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

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore Lake Manyara National Park and spot tree-climbing lions, vibrant birdlife, and hippos
• 02 Witness the Big Five in Ngorongoro Crater, surrounded by dramatic landscapes
• 03 Visit Tarangire National Park and observe large herds of elephants near the Tarangire River
• 04 Experience diverse ecosystems, from lush forests to open savannas, teeming with wildlife

Embark on a thrilling 3-day safari adventure through Tanzania's iconic parks: Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. Witness diverse wildlife, including the Big Five, and enjoy breathtaking landscapes. From tree-climbing lions and herds of elephants to stunning crater views, this safari offers unforgettable experiences amidst some of the world's most famous natural wonders.

Embark on a thrilling 3-day safari adventure through Tanzania's iconic parks: Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

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

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Moshi or Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

• Distance: Approximately 178 km from Moshi or 126 km from Arusha.
• Travel time: Around 3 hours from Moshi or 2 hours from Arusha.
• Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before departing for Lake Manyara National Park. The drive takes you through picturesque landscapes, arriving at the park known for its lush greenery, vibrant birdlife, tree-climbing lions, hippos, and baboons. After exploring the park, enjoy dinner and spend the night atop the Great Rift Valley with stunning views overlooking Lake Manyara.
• Camping: Overnight stay at a campsite near Lake Manyara, nestled among serene natural surroundings.

2

Day 02

Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro Crater

• Distance: Approximately 117 km.
• Travel time: About 2 hours.
• After breakfast, depart from Lake Manyara and head to the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater. Spend the day exploring this wildlife haven, with a high chance of spotting the Big Five: lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo, and leopard, all within the crater's unique ecosystem. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor while surrounded by breathtaking views and abundant wildlife.
• End the day with dinner and an overnight stay on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, offering incredible views of the crater floor. Note: Simba Camp is the main campsite in this area, though its facilities can be basic. For added comfort, we recommend booking a lodge for your overnight stay.
• Camping: Overnight at a campsite on the crater rim, with awe-inspiring vistas and the sounds of nature.

3

Day 03

Ngorongoro Crater to Tarangire National Park

• Distance: Approximately 221 km.
• Travel time: Around 4 hours.
• Start the day with an early breakfast, followed by a 2-hour drive to Tarangire National Park. Known as the "home of elephants," this park offers an exceptional opportunity to see large herds of elephants gathering around the Tarangire River. Other wildlife you may encounter includes leopards, lions, giraffes, and even tree-climbing pythons. Enjoy an exciting game drive until late afternoon.
• Afterward, embark on a 3-hour drive back to Moshi town or Arusha, marking the conclusion of your safari adventure.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• 2 airport transfers
• 2 nights' hotel accommodation in Arusha town on a bed-and-breakfast basis, double or triple occupancy
• Full-board camping accommodation on safari
• Services of an English-speaking driver-guide
• Transport in an excellent 4x4 modified Land Cruiser safari vehicle with an open roof for game viewing
• Driver's allowances and park fees for the vehicle and driver
• Activities as per the itinerary

What's Not Included

• Extras at the campsites, i.e. drinks, telephone calls, etc.
• Local and international flights
• Departure tax
• Tips for the driver/guide and cook (highly recommended)
• Visa and travel insurance

What to bring

• Clothing: Comfortable, neutral-colored outfits, warm layers for cool mornings, and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or sneakers for game drives.
• Gear: Binoculars, camera, extra batteries, and a daypack for essentials.
• Toiletries: Sunscreen, insect repellent, lip balm, and biodegradable soap.
• Documents: Passport, visa, travel insurance, and emergency contacts.

Know before you go

• Best time to visit - The dry season (June-October) offers the best wildlife viewing, while the wet season (April-May) brings lush landscapes and fewer crowds.
• Wildlife highlights - Expect to see large elephant herds, lions, giraffes, zebras, and over 550 bird species.
• Scenic landscapes - The park is famous for its baobab trees and the Tarangire River, which attracts animals during the dry season.
• Game drive experience - A full-day safari allows for maximum wildlife encounters, with morning and afternoon game drives.
• Packing essentials - Neutral-colored clothing, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera for capturing unforgettable moments.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Tanzania

Tour start

Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.