Tanzania · Safari

3-Day Safari from Zanzibar to Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Manyara

3 Days Round trip from Zanzibar Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees
02 Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Big Five
03 Visit Lake Manyara National Park, famous for tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos
04 Enjoy game drives across three of Tanzania's top wildlife destinations in just 3 days
05 Fly from Zanzibar to Arusha for a compact safari with diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife

This 3-day safari from Zanzibar takes you to three of Tanzania's top wildlife destinations. Fly to Arusha and continue to Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Explore the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for the Big Five, then visit Lake Manyara National Park for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and varied birdlife before flying back to Zanzibar. The tour combines diverse landscapes with abundant wildlife in a short but rewarding safari experience.

The crater is home to the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), along with various other species such as flamingos and cheetahs.

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 Yes

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

Languages English, French, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Fly from Zanzibar to Tarangire National Park

Morning:
- Fly from Zanzibar to Arusha: Take an early morning flight from Zanzibar to Kilimanjaro or Arusha (about 1 hour).
- Transfer to Tarangire: After landing, you will be transferred to Tarangire National Park (approximately 2-3 hours' drive).
Afternoon:
- Tarangire Safari: Arrive in Tarangire and enjoy a half-day game drive in the park, famous for its large elephant herds and baobab trees. You can also spot zebras, giraffes, lions, and more.
Evening:
- Accommodation: Check in to your lodge.
- Dinner and Relaxation: Enjoy dinner at your lodge and relax for the night.

Day 02

Tarangire Safari and Ngorongoro Crater

Early Morning:
- Morning Safari in Tarangire: Start with an early game drive in Tarangire, which is often the best time to spot wildlife, as animals are more active.
Late Morning:
- Drive to Ngorongoro Crater: After your morning game drive, head towards Ngorongoro Crater (approximately 3-4 hours).
Afternoon:
- Ngorongoro Crater Safari: Once you reach Ngorongoro, you will descend into the caldera for a game drive. The crater is home to the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), along with various other species such as flamingos and cheetahs.
Late Afternoon:
- Accommodation: Head to your accommodation.
Evening:
- Dinner and Relaxation: Enjoy a meal at your accommodation and relax, perhaps with scenic views of the crater.

Day 03

Lake Manyara Safari and Return to Zanzibar

Morning:
- Drive to Lake Manyara: After breakfast, head to Lake Manyara National Park (about 1.5-2 hours). Lake Manyara is known for its tree-climbing lions and large populations of flamingos.
Midday:
- Lake Manyara Safari: Enjoy a half-day game drive in the park. Apart from the lions, Manyara is home to elephants, giraffes, baboons, and various bird species.
Afternoon:
- Lunch: Have lunch at a designated spot within the park or back at your accommodation.
- Drive to Arusha: After lunch, head back to Arusha (about 2 hours' drive).
Evening:
- Fly Back to Zanzibar: After arriving in Arusha, take a late afternoon or early evening flight back to Zanzibar, completing your safari.

Where this trip takes you

Zanzibar, Tarangire National Park baobab trees, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Zanzibar 5 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Round-trip flights from Zanzibar to Arusha (or Kilimanjaro).
Transfers between airports and parks.
Game drives in Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara.
Park entrance fees for all three parks.
Accommodation in lodges or tented camps.
Meals (usually full board: breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
English-speaking safari guide.
Bottled water during the game drives.

What's Not Included

International flights to and from Zanzibar.
Visa fees (if applicable).
Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, etc.).
Alcoholic beverages or drinks beyond water.
Travel insurance.
Optional activities (e.g. hot air balloon rides, night game drives).
Tipping for guides and staff.

What to bring

Clothing: Light, breathable clothes for daytime; warm clothes for mornings and evenings; long sleeves and pants for sun and insects.
Footwear: Comfortable shoes for walking and game drives.
Accessories: Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, camera, binoculars.
Health & safety: Medications, malaria prevention (if advised), insect repellent, reusable water bottle.
Documents: Passport, travel insurance details, and cash (USD or Tanzanian shillings) for tips and expenses.

Know before you go

Flight timing: Early morning flights from Zanzibar are essential to maximize safari time.
Weather: Expect warm daytime temperatures and cooler mornings and evenings. Bring appropriate layers.
Health: Bring any necessary medications, and consider vaccines such as yellow fever and malaria prevention.
Tipping: Tipping safari guides and lodge staff is customary (around $10-20 per day for guides).
Park rules: Stay inside the vehicle during game drives, and do not disturb wildlife.
Cash: ATMs are available in Arusha; carry cash for personal expenses.

Logistics