lakes

Safari through Northern Tanzania on a 3-day journey that combines three iconic parks: Arusha National Park, elephant-rich Tarangire, and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy game drives across changing landscapes, from lush forest and crater viewpoints to classic savannah and riverine wildlife corridors. With hotel pickup in Arusha, picnic lunches in the parks, and mid-range stays in Arusha and Karatu, this itinerary is designed for maximum wildlife time and comfort. Expect excellent chances to see a wide range of animals and birdlife, with unforgettable crater scenery on the final day.

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, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Arusha National Park

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arusha National Park and Ngurdoto Crater

  • Pickup: In the morning, we will collect you from your hotel and take you to Arusha National Park.
  • Activity: Visit the Ngurdoto Crater.
  • Wildlife viewing: Buffaloes, waterbucks, giraffes, warthogs, zebras, and baboons can be seen all year round, along with many different bird species.
  • Lunch: Lunch will be served at a picnic site.
  • Activity: In the afternoon, you will continue your tour through Arusha National Park.
  • Return: After plenty of time observing wildlife, we will take you back to Arusha for dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.

Accommodation Level: Mid-range hotel located in Arusha. TBA

Meals & Drinks: All meals included & drinking water (other drinks not included)

2
Day 02

Tarangire's Elephant Herds and River Wildlife

  • Activity: Tarangire National Park has the highest density of elephants, and you can view these animals all year round.
  • Wildlife viewing: Often, the herds can reach an impressive number of 300 animals.
  • Activity: The Tarangire River has water throughout the year.
  • Seasonal note: During the dry season, between July and October, many animals from the surrounding areas come to the river to drink.
  • Wildlife viewing: If you visit the park during the dry season, you will witness an unforgettable natural wonder as you observe creatures such as lions, giraffes, buffaloes, wildebeests, and zebras, as well as various types of antelopes and gazelles.
  • Wildlife viewing: With a little luck, you may also spot a python.
  • Lunch: At around lunchtime, you will stop at a suitable picnic place.
  • Activity: The afternoon is dedicated to more wildlife watching.
  • Transfer: Before sunset, you will be taken to Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay.

Level of Accommodation: Mid-range lodge located in Karatu. TBA

Meals & Drinks: All meals included & drinking water (other drinks not included)

3
Day 03

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha

  • Meal: Have an early breakfast and then descend into the Ngorongoro Crater.
  • Activity: This is a highly visited African attraction and the world's largest inactive, unbroken, and unfilled volcanic caldera.
  • Wildlife viewing: Here, we will have a chance to see a large number of mammals such as the endangered rhino, mountain reedbuck, jackal, and numerous bird species, including white pelicans and flamingos on Lake Ndutu and Lake Magadi.
  • Return: In the afternoon, we will drive back to Arusha.

Accommodation: No accommodation (end of tour)

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch (dinner not included) & drinking water (other drinks not included)

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private safari transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof

  • Professional, experienced English-speaking safari guide/driver

  • Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Arusha / Airport

  • Full-day game drive in all parks as per itinerary

  • Parks entrance fees

  • Government taxes and park-related service charges

  • Picnic lunch during the safari

  • Bottled drinking water during the trip

  • 1 pair of binoculars for wildlife viewing

  • All scheduled activities mentioned in the itinerary

  • Vehicle fuel and operational costs

What's Not Included

  • International and domestic flights

  • Accommodation in Arusha before or after the safari

  • Visa fees and immigration charges

  • Travel and medical insurance (it's mandatory and you can apply online and can cost up to USD 44 per person)

  • Personal expenses

  • Souvenirs, shopping, and other personal purchases

  • Alcoholic and soft drinks

  • Additional meals or drinks not mentioned in the itinerary

  • Tips and gratuities for the safari guide/driver

  • Optional activities not included in the itinerary

  • Any services not specifically mentioned under Included

What to bring

  • Documents

  • Passport

  • Tanzania visa, if required

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Flight information

  • Emergency contacts

  • Clothing

  • Lightweight and comfortable clothing

  • Warm jacket or fleece

  • Comfortable trousers

  • T-shirts/shirts

  • Comfortable walking shoes or trainers

  • Hat or cap

  • Light rain jacket

  • Personal Items

  • Sunscreen

  • Sunglasses

  • Insect repellent

  • Personal toiletries

  • Personal medication

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Small backpack/day bag

  • Electronics

  • Camera

  • Extra memory cards

  • Extra batteries/charger

  • Mobile phone

  • Power bank

  • Universal travel adapter

  • Binoculars

  • Money

  • Cash for tips

  • Cash or card for personal purchases and souvenirs

  • Recommended safari clothing: Neutral colours such as khaki, beige, brown, and green are recommended for safari. Avoid very bright colours where possible.

Know before you go

  • Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed because animals move freely in their natural environment.

  • Some safari roads are rough and dusty.

  • Expect some long driving days between destinations depending on your route.

  • Early morning game drives can be cold, so bring warm clothing.

  • Afternoon temperatures can be warm, so sun protection is important.

  • Always follow your guide's instructions around wildlife, as he or she is the expert responsible for your care and safety.

  • Never leave the safari vehicle unless your guide confirms it is safe.

  • The Great Migration follows natural seasonal movements, so sightings depend on your travel dates and wildlife location.

  • Bring some cash for tips and personal purchases.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Your hotel in Arusha / Airport
Tour start
Arusha
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 days finish where they began, in Arusha.

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