Tanzania · Safari

3-Day Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater Safari from Arusha

3 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

Admire the pink flamingoes at Lake Manyara

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Admire the bright pink flamingoes of Lake Manyara during the rainy season
02 Search for tree-climbing lions, elephants, and buffaloes on a game drive in Lake Manyara
03 Descend into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater for exceptional wildlife viewing
04 Spot endangered black rhinos, zebras, gazelles, lions, and leopards in the crater

Embark on game drives across Lake Manyara's varied ecosystems and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater Highlands for the chance to see flamingoes, elephants, gazelles, black rhinos, lions, zebras, leopards, and plenty of other birds and animals. This 3-day safari begins in Arusha, explores two of Tanzania's iconic wildlife areas, and includes overnight camping along the way. It is designed for travellers with only a few days in Tanzania, including climbers before or after ascending Mount Kilimanjaro.

During the rainy season months, you'll see millions of flamingoes that colour the horizon bright pink, along with pelicans, cormorants, and other birds.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Arusha, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Lake Manyara Game Drives

Begin with an early pick-up at your hotel in Arusha by your Tanzanian guide.
Travel to Lake Manyara National Park and enter the northern part of the park for a morning game drive. Spot big game such as buffaloes, elephants, and tree-climbing lions.
Break for a picnic lunch.
Drive into the southern part of Lake Manyara National Park, navigating between bubbling hot springs and hippo herds. During the rainy season months, you'll see millions of flamingoes that colour the horizon bright pink, along with pelicans, cormorants, and other birds.

Drive to a nearby safari lodge/campsite for dinner and overnight. Meals Plan: Dinner, breakfast and lunch. Accommodation: Fanaka Camping.

Day 02

Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Drive over the edge of Ngorongoro Crater for game viewing. See great flocks of flamingoes and water birds, along with endangered black rhinos, elephants, zebras, gazelles, and top predators that include lions and leopards.
Have a picnic lunch so you won't miss any time in the park, then continue with an afternoon game viewing session that stretches into the late evening with your Tanzanian guide.

Meals Plan: Breakfast & packed lunch. Accommodation: Fanaka Campsite.

Day 03

Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

Have breakfast at leisure at the camp.
Drive back to Arusha.

Where this trip takes you

Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 3 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

English-speaking Tanzanian driver/guide
Accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary during the safari (full board)
Mineral water on game drives
All national park entry fees
Ngorongoro Crater service
Government tax: 18% VAT
A cup of tea or coffee during game drives
Camping fees, tents, mattresses, and pillows

What's Not Included

International and local flights
Visas
Travel, medical, and baggage insurance
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses (laundry)
Telephone bills, whenever applicable
Any other items of a personal nature

What to bring

Carry a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate when arriving in Tanzania.
Bring only soft-sided bags for the safari.
Keep your passport in your carry-on bag to avoid delays.
Carry identification if you are boarding domestic or charter flights.

Know before you go

If park fees or taxes change with little or no notice, rates may need to be increased accordingly.
We may have to reroute the itinerary or arrange similar lodges in the case of non-availability.
We recommend booking as early as possible so we can organize everything accordingly.
Passengers arriving in Tanzania must carry a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.
Passengers should bring only soft-sided bags on safaris.
Identification may be required when boarding all flights, including domestic and charter flights.
Passengers should keep their passport in their carry-on bag to avoid delays.
This tour is designed for travellers who have only a few days during their stay in Tanzania, and also targets climbers before or after ascending Mount Kilimanjaro. This safari takes you on an adventure into the heart of the Tanzanian northern safari circuit. Nowhere else in Africa do we find the sheer numbers of animals, predators, and carnivores found in the crater-like Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This tour starts in Arusha and ends in Arusha town.

Logistics