Tanzania · Safari

3-Day Tanzania Safari to Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro

3 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Spot massive elephant herds among the ancient baobab trees of Tarangire National Park
02 Look for Lake Manyara's famous tree-climbing lions and rich birdlife along the lakeshore
03 Explore the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called the "Garden of Eden"
04 Search for a dense concentration of wildlife, including the rare black rhino
05 Travel through Tanzania's northern safari circuit across varied landscapes and prime game-viewing areas

Start your adventure with a thrilling 3-day safari through Tanzania's northern safari circuit, visiting Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, and the amazing Ngorongoro Crater. Discover a rich variety of wildlife and beautiful landscapes, from Tarangire's elephant herds and ancient baobab trees to Lake Manyara's scenic shores and the wildlife-rich floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. This short safari combines classic game drives with some of northern Tanzania's most iconic parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, often called the "Garden of Eden," and home to around 25,000 large animals.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

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

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Tarangire Game Drive and Overnight at Kankari Lodge

Morning

Depart from Arusha around 7-8 AM for a 2-3 hour drive to Tarangire National Park, covering approximately 120 km.
Enjoy a game drive as you spot massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal swamps.
Watch for predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as herbivores including giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, and oryx.

Afternoon

Continue your game drive after a picnic lunch or lunch at a lodge inside or near the park.
Explore the Tarangire River, a prime wildlife-viewing area, especially during the dry season.
Overnight at Kankari Lodge, just outside the park.

Meal Plan: Full-board

Day 02

Lake Manyara Safari and Transfer to Ngorongoro

Morning

After breakfast, drive for about 1.5-2 hours to Lake Manyara National Park.
Explore this scenic park, nestled between the Rift Valley escarpment and Lake Manyara, and famous for its flamingos.
Begin your game drive, looking for tree-climbing lions, elephants, hippos, giraffes, and a variety of birdlife.

Afternoon

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park.
Continue your game drive through lush forests, open grasslands, and the lake shores.
In the late afternoon, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for an overnight stay at Kankari Lodge.

Meal Plan: Full-board

Day 03

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha

Morning

Have an early breakfast and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, just a 30-minute drive from most lodges.
Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, often called the "Garden of Eden," and home to around 25,000 large animals.
Enjoy a game drive while spotting lions, elephants, zebras, wildebeests, and the rare black rhino.

Afternoon

Enjoy a picnic lunch near the hippo pool.
Continue your game drive through the Lerai Forest and lake areas.
In the late afternoon, drive back to Arusha in about 3-4 hours, bringing your safari adventure to an end.

Meal Plan: None

Where this trip takes you

Tarangire National Park elephant herds, Lake Manyara lakeshore and tree-climbing lions, Ngorongoro Crater wildlife-rich floor

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 4 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking guide/driver
Park fees for all national parks
Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Bottled water
Accommodation (lodge)

What's Not Included

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Alcoholic beverages and tips for guides

What to bring

Camera with extra batteries and memory cards: Essential for capturing wildlife and scenic moments.
Binoculars: Great for spotting animals from a distance.
Phone and charger: Some camps and lodges have charging stations.
Power bank: Useful for long drives or in remote areas without electricity.
Plug adapter: Tanzania uses type D and G sockets (the same as the UK).
Flashlight or headlamp: Helpful for navigating at night in camps or lodges.

Know before you go

Visa and entry requirements.
Visa: Most visitors to Tanzania need a visa. You can obtain it in advance from a Tanzanian embassy or upon arrival at major airports and border crossings. An online e-visa is also available for certain nationalities.
Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay in Tanzania.
Yellow Fever Certificate: If you're coming from or transiting through a country where yellow fever is endemic, you may need to present proof of yellow fever vaccination.
Vaccinations: In addition to yellow fever, consider vaccines for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Tetanus. It's best to consult a travel health clinic well in advance of your trip.
Malaria: Tanzania is a malaria-prone area, especially in rural and lower-altitude regions like the Serengeti. Consult your doctor about taking anti-malarial medication and use insect repellent with DEET. Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evenings, and sleep under a mosquito net where possible.
Food and water safety: Stick to bottled or purified water and avoid drinking tap water. Be cautious with street food, and eat only well-cooked meals from reputable lodges or restaurants.
Currency: The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US dollars (from 2006 or newer) are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. Carry small denominations of dollars for tips and small purchases.
Credit cards: Many lodges and hotels accept credit cards, but smaller establishments may prefer cash. ATMs are available in cities like Arusha, but less so in remote areas.
Tipping: Tipping is customary for safari guides, drivers, and lodge staff. A common guideline is $10-15 per day for guides and drivers, and $5-10 per day for lodge staff.
Seasons: Tanzania has two main seasons.
Dry season (June to October): Best for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources.
Wet season (March to May, November): Offers lush scenery and fewer tourists, but some roads may be difficult to navigate. The Great Migration occurs year-round but is often best viewed during the dry season.
Temperatures: Days can be warm (25-30°C / 77-86°F), but evenings and early mornings, especially in Ngorongoro Crater, can be quite chilly, so pack layers.
Wildlife: Tanzania is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife. While on safari, you'll likely see the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), but patience is key. Don't expect to see everything immediately-game drives are about the thrill of discovery.
Respect wildlife: Keep a safe distance from animals and avoid making loud noises. Never attempt to feed or touch the animals.
Stay in the vehicle: Only leave the vehicle when your guide says it's safe.
Photography: Bring a good camera with zoom capabilities and avoid using flash photography near animals.
Luggage limits: If you are flying on small internal flights, there may be strict luggage weight limits (15-20 kg per person, soft bags preferred). Confirm with your safari operator or airline beforehand.
Clothing: Neutral-colored clothing is recommended to avoid attracting insects. Avoid bright colours like red or dark blue.
Language: Swahili is the national language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Locals appreciate learning a few basic phrases in Swahili.